Political Science and Public Administration
The Political Science and Public Administration undergraduate program at METU offers a comprehensive education in political theory, public policy, governance, administration, and social sciences. It combines courses in political science, public administration, law, economics, and research methodology to prepare students for informed engagement with political systems, public institutions, and societal governance. Through theoretical coursework and analytical assignments, students develop understanding of governmental processes, policy analysis, institutional dynamics, and leadership in public or private sectors.
Located in Ankara, the program is delivered in English and provides access to a broad academic environment that encourages critical thinking, interdisciplinary analysis, and practical understanding of political and administrative issues. Students graduate with the skills needed for careers in public service, governance, policy research, consultancy, or further studies in social sciences and law.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science & Public Administration
- Standard period of study: 8 semesters
- Location: Ankara
- Study Type: Undergraduate (full-time, English-medium)
- Admission semester: Fall semester
- Area of study: Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Governance, Political Theory, Institutional Analysis, Social Sciences
- Admission modus: Regular undergraduate admissions
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations of Political Science & Social Sciences
- Introduction to Political Science
- Introduction to Public Administration
- Basic Economics / Social Science Foundation
- Academic English / Foundation Courses
- Supporting / Elective Courses
Semester 2 – Core Theoretical Foundations
- Political Theory I / Political Thought History
- Comparative Politics / Comparative Government Systems
- Public Policy Basics / Public Sector Analysis
- Quantitative Methods or Basic Statistics for Social Sciences
- Supporting Courses / Electives
Semester 3 – Government Structure & Administrative Methods
- Political Institutions and Governance
- Public Administration Theory and Organizational Behaviour
- Public Law or Introduction to Public Law & Legal Frameworks
- Public Finance / Government Economics Foundations
- Supporting / Elective Courses
Semester 4 – Policy Analysis & Governance Systems
- Public Policy Analysis / Policy Evaluation Methods
- Administrative Law / Legal & Institutional Frameworks
- Public Management / Organizational Management in Public Sector
- Introduction to International Relations / Global Politics (optional)
- Elective / Supporting Courses
Semester 5 – Applied Public Administration & Policy Studies
- Public Sector Economics / Public Finance & Budgeting
- Ethics in Public Administration / Public Ethics & Governance
- Social Policy & Welfare Studies / Public Services Management
- Elective Courses (policy, law, economy, administration)
Semester 6 – Advanced Topics & Specialization
- Governance & Development Studies / Comparative Public Policy
- Urban & Regional Administration or Local Government Studies (optional)
- Research Methods / Data Analysis for Social Sciences
- Elective Courses according to interest
Semester 7 – Contemporary Issues & Research Preparation
- Global Governance & International Public Administration (optional)
- Public Administration Seminar / Case Studies / Field Study
- Elective Courses (law, policy, governance, social sciences)
- Internship or Fieldwork Opportunity (if available)
Semester 8 – Graduation Project & Professional Preparation
- Senior Thesis or Capstone Project in Public Administration or Political Science
- Advanced Elective Courses as per specialization
- Preparation for graduation, career readiness, or further academic studies
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in government institutions, public administration, policy analysis, international organizations, non-governmental organisations, consultancy, urban and regional planning, public service, political research, or further academic studies (M.A. / Ph.D.). They may work as public administrators, policy analysts, governmental advisors, consultants, researchers, or take roles in governance, law, civil service, or social science research.
Why Choose This Program
Choosing Political Science and Public Administration at METU offers a broad, multidisciplinary education in the foundations of politics, governance, law, economics, and public management within an English-medium academic environment. The program cultivates analytical thinking, policy understanding, institutional insight and social science skills — ideal for those aiming for roles in public service, policy research, governance, or academic paths.
With its varied curriculum covering political theory, public administration, policy analysis and institutional studies, the program equips students to navigate complex political and administrative systems — locally or globally — and contribute to public governance, policy-making, or research.
Contact Information
Middle East Technical University – Department of Political Science and Public Administration
Dumlupınar Boulevard No:1, 06800
Çankaya, Ankara, Türkiye
Tel: +90 312 210 2004
Email: pspa@metu.edu.tr
Student Affairs Office – Political Science & Public Administration Department
METU, Faculty of Social Sciences / Administrative Sciences
06800 Ankara, Türkiye
Tel: +90 312 210 2004
Email: pspa-undergrad@metu.edu.tr
International Office – Middle East Technical University
METU Campus, 06800
Çankaya, Ankara, Türkiye
Tel: +90 312 210 1060
Email: ico@metu.edu.tr
