Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University has announced a new Master of Arts in Political Psychology program, set to begin in Fall 2025. This graduate program, developed by the Department of Political Science, aims to provide students with an understanding of the intersection between politics and psychology.

Distinguished Professor and Department Chair Leonie Huddy emphasized the uniqueness of their department, stating, “We’re one of the few political science departments that focuses on political psychology — using insights from psychology to better understand politics.” She also highlighted that most instructors are active researchers publishing in top journals.

The program's development involved collaboration among faculty and administrators over two years. David Rubenstein, associate dean for academic and student affairs at the Graduate School, noted the importance of such collaborations: “Collaborating with departments like Political Science on new academic programs is key to fostering diverse perspectives that lead to innovative, student-centered degree options.”

Courses will cover topics such as political polarization, misinformation, morality and politics, and international political systems. Associate Professor Andrew Delton remarked on the engaging nature of the program: “Even though our program is intellectually rigorous, it’s also a lot of fun.” The curriculum includes hands-on research opportunities where students can design experiments and draft policy proposals.

Associate Professor Peter DeScioli invited prospective students to join a community passionate about political psychology: “You’ll read research articles, question assumptions, and find inspiration among like-minded scholars.”

A capstone project will allow students to address real-world challenges in political psychology. Professor Huddy pointed out the value of methods and statistics courses within the program: “With so many careers being data-driven these days, these skills are incredibly valuable whether students stay in politics or move into business or non-profits.”

The environment at Stony Brook is described as vibrant and collaborative. Students will have opportunities to engage with visiting speakers and build connections within the department. Professor Delton expressed his commitment to ongoing relationships with students: “I stay in touch and continue advising students long after they graduate.”

The inaugural class will commence studies in Fall 2025.