European Union Policy Studies Concentration

James Madison University's M.A. in Political Science is a 10-month program with a concentration in European Union Policy Studies (EUPS). The program is based in Florence, Italy, though all coursework is held in English. While Florence is a global cultural destination, accessible to English speakers, students receive Italian language instruction in the fall at a level corresponding to their proficiency.

While in the program, students conduct applied assignments within their coursework and refine their cross-cultural competencies by working with a dynamic international faculty, by living abroad, and by talking with policy and political practitioners based in Europe and in the United States. These conversations take place in our facilities in Italy and via video conferencing. In addition, students participate in academic trips to Brussels (in the fall) and Rome (in the spring) in which they meet with various political & policy practitioners in and out of government.

In the summer session, professional development is a key focus as our students hold mock job interviews; create a professional portfolio of policy and political analyses; and conduct either an internship or an applied research project. The EUPS program prepares students for careers in politics and policy, government agencies, policy research & advocacy, government relations, consulting for the private sector, and nonprofit organizations.

To learn more about this program, we welcome you to explore this website's content -- including the embedded 60-second video tied to the banner photo on the top of this page.

To speak with the program director, current students, and our alumni, click on the link below to register for the next virtual information session held on Zoom.

    Top Stories
  • Dr. Christine Bakker The Picture of a Journey to Florence

    New EUPS professor at JMU Florence campus, Christine Bakker, PhD, shares her professional journey, her experience working for the European Commission, and how she came to live in Florence, Italy full-time.

  • 2018 alumni return to Florence A Window into the Consulting World

    Married JMU alumni, Mr. Richard Shapiro and Mrs. Alexis Shapiro stop by Florence, Italy to lead a consulting workshop and share their professional advice with the EUPS cohort.

  • Mr. Andrew Spannaus JMU Duke Puts Down Roots in Italy

    JMU Semester in Florence alumnus, Mr. Andrew Spannaus, speaks with students about his experience living in Milan and building a successful international career.


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