Master of Arts Political Science - Environmental Studies
The Political Science - Environmental Studies curriculum is a joint offering of the Political Science Department and Huxley College of the Environment. This program emphasizes environmental policy and especially the political, economic, and social factors which affect environmental policy-making processes.
Admission and Prerequisites
Students who meet the requirements of the Graduate School and show evidence of strong academic performance and scholarly potential are invited to apply. Admission preference is given to students with course work in Political Science or related social sciences. Entering students should have completed undergraduate course work in American political processes, as well as course work in social science methodology equivalent to Political Science 366 Research in Politics. Any deficiencies must be satisfied during the student's first quarter if possible.
Additional consideration is given to applicants who have a background in environmental studies, natural science, or a related field.
For information about applying to the program, please see application process.
Degree Requirements -45 Credits
- PLSC 501 - Political Science as a Discipline
- PLSC 502 - Research Techniques in Political Science (a graduate course in another department may be substituted for 502)
- PLSC 524 - Environmental Politics and Policy
- The core course from one of the fields of concentration
- American Politics and Policy - PLSC 503 or PLSC 540
- Comparative Politics - PLSC 505
- Political Theory - PLSC 560
- At least one other 500-level course in the same field of concentration.
- Three environmental studies courses, to be agreed upon by the student in consultation with the Curriculum Coordinator.
- PLSC 690 or ESTU 690 - Thesis Research (1-9 credits)
- Oral defense of the thesis proposal and of the completed thesis.
- A minimum of 45 credits.
Electives
Courses are selected under advisement from 400 and 500 level courses in Political Science and supporting disciplines. No more than 10 credits may come from 400-level courses, and no more than 10 credits of PLSC 500 (directed independent study) are allowed. All elective courses must be approved by the student's Curriculum Coordinator. Student should expect to include PLSC 542 and/or PLSC 570 in their Plan of Study.
Curriculum Coordinator:
Dr. Sara Singleton
Political Science Department
Arntzen Hall 420
360-650-4880
Sara.Singleton@wwu.edu