Master of Arts Political Science
The Master of Arts program offers three fields of concentration: American Politics and Policy, Comparative Politics, and Political Theory. Students choose a major and minor field of concentration for their program.
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. 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)
- Two of the following courses, one from the major field and one from the minor field of concentration
- American Politics and Policy - PLSC 503 or PLSC 540
- Comparative Politics - PLSC 505
- Political Theory - PLSC 560
- Two additional 500-level Political Science courses in the major field
- One additional 500-level Political Science course in the minor field
- PLSC 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 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 Graduate Program Adviser. Students should expect to include PLSC 542 and/or PLSC 570 in their Plan of Study.
Graduate Program Advisor:
Professor Amir Abedi
Political Science Department
Arntzen Hall 407
360-650-4143
Amir.Abedi@wwu.edu