School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs
Investigation. Analysis. Impact.
Join a dynamic community of critical thinkers dedicated to deepening our understanding of politics and society. You’ll develop strengths in logic and ethics and bring together communications technologies with research methodologies to address real-world problems.
Faculty across political science, philosophy, and public affairs bring a wide range of expertise to the classroom and mentor students in hands-on research that explores pressing global and local issues.
At WSU, you’ll find a collaborative learning environment and meaningful opportunities to apply your knowledge in service to society and the public good
Featured Courses
Military Ethics (PHIL 390)
Explore war and moral injury, coming home for military members, women in war and ethics and orders.
Philosophy of Mind (PHIL 442)
Address a variety of interconnected philosophical questions about the mind. Including what mental states are, how the mind relates to the body, and what exactly it takes to think and have conscious experiences
School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs in the News
The Journalist’s Resource- What’s normal and what isn’t on Election Day and beyond
Thessalia Merivaki, director of the Foley Institute, joined The Journalist’s Resource as a panelist for an hour-long question-and-answer session about what’s top of mind for voters and election officials this fall from a journalist’s perspective.
The Markup- What it takes for voters to be resilient against AI misinformation
Thessalia Merivaki, director of the Foley Institute, spoke with The Markup about what happens when more voters than ever are using AI to get election information, what election officials have done to make sure accurate information cuts through the noise, and how we all can work toward a more resilient electorate in the age of AI.
Foley Institute cosponsors panel debate on Washington’s three 2026 ballot initiatives
The Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service at Washington State University is cosponsoring a nonpartisan panel debate on the three statewide initiatives on Washington’s November 2026 ballot in partnership with Braver Angels of Washington State.
CNBC: Election officials ban certain public workers from trading on prediction markets ahead of midterms
Thessalia Merivaki, professor of government and director of the Foley Institute, was quoted in an CNBC article about election officials banning certain public workers from trading on prediction markets ahead of midterm elections.