Graduate students chatting around a table.

Master’s Degree Options

Washington State University offers a graduate degree in political science at the master’s level with the option of adding a specialized certificate. The program is designed for career-focused individuals who are not seeking an additional degree.

Master’s in Political Science

Practitioner-based, this non-thesis degree program is designed for individuals seeking a career in education, public service, not-for–profit organizations, or non-governmental organizations.

You can opt to focus on political science and public policy, broadly defined, or concentrate more specifically on American or global politics.

Requirements

A total of 31 credit hours are required:

  • 27 hours must be graded graduate-level coursework (500-600 level)
  • 24 hours must be graded political science coursework
    • Up to 6 of these 24 may be 400-level courses if approved for credit by the WSU Graduate School

Contact us

Michael Salamone
Graduate Director
michael.salamone@wsu.edu
509-335-7569

Diane Scott
Graduate Coordinator
scottdj@wsu.edu
509-335-2545

WSU Pullman Office
801 Johnson Tower
pppa@wsu.edu
509-335-2544

Master’s plus GJSS Certificate

Pair your degree in political science with the WSU Global Justice and Security Studies (GJSS) certificate.

Geared toward individuals seeking a career in federal, state, or local government, this program provides a strong foundation in general aspects of political science while also supporting your professional goals. 

The MA+GJSS option expands opportunities for practitioners in non-academic careers, whether you’re in the field with homeland security or law enforcement, serving as an analysts within the U.S. intelligence or defense communities, or supporting NGOs or not-for-profit organizations.

Requirements

A minimum of 30 credit hours are required:

  • 26 credit hours must be graded coursework
    • At least 17 credit hours must be at the 500-600 level
    • No more than 9 credit hours may be 400-level, non-graduate coursework

Course Options

See the WSU catalog for course descriptions.