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PhD in Political Science

A Distinctive Program

The WSU PhD program offers you the flexibility to focus your studies and take advantage of our academic strengths in political psychology, global justice and security studies, philosophy, and gender.

We are committed to excellence and providing opportunities for our students across three areas of specialization:

  • American Politics
  • Global Politics
  • Public Policy/Public Administration

Problem-Driven Research

You will tackle current issues and delve into analyses of national and international policy concerns.

At the heart of this approach are interdisciplinary research efforts and scholarly activities that aim to solve complex and “wicked” problems facing democratic societies. The resulting understanding and knowledge is valued by scholars, policy-makers, and citizens.

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

Recent research into pressing real-world problems includes:

  • bio-ethics in medicine
  • political civility, civil unrest
  • environmental justice
  • gender equality
  • legal justice
  • democratic participation and representation
  • terrorism
  • WMD proliferation
  • Indigenous governance

Methodological Diversity

At WSU, you will contribute to large-scale problem solving through scientific inquiry and learn to use research methods that cut across traditional boundaries and work conjunction with one another.

Working alongside faculty experts, you’ll pursue projects and research agendas that adapt to best-practice methods and diverse inputs and add valuable skills to your professional portfolio.

You’ll learn interdisciplinary methods such as:

Qualitative

  • process tracing
  • qualitative comparative analysis
  • case studies
  • discourse analysis
  • content analysis

Qualitative

  • survey research
  • statistical analysis
  • experiments

Faculty Mentors

You will have opportunities to pursue research together with respected faculty members and to contribute to journal and academic publications. Many WSU political science graduate students enter the job market with at least one publication.

The expertise of our faculty spans specializations such as:

  • Political Psychology
  • Peace, Conflict and Security Studies
  • Gender Policy
  • Law and Courts
  • Political Communication
  • Environmental Ethics and Policy
  • Indigenous politics and governance