Future Students

Academics

Political Science

College of Liberal Arts


 

QUICK JUMP
  Political Science
  Study Options
  Requirements and Core Courses
  Careers in Political Science
  Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation
  Scholarships and Financial Aid
  Related Fields of Study That Might Interest You
  Contact Information

Political Science

Political science examines important public issues such as justice, governmental policy, citizen rights, voting, legislatures, political parties, and international relations and governments.
• Offered at WSU: Bachelor of arts, minor, master of arts, doctorate
• Available at: Pullman

Study Options

Students in the political science department can pursue three different degree options:
• General
• Global politics
• Pre-law

Requirements and Core Courses

—Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
• GENERAL OPTION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to general University requirements, completion of a bachelor’s degree in political science under the general option requires 36 semester hours in political science, at least 15 of which must be earned at Washington State University. These include 9 hours of required introductory courses and 3 hours each in American politics, comparative or international relations, and policy and public administration courses. The final 18 hours are elective courses in political science.

NOTE: Students should consult the General Catalog for course planning and must meet course requirements as outlined in the General Catalog in order to graduate.

Pol S 101—American National Government
Pol S 102—Introduction to Comparative Politics
Pol S 103—International Politics
3 credits in American politics
3 credits in comparative or international relations
3 credits in policy and public administration
18 credits in political science electives

• GLOBAL POLITICS OPTION REQUIREMENTS
Pol S 101—American National Government
Pol S 102—Introduction to Comparative Politics
Pol S 103—International Politics
9 credits in comparative politics
9 credits in international politics
3 credits in political theory
3 additional credits in political science
An international experience (study abroad or international oriented internship or minor in foreign language)

• PRE-LAW OPTION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to general University requirements, completion of a bachelor’s degree in political science under the pre-law option requires 24 hours in political science courses. Of these, 21 hours must be earned at Washington State University.

Pol S 101—American National Government
Pol S 102—Introduction to Comparative Politics
Pol S 103—International Politics
Pol S 300—The American Constitution
Pol S 402—Civil Liberties
Pol S 404—The Judicial Process
Pol S 443—Public Personnel Administration
Crim J 101—Introduction to the Administration
of Criminal Justice
Crim J 320—Criminal Law
     or Crim J 420—Law of Evidence and Criminal Procedure
Engl 201—Writing and Research
     or Engl 301—Writing and Rhetorical Conventions
Phil 201—Elementary Logic
One introductory economics course
One political science elective meeting the general education requirement for writing in the major (designated [M])
One elective in public speaking or argumentation

Careers in Political Science

Political science graduates may join the millions of Americans who are employed in public service through government, or they can work in the private sector. A recent study in a leading business magazine reported that students with liberal arts degrees, including political science, were more likely to be promoted to management within their first 10 years than were graduates with degrees in business. Reading, writing, and analytical skills developed in our program serve well in the business world.

Some students continue their education by going to law school or pursuing an advanced degree in political science. The Washington State University department has a pre-law program and offers advanced degrees in political science.

Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation

• Strong communication skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Interest in public policy and government

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are numerous scholarships available to political science majors. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and on merit. Some scholarships are specifically for pre-law majors; others are available to students pursuing a public service career.

Related Fields of Study That Might Interest You

• Comparative Ethnic Studies
• Criminal Justice
• History
• Sociology

Contact Information
Department of Political Science
Washington State University
Johnson Tower 801
PO Box 644880
Pullman, WA 99164-4880
siskeo@wsu.edu
509-335-2545
 

Strengths of the Program

  • The Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service offers legislative internships and scholarships and brings nationally prominent speakers to campus.
  • The research unit gives students opportunities to work on actual problems facing communities and government groups and to contribute solutions.
  • WSU's outstanding political science faculty members have published more than 100 books and articles since 2000.
  • The department's extensive internship program enables students to gain on-the-job experience in government agencies.
  • The faculty and program are recognized internationally in American politics, public law, international politics, gender studies, environmental law, and political psychology.
  • Choose from a flexible field of political science courses that meet your individual interests and career goals.
Office of Enrollment Management, PO Box 641067, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-1067, 888-GO TO WSU (888-468-6978), Contact Us