Majors, minors & more
Political Science
College of Arts and Sciences
- Offered as:
- Major
- Minor
- Graduate program
Overview
Political science focuses on the uses and consequences of public authority in the allocation of societal resources. Faculty focus on problem-driven research that confronts both traditional and emerging challenges in the United States and throughout the world. They specialize in American politics, institutions, and public law; global politics; public policy; political theory; political psychology; and American foreign and security policy.
Degree options
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
- General Political Science
- Global Politics
- Political Science Pre-Law
Minors
- Political Science
Specialization tracks available
- Scholarships and financial aid
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A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs.
For all students at WSU
Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.
To get all the financial help WSU can provide, you'll need to do these two things:
- Complete the University's general scholarship application so you can be eligible for scholarship consideration, including departmental awards.
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) so WSU can consider you for aid (scholarships, grants, loans, etc.) based on financial need. Get started here.
Click here for more info about about WSU scholarships and financial aid
For students in political science
The College of Arts and Sciences awards more than $50,000 in scholarships each year. For more information, see the CAS scholarships page.
- Careers in political science
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What you can do with a degree in political science
• Government service
• Public policy
• Regional planning
• Law
• Campaign worker
• Politics
• Nonprofit administration
• Consultant
Skills you can market with a degree in political science
• Knowledge of political institutions and processes
• Knowledge of public policies and their outcomes
• Knowledge of political behavior, leadership, and decision making
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Logic, critical thinking, and problem solving skills
• Effective written and oral communication
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Ability to work independently or as a team member
- Student clubs
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There are several political science-related clubs on campus. Popular choices include the WSU Political Science Club, the Pre-Law Society, and the Mock Trial Team.
- Strengths of the program
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- Learn from nationally recognized faculty who lend their expertise to a broad range of local, state, and national government agencies and nongovernmental groups.
- Active learning approaches include elaborate policy-making simulations, crisis-management simlulations, and a highly accomplished Mock Trial Team.
- Our recent graduates have attended law school at Boston College, Gonzaga University, Indiana University, Northeastern University, University of Washington, American University, and University of San Francisco, and graduate school in public affairs at Texas A&M and American University. They have worked for the King County Prosecutor and the Inspector General's Office at the U.S. Department of Justice.
- Paid and for-credit internships in government and NGOs.
- Active Political Science Honors chapter.