Certification requirements

• POL S 101: American National Government
• 24 completed semester credits
• 2.0 GPA for general and global politics options
• 2.5 GPA for pre-law option

Suggested classes for freshmen

 Focus on UCORE requirements. Take an introductory political science course to determine your interest level:

• POL S 101: American National Government
• POL S 102: Introduction to Comparative Politics
• POL S 103: International Politics

Suggested classes for transfer students

The department traditionally approves transfer credit for the POL S 101, 102, and 103 courses.

Upper-division political science classes.

Math requirement

Any UCORE course, most commonly:

• MATH 105: Exploring Mathematics
• MATH 212: Introduction to Statistical Methods
• PHIL 201: Elementary Logic

Core courses

A typical plan of study may include:

• American National Government
• Introduction to Comparative Politics
• International Politics
• Voting and Elections
• National States and Global Challenges
• Urban Politics and Policy

For students in political science

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

For all students

A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs. 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.

Students should complete the Washington State University general scholarship application and the FAFSA to ensure their eligibility for the widest range of scholarships and needed-based financial aid.

For information or to apply for financial aid and scholarships from WSU, see the Scholarships and Finances section of the WSU website.

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

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

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.

• 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.