Political Science, Environmental Studies, Thesis, MA

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College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Graduate Faculty

Abedi, Amir, PhD, comparative politics, European politics, parties and party systems.
Alper, Donald K., PhD, Canadian-politics, Canada-U.S. relations, American politics.
Biswas, Bidisha, PhD, international relations, ethnic and civic conflicts, terrorism, diaspora politics.
Chen, Paul, PhD, law, courts, politics and society, U.S. constitutional law, the Supreme Court.
Deylami, Shirin, PhD. Islamic thought, theories of globalization, religion and politics, contemporary political thought
Donovan, Todd A., PhD, American, state and local, elections and representation.
Horne, Cynthia, PhD, international political economy, comparative political economy, international relations, comparative politics, post-Soviet politics and economics.
Hsueh, Vicki, PhD, political theory, history of political thought, race and ethnicity, colonialism and post-colonialism.
Johnson, Vernon D., PhD, Politics of development, African politics, race and public policy.
Parris, Kristen D., PhD, comparative politics, East Asian politics, development.
Salazar, Debra J., PhD, environmental politics, social movements, statistics.
Singleton, Sara, PhD, American politics, environmental politics, public policy.
Weir, Sara J., PhD, American politics, public policy, gender issues.

Curriculum Coordinator: Dr. Sara Singleton, Political Science, Arntzen Hall 420.

Program Description

The political science/environmental studies curriculum is a joint offering of the Political Science Department and Huxley College of the Environment. The program emphasizes environmental policy and especially the political, economic and social factors which affect environmental policy-making processes.

Admission and prerequisites

Admission requirements and prerequisites are the same as for the MA in Political Science program with additional consideration given to applicants who have a background in environmental studies, natural science, or a related field.

Application Information

Admit Quarter: New students will be admitted to this program fall quarter only. Admission decisions normally will be made no later than March 15. Students should specify their potential thesis topics, and up to two prospective faculty advisors.

Deadlines: To ensure consideration for fall quarter, complete applications must be received by February 1.

Materials supporting graduate applications: All applicants must include a two-page statement of purpose. This statement should explain why the applicant wishes to pursue graduate work in political science. It should also indicate which track and/or field of concentration the applicant intends to pursue. Students should specify their potential thesis topics and list up to two prospective faculty advisors. Students are admitted into the program upon agreement of a faculty advisor. See Political Science Faculty research profiles at http://www.wwu.edu/depts/polsci/pdfs/Graduate_Faculty_Research_Profiles.pdf

Writing Sample. Applicants must submit a writing sample, such as a research paper, or a similar paper demonstrating writing ability.

TA deadline: Preferred consideration will be given to applications completed by February 1.

Specific Test Requirements: Graduate Record Examination, General Test. Applicants with advanced degrees are not required to submit GRE scores.

Program Requirements (45 credits)

❑ PLSC 501 - POLITICAL SCIENCE AS A DISCIPLINE
❑ PLSC 502 - RESEARCH TECHNIQUES IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (a graduate course in another department, as determined by the political science department, may be substituted for 502),
❑ PLSC 524 - ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS AND POLICY
❑ The core course from one of the fields of concentration:
— American Politics and Policy:
PLSC 503 - PUBLIC POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
PLSC 540 - SEMINAR IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS
— Comparative Politics:
PLSC 505 - SEMINAR IN COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
— Political Theory:
PLSC 560 - SEMINAR IN POLITICAL THEORY
❑ At least one other 500-level course in the same field of concentration
❑ Interdisciplinary environmental studies field to be constructed by the student in consultation with environmental studies curriculum coordinator; must include three environmental studies courses
PLSC 690 - THESIS/THESIS RESEARCH or ESTU 690 - THESIS RESEARCH
❑ Oral defense of the thesis proposal and of the completed thesis
❑ Electives: Courses selected under advisement from 400- and 500-level courses in political science and supporting disciplines; no more than 10 credits may come from 400-level courses, and no more than 10 credits of PLSC 500 (directed independent study) are allowed; all elective courses must be approved by the student’s program committee.