University of Washington Political Science Program: An Overview

The University of Washington - Seattle Campus (UW Seattle) offers a comprehensive political science program, providing students with a strong foundation in the study of power, government, and politics at various levels. The Department of Political Science has a history of excellence in teaching and research, reflecting a commitment to the study of politics and policy. The faculty comprises internationally renowned scholars who conduct influential research.

Available Degree Programs

UW Seattle offers a range of degree programs in political science, including:

Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science
Master’s Degree in Political Science
Doctorate Degree in Political Science

Rankings and Recognition

UW Seattle's political science program is highly regarded nationally. In College Factual's rankings, UW Seattle was ranked #28 among the best schools for political science majors, placing it in the top 5% of universities in this field of study. It is also ranked #1 in Washington. Specifically, it holds the #29 spot for the Best Political Science & Government Bachelor’s Degree Schools.

Undergraduate Program

Program Overview

Political science is the study of power and how political institutions and individuals engage in the public sphere. With guidance from outstanding faculty, students develop valuable analytical, critical thinking, research and communication skills. The UW Department of Political Science studies the theory and practice of government and politics at all levels, from local to international. It challenges students to evaluate conflicting perspectives on political controversies and explore how mass political behavior influences law and policy. As a political science major, students use social science methods to address complicated issues.

Curriculum and Requirements

The political science major at UW Seattle requires the completion of 50 credits, with specific requirements to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the field.

Introductory Requirement (15 credits): Students must complete three courses from the following: POL S 101, POL S 201, POL S 202, POL S 203, POL S 204, POL S 205.
Field Requirement (15 credits): Students must complete one course numbered POL S 210 or above in three different fields of political science. These fields include political theory, comparative politics, international relations, American politics, and research methods. A minimum grade of 2.0 is required in each course.
Electives (20 credits): Students must complete four courses numbered POL S 210 or above, with a minimum grade of 2.0 in each.
GPA Requirement: Students must maintain a minimum 2.25 cumulative GPA in political science courses at graduation and a minimum 2.0 grade in each political science course taken to fulfill requirements for the major.

Transfer and postbaccalaureate students must meet all the above requirements and complete a minimum of 10 political science credits numbered 210 or above through the UW.

International Security Option

The study of international security focuses on the relationship between politics and security, and specifically on the causes of war and the use and control of force: threats, promises, and the tactics, techniques, and ethics of violence. It teaches the theories and the historical context for understanding contemporary security issues. The International Security Option gives students the opportunity to concentrate most of their coursework in this field. The option draws from courses in Political Science and other departments such as International Studies and History and other nations, the military, weapons of mass destruction, and human rights.

In addition to the general completion requirements for the major, the International Security Option has the following additional requirements:

Option specific credits (45 credits)
POL S 203, POL S 321, POL S 407 (15 credits)
30 additional credits from an approved list of courses maintained in the department. At least 15 elective credits must be at the 300- or 400- level.
Option coursework is completed in addition to the requirements of the major, however, up to 25 credits from the option may also fulfill requirements for the political science major.

Political Economy Option

Political economy is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the relationship between politics and economics. It involves the application of economic theory to the analysis of non-market behavior and examination of the interplay between governmental and economic institutions. The Political Economy Option gives students the opportunity to concentrate most of their coursework in this field. The option draws from courses in Political Science and other departments such as Economics, International Studies, and Geography. Areas of study include rational choice theory, the international economic system, development, trade, labor, and global crime and corruption.

In addition to the general completion requirements for the major, the Political Economy Option has the following additional requirements:

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Students who wish to pursue this option should consult a political science adviser.

Minor in Political Science

The Political Science Department offers a minor in political science. Students of political science study power. They learn social science methods to understand how individuals, groups, institutions, governments, and nations function and relate to one another, within nations and internationally, theoretically and in practice. Students learn to think critically as they evaluate conflicting claims about human nature, ideology, and what political actors do and should do. Courses in political science help students develop sought-after analytical skills, including how to sort conflicting information about complex issues, how to understand and apply theories, how to analyze data, and how to write about and present effective arguments.

The minor requires the completion of 30 credits, including:

One introductory course chosen from POL S 101, POL S 201, POL S 202, POL S 203, POL S 204, or POL S 205
25 elective credits numbered POL S 210 and above.

Preparation

Recommended Preparation Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: Courses that develop writing skills and breadth of knowledge. Admission Requirements Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA Three introductory political science courses (15 credits) with a minimum 2.0 grade in each from the following: POL S 101, POL S 201, POL S 202, POL S 203, POL S 204, POL S 205 Students are admitted all quarters. Applications are due the second Friday of each quarter. Applicants who meet the stated requirements are admitted in time to register for the following quarter as majors.

Skills Developed

Political science students develop important job and life skills through classes that challenge them to evaluate conflicting perspectives on political controversies. Students of political science learn how social science methods can help to develop a better understanding of government and politics. Undergraduates acquire knowledge of political institutions in the United States and around the world. Students learn to think critically as they evaluate conflicting claims about what government can and should do. They explore how mass political behavior influences law and policy, and study how government capacities and popular commitments to democracy vary across time and location. Courses in political science use award-winning teaching technology and help students develop sought-after analytic skills. They learn how to sort through conflicting information to develop sound ideas about complicated issues and how to communicate effectively on controversial topics.

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

The study of political science arms students with substantive knowledge of the discipline, including its concepts and theories. It also prepares them to be knowledgeable and active citizens. Through their study, students develop critical thinking, analytical, research, writing, interpersonal, and communication skills. Graduates of political science pursue careers in many fields, including government (federal, state, and local), business, trade, public service (including non-governmental and international organizations), law, journalism, and teaching.

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Diversity

During the 2021-2022 academic year, 399 students graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science from UW Seattle. About 48% were men and 52% were women.

Introductory Courses

POL S 201, Introduction to Political Theory: Provides students with an overview of the main lines of thought in political theory.
POL S 203, International Relations: Introduces the student to International politics.
POL S 202, Introduction to American Politics: Recommended preparation for most other courses in American Politics.

Graduate Program

Doctoral Program Overview

Our doctoral program prepares the next generation of scholars for careers in academics and the public and private sectors. Harry S. James D. Faculty (often in collaboration with graduate students) conduct cutting edge, internationally recognized, research that is published in peer-reviewed books and journal articles. In American Politics, specialties include policy processes, law and politics, politics and race, political communications, and constitutional development. Comparative Politics professors have expertise in Europe, China, Africa, and Latin America. They focus on political economy, the expansion of international judicial institutions, explaining decisions by central bankers, using technology to prevent electoral fraud, and the politics of religion. Faculty members in the International Relations field study international political economy and international security, with particular expertise in voluntary environmental agreements and the role of emotion in international conflicts.

Master's and Doctoral Degree Requirements

Master's Degree Completion Requirements: 40 credits

Required Methods Courses (15 credits) POL S 500, POL S 501, POL S 503, or any 400 or 500 graduate level Qualitative Methods course.
Required Core Courses (10 credits) POL S 505, POL S 509, POL S 521, POL S 550
Elective Courses (15 credits): Any approved course numbered 400 level or above while…

Doctoral Degree Completion Requirements: 92 credits

Required Methods Courses (15 credits): POL S 500, POL S 501, POL S 503, or any 400 or 500 graduate level Qualitative Methods course.
Required Core Courses (10 credits): POL S 505, POL S 509, POL S 521, POL S 550
Elective Courses (To meet required total) Approved elective courses 400 level or above. Elective courses from at least one General field. (These include: American politics, political theory, comparative politics or international relations). Elective courses from two additional fields. Students also must past an Oral exam.

Graduate Program Statistics

In 2022, 7 students received their master’s degree in political science from UW Seattle, making it the #78 most popular school for political science master’s degree candidates in the country. In addition, 9 students received their doctoral degrees in political science in 2022, making the school the #21 most popular school in the United States for this category of students.

Financial Aspects

Tuition and Fees

Out-of-state part-time undergraduates at UW Seattle paid an average of $1,363 per credit hour in 2022-2023. The average full-time tuition and fees for undergraduates are shown in the table below.

	In State	Out of State
Tuition	$11,524	$40,878
Fees	$1,119	$1,119
Books and Supplies	$900	$900
On Campus Room and Board	$17,982	$17,982
On Campus Other Expenses	$3,027	$3,027

Student Debt

While getting their bachelor's degree at UW Seattle, political science students borrow a median amount of $46,830 in student loans.

Salary of Graduates

The median salary of political science students who receive their bachelor's degree at UW Seattle is $41,246. This is higher than $35,631, which is the national median for all political science bachelor's degree recipients.

Department Scholarships and Awards

Hugh Bone Scholarship: Established to recognize Professor Bone and his commitment to a "participative citizenry." It helps students with financial need study and intern away from the UW-Seattle campus.
Agnes C. Nelson Memorial Scholarship: Annual full-tuition awards to students who demonstrate interest in the interrelationship of politics and economics and who meet financial eligibility requirements.
The Robert A. Dahl Award: The Department of Political Science recognizes an outstanding graduating senior with the Robert A. Dahl Award.
Daniel C. Lev Award: The Department of Political Science created this award to recognize the contribution of Professor Dan Lev to the department's Honors program. The award recognizes an exceptional senior Honors thesis.
Sharon S. Redeker Award for Public Service: The Department of Political Science created this award in honor of Sharon Redeker, who served for many years as the department's Director of Academic Services. This award recognizes the exceptional public service of a political science senior while at the UW.

Resources and Opportunities

Research Centers

The Department of Political Science is affiliated with a number of research centers, including:

The Center for American Politics and Public Policy
The Center for Communication and Civic Engagement
The University of Washington's Institute for the Study of Ethnicity, Race, and Sexuality
Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies
The Comparative Law and Society Studies Center
European Union Center

Instructional and Research Facilities

Political Science Laboratory: This facility with 25 computer stations, functions as a computer classroom and also as a general laboratory.
Center for Social Science Computation and Research maintains an extensive data archive and offers many statistical and software consulting services.
Political Science/Jackson School/Law, Societies, and Justice/Comparative History of Ideas Writing Center: The Writing Center is staffed by peer tutors and provides free help to students seeking feedback about their writing.

Internships

The department offers three internship programs that range from part-time to full-time programs. Students may work in local agencies (POL S 496), in the state legislature (POL S 497), and in Washington, D.C. (POL S 498). The Washington State Legislative Internship Program is a winter-quarter program in Olympia and is open to students from all majors. Students in all majors may apply for The Washington Center, a comprehensive internship program that places students in Washington, D.C.

UW political science majors have many internship opportunities, with placements available in congressional offices; political campaigns; local, state and federal government; corporations; nonprofits and nongovernmental organizations, and more. The program has a longstanding relationship with the Washington State Legislative Internship Program and the Washington Center Internship Program in Washington, D.C.

Student Organizations/Associations

Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honor Society)
Phi Alpha Delta (pre-law fraternity)

Honors Options Available

With College Honors (Completion of Honors Core Curriculum and Departmental Honors)
With Honors (Completion of Departmental Honors requirements in the major).

Course Focus Areas

Political Theory: Critical examination of values such as freedom, justice, democracy, and legitimacy using texts from ancient to contemporary writers.
Comparative Politics: Comparison of contemporary political systems to judge which types best provide particular values.
International Relations: Understanding of why states and non-state international actors interact as they do.
American Government and Politics: Understanding of politics as practiced in the United States.
Political Methodology: Philosophical issues regarding the possibility of a science of politics.

Engagement and Influence

The department hosts regular speaker series that offer opportunities for the public to engage with leading academics from the University of Washington and elsewhere. Faculty participate in community events around the Puget Sound region, write opinion pieces for prominent outlets such as the Seattle Times, New York Times and Washington Post, and are frequently interviewed by major national and international media outlets such as CNN, MSNBC, C-SPAN, Bloomberg, Univision News, and BBC-TV.

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