Admissions Information
The school recruits highly qualified students and admits a limited number of strong applicants. All students must apply to and be admitted into the Ph.D. program. Students entering with the B.A. degree obtain an M.A. after completing the matriculation exam in the second year.
The school does not offer a terminal M.A. in political science except for the M.A. certificate program in global justice and security studies. This program is practitioner based and is intended for students seeking employment within the intelligence or defense communities. It does not lead toward admission into the Ph.D. program.
Admission into both programs is granted in the fall semester only. Spring semester admissions are rare and will be considered on a case-by-case basis in exceptional circumstances.
School Admissions & Applications Timeline
The school will do its best to review the applications received and notify all applicants in a timely manner. Please be assured that all admitted applicants to the school will be able to get the classes needed during registration. The deadline for admission applications is JANUARY 10; applicants will be notified of admission decisions before March 15. Students are encouraged to call the department if they have any questions regarding their application status.
To Apply
Please submit all required documents:
- An online application and fee to the Graduate School.
- An updated official college transcript showing your bachelor's and/or master's work sent to the School of Politics, Philosophy, & Public Affairs and to the Graduate School.
- An official copy of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) sent to the Graduate School.
Note: Per the Graduate School, the GRE is valid if taken within two years. The School of Politics, Philosophy, & Public Affairs will consider all scores received, if taken more than once, for admissions review. LSATs may not substitute for GREs. - A brief (1–2 pages) personal statement sent to the School of Politics, Philosophy, & Public Affairs addressing the student's academic interest in political science, career objectives, and how their research interests fit the expertise of faculty and programs at WSU.
- Three (3) letters of recommendation with attached school ranking form sent to the School of Politics, Philosophy, & Public Affairs. Letters should come from people that can attest to your academic ability to succeed in a graduate program (i.e., professors).
- An official copy of the TOEFL Examination (required for international students only). Please send directly to the Graduate School.
- A writing sample.
School Contact Information
Graduate Director
Dr. Martha Cottam
Email:cottam@wsu.edu
Phone: 509-335-7997
Graduate Coordinator
Bonnie Kemper
Email: bkemper@wsu.edu
Phone: 509-335-2545
Address
School of Politics, Philosophy, & Public Affairs
Washington State University
801 Johnson Tower
PO Box 644880
Pullman, WA 99164-4880
Main Phone Number: 509-335-2544
Fax Number: 509-335-7990
Contact Us
School of Politics, Philosophy, & Public Affairs
Washington State University
801 Johnson Tower
PO Box 644880
Pullman, WA 99164-4880
Phone: 509-335-2545
Fax: 509-335-7990
Graduate & Student Records Coordinator
Bonnie Kemper
bkemper@wsu.edu
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