Admissions Information
The department 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 department 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.
Department Admissions & Applications Timeline
The department 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 department 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 department and 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 2 years. The department will consider all scores received, if taken more than once, for admissions review. - A brief (1–2 pages) personal statement sent to the department 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 department ranking form sent to the department. 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.
Department Contact Information
Graduate Director
Dr. Mitchell Pickerill
Email: mitchp@wsu.edu
Phone: 509-335-4544
Graduate Coordinator
Sisouvanh Keopanapay
Email: siskeo@wsu.edu
Phone: 509-335-2545
Address
Washington State University
Department of Political Science
801 Johnson Tower
PO Box 644880
Pullman, WA 99164-4880
Main Phone Number: 509-335-2544
Fax Number: 509-335-7990
Contact Us
Department of Political Science
Washington State University
Johnson Tower 801
P.O. Box 644880
Pullman, WA 99164-4880
Ph: 509-335-2545
Fax: 509-335-7990
Graduate and Student Records Coordinator:
Sisouvanh Keopanapay
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