Political Science
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Requirements
Note: The Graduate College requires all graduate applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate coursework.
MA Applicants
Applicants must have completed at least 24 hours of coursework in the social sciences (Anthropology, Economics, History, Political Science, Sociology) or other relevant fields and have achieved a 3.0 GPA. The department may require the student to make up deficiencies in undergraduate preparation.
MIDA and MIDA-Peace Corps Applicants
Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree, preferably in the social sciences (Anthropology, Economics, History, Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology) with either a concentration in political science or public administration, and should have some exposure to economics and/or statistics. Under some circumstances, an applicant’s actual public administration experience and professional attainments may substitute for undergraduate preparation. A GPA of 3.0 in all undergraduate work is normally a requirement; however, where grading scales are computed differently, equivalencies will be determined.
Ph.D. Applicants
Applicants must have completed at least 24 hours of undergraduate coursework in the social sciences (Anthropology, Economics, History, Political Science, Sociology) or other relevant fields and have achieved a 3.25 GPA in their last two years of their bachelor’s degree. Student’s applying with a master’s degree must have achieved a GPA of 3.25 in their graduate work.
The Application Process
US citizens and permanent residents should apply online through the Office of Admissions. International students must apply through International Admissions and Services.
MA Applicants:
Submit the following materials to the department address listed at the bottom of the page, c/o the Graduate Secretary:
- Three academic references (download Graduate Reference Form).
- A c.v. or resume.
- A brief statement of academic and professional objectives
Submit the following materials to Graduate Admissions:
- The formal application.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.
In addition, arrange to have GRE scores for verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections sent to WMU (School Code # 1902). The subject test in Political Science is not necessary.
MIDA and MIDA/Peace Corps Applicants:
Submit the following materials to the department address listed at the bottom of the page, c/o the Graduate Secretary:
- Three academic references (download Graduate Reference Form).
- A c.v. or resume.
- A brief statement of academic and professional objectives
Submit the following materials to Graduate Admissions:
- The formal application.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.
GREs are not required for the MIDA and MIDA/Peace Corps programs.
MIDA-Peace Corps applicants are to simultaneously apply for admission to the Peace Corps when applying to the MIDA program. To contact the Peace Corps to obtain information and applications call 1-800-424-8580 or visit the Peace Corps website (www.peacecorps.gov).
Peace Corps applicants should also:
PhD Applicants:
Submit the following materials to the department address listed at the bottom of the page, c/o the Graduate Secretary:
- Three academic references (download Graduate Reference Form).
- A writing sample in the form of two research papers or a master’s thesis.
- A c.v. or resume.
- A brief statement of academic and professional objectives
Submit the following materials to Graduate Admissions:
- The formal application.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.
In addition, arrange to have GRE scores for verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections sent to WMU (School Code # 1902). The subject test in Political Science is not necessary.
Financial Support
Graduate Assistantships and Associateships. The Department of Political Science supports a number of its graduate students each year. Students typically work as teaching or research assistants. Advanced students may be able to teach their own courses. MA and MIDA students can apply for assistantships; doctoral students may be awarded either an assistantship or an associateship. In order to apply for financial assistance, applications must be submitted by February 15 to be considered for the following academic year. There is only one application deadline per year, and funding support starts with the fall semester. Download the Application for Graduate Assistantship/Associateship [MS Word doc]
Admission to the graduate program must be complete by February 15 before application for an assistantship will be considered. See below for forms. NOTE: This form is in lieu of the form found on the Graduate College web site (fill out our form instead.)
Other Sources of Financial Support. Click here for information on financial aid from the Graduate College.
Application Deadlines
Application deadlines for admission (citizens and permanent residents only):
Semester |
Fall |
Spring |
Summer I |
Summer II |
Deadline |
June 15 |
Nov. 1 |
March 1 |
May 1 |
Term begins |
Late August |
Early January |
Early May |
Late June |
International students should consult the International Admissions and Services web site for application deadlines.
Application deadline for all students to be considered for graduate assistantships and associateships: February 15. There is only one application deadline per year.
English Language Instruction for International Students
International students may enroll in the WMU Career English Language Center for International Students (CELCIS) until the required TOEFL score for academic enrollment is achieved.