Graduate Programs
The Department of Political Science at Western Michigan University offers three graduate programs: Master of Arts, Master of International Development Administration (M.I.D.A.) and a Doctor of Philosophy.
Overview
Learn about our department, its faculty, the graduate student body, application and funding, our placement record, and more.
Program Information
- Master of Arts: The M.A. is a two-year degree program (30 credit hours) that can be completed with either a thesis or field exam option. Graduates pursue positions in state, local and federal government; community college; and business, or continue their education in a terminal degree program such as a Ph.D. or J.D.
- Master of Arts - Accelerated: is an accelerated graduate degree program for undergraduates with senior standing. Students may take up to 12 credit hours of designated 5000- and 6000-level courses for graduate credit. These designated courses may be used in completion of both the bachelor’s degree and the master’s degree.
- Master of International Development Administration: The M.I.D.A. is a 42-credit-hour professional, interdisciplinary degree program that prepares graduates to work in the nonprofit (NGO) field or for donor organizations in international development in the U.S. and around the world.
- Doctor of Philosophy: The Ph.D. program emphasizes three subfields (American politics, comparative politics and political theory) and prepares students for academic, research or government careers.
Climate Change Policy and Management Graduate Certificate
The interdisciplinary Climate Change Policy and Management Graduate Certificate Program provides professional training to address challenges arising from the climate crisis from a policy and/or management perspective, in government, private, and/or non-profit sectors.
4+1 Graduate Program
An agreement between Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College, Albion College, and Aquinas College provides a path for students to transfer undergraduate credits for application towards a WMU master's degree in political science in as little as five years.
Questions?
Contact one of our advisors for further information.