Political Science

The Political Science program at Washington University in St. Louis offers students a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of government, politics, and public policy. Designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of political systems at local, national, and international levels, the program prepares students for diverse careers in government, law, journalism, international organizations, and academia. Through a combination of coursework, research opportunities, and experiential learning, students engage with core topics such as political theory, comparative politics, American politics, international relations, and public policy analysis. The interdisciplinary approach encourages students to consider the social, economic, and cultural contexts that influence political behavior and decision-making. Faculty members are distinguished scholars dedicated to mentoring students and fostering an environment of academic excellence and inquiry. The program emphasizes practical skills such as policy analysis, statistical reasoning, and communication, equipping graduates to critically assess political issues and participate actively in civic life. Students can pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and advanced degrees that provide specialized knowledge and research experience. The university’s location in St. Louis offers unique opportunities for internships, community engagement, and collaborations with governmental and non-governmental organizations. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue advanced studies or enter professional fields that require a sophisticated understanding of political dynamics and policy formulation. Overall, the Political Science program at Washington University in St. Louis aims to cultivate informed citizens and future leaders who can contribute thoughtfully to the complex political landscape of the modern world.

Total units: Students who major in political science are required to complete 30 graded units (10 classes) in political science with a C or better, distributed as follows:

Required courses:

• Substantive Introductory Courses: 6 graded units must come from any two introductory classes. (Note: If student scored a 4 or 5 in AP credit, he or she may place out of the associated introductory course and replace it with an upper-level course in a related subfield.)

• Methodology Course: 3 graded units must come from Pol Sci 363 Quantitative Political Methodology. All majors are urged to take this course in the fall of their sophomore year. (Note: Some statistics courses offered in other departments will allow students to opt out of this class, but those credits will not count toward their political science major. These courses include U25 PolSci 323 Introduction to Quantitative Methods [subject to the limit of 6 "outside" credit units], QBA 121Managerial Statistics II, Math 3200 Elementary to Intermediate Statistics and Data Analysis, and ESE 326 Probability and Statistics for Engineering.)

Elective courses:

• Distribution Requirement: 18 graded units must come from any six 300- or 400-level classes. Of these 18 units, students must complete at least one 3-unit course in three of the following five fields: American politics, comparative politics, international politics, political methodology, or political theory. (Note:Pol Sci 363 does not count toward this upper-level distribution requirement.)

• Other courses: A student's remaining graded units may be earned by any political science course or independent study. However, credits given for writing a senior thesis (detailed in Senior Thesis section below) do not count toward the major.

Limitations

No more than 6 units from the following may count toward the major: study abroad, summer school, Pol Sci 419 Teaching Practicum in Political Science, transfer credit, and University College.

No more than 6 units from the following may count toward the major:Pol Sci 413 Directed Research, Pol Sci 412 Directed Readings, and independent study.

Additional Information

Concentrations: Political science majors may concentrate in a subfield of political science by taking (as part of their distribution requirement) three upper-level courses in any one of the five subfields (American politics, comparative politics, international politics, political methodology, or political theory) and submitting a subfield concentration form. Students may earn concentrations in up to two subfields. The successful completion of a subfield concentration will be listed on a student's transcript.

Senior Thesis/Capstone Option: The department encourages serious students to pursue independent research by working toward a senior thesis. Students admitted to this program work closely with a faculty adviser for a full calendar year, beginning at the end of their junior year. Students writing a senior thesis receive 6 units of college credit for two semesters of work by enrolling in Pol Sci 415 Senior Thesis Research; however, this credit does not count toward the completion of the political science major. Although there is no GPA requirement for writing a senior thesis, an application is required. For more information, contact the department office. All majors may apply.

To qualify to write a senior thesis, students must:

• Complete Pol Sci 363 Quantitative Political Methodology or its equivalent by the fall of their junior year (all majors are strongly urged to take this in the fall of their sophomore year);
• Complete Pol Sci 495 Research Design and Methods in the spring semester of their junior year;
• Complete a second methods course appropriate for their thesis by the start of their senior year. (A complete list of courses can be found on our website our website; Pol Sci 495 does not count toward this requirement.);
• Complete a subfield concentration (detailed in Concentrations section above) by the end of the fall of their senior year in the subfield appropriate for their senior thesis. At least two-thirds of the concentration must be completed by the end of their junior year;
• Apply during their junior year for admission into the program;
• Students planning to study abroad and write a senior thesis should takePol Sci 363 Quantitative Political Methodology in the fall of their sophomore year and should go abroad during the fall of their junior year. Students who wish to study abroad in the spring of their junior year and write a thesis senior year, must meet with the Director of Undergraduate Study before the start of their junior year.  

Senior Honors: To graduate with Latin Honors, students must successfully complete a senior thesis and have a minimum grade point average of 3.65, as specified by the College of Arts & Sciences.

Requirements

• You must have graduated from high school, received a recommendation from your teachers or other responsible officials of the school, and taken an appropriate distribution of high school subjects. 
• Your application must be accompanied by a $75 nonrefundable application fee.
• You must also submit your official secondary school transcript, a teacher recommendation, SAT or ACT scores, and essay. 
• Proof of Financial Support
• Either TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is required of all international students for whom English is a second language and recommended for U.S. citizens or permanent residents whose second language is English.

Scholarships

• First-Year Student Academic Scholarship & Fellowship Programs
• Global Education
• Need-Based Financial Aid

The Political Science program at Washington University in St. Louis offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education in the study of government, politics, and international relations. The department aims to develop students’ understanding of political systems, political behavior, and institutions, equipping them with analytical and research skills necessary for careers in government, public policy, law, journalism, and academia. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics including American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy analysis. Students have the opportunity to engage in experiential learning through internships, research projects, and study abroad programs, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world contexts. The program encourages critical thinking, effective communication, and a nuanced understanding of political issues that are pivotal in shaping national and global affairs. Faculty members are renowned experts in their fields, many of whom are engaged in cutting-edge research and publish extensively in reputable journals. The department also hosts seminars, guest lectures, and conferences that provide students with exposure to current debates and prominent scholars in political science. Undergraduate students can pursue honors tracks to deepen their research capabilities and produce a thesis under faculty supervision. The program’s interdisciplinary approach allows students to collaborate with departments such as history, economics, and international affairs, fostering a well-rounded academic experience. Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in public service, diplomacy, non-governmental organizations, political consulting, academia, and law. The university’s location in St. Louis provides a strategic vantage point for internships and research opportunities with local government agencies, community organizations, and policy think tanks. Overall, Washington University’s Political Science program aims to prepare students for active, informed citizenship and leadership roles in diverse spheres of political life.