Political Science Graduate Studies | Social Sciences and Cultural Studies

Table of Contents

Program Description

Political science (POLS) is a versatile program that allows students to develop advanced knowledge of politics in the U.S. and abroad, in tandem with honing analytical thinking and effective communication. Fundamentally, politics science is the study of (institutional) power. Specifically, we examine how power is distributed in societies, how the distribution of power shapes government actions, and what the implications of government actions are, from the local (e.g., communities, such Silver City) to the global (e.g., military alliances, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization [NATO]). We emphasize pressing political challenges and “real-world” contemporary issues, such as the ever-evolving contours of constitutional rights (e.g., voting and reproductive), democratization, war & peace (e.g., Middle East conflicts), public policy (e.g., education curricula and funding), elections, civil unrest, and more. We offer courses in all subfields of political science, including American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.

The political science faculty at WNMU are particularly proud of our teaching and research strengths in formal institutions (e.g., American presidency), women/gender & politics (domestic and international), LGBTQIA+ issues, empirical research methods, environmental politics, political economy, and social movements. We work closely with political science graduate students as they navigate their way through their studies, helping them to develop and refine their own academic interests, to be applied in the classroom and beyond.

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course of study, students should

demonstrate advanced knowledge of political structures, processes, and policies in U.S. and global government/governance;
be able to apply advanced theoretical and empirical knowledge to explain real-world political developments and current political affairs; and
exhibit the ability to organize, conduct, and convey research/analyses in a manner consistent with professional/academic norms.

Political Science Graduate Degree Plan Options

Graduate Concentration in Political Science

Students have the option to earn an online Graduate Concentration in Political Science as part of the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS). The MAIS is a unique degree that allows students to pursue advanced study in multiple, interconnected disciplines of each student’s choosing. Students are required to complete a minimum of 36 credit hours in either two (2) or three (3) areas of study. Students work closely with a faculty mentor in each area. Courses are delivered asynchronously online. Our political science faculty stand ready and eager to assist as needed. For more information about the MAIS, visit https://interdisciplinary.wnmu.edu/master-of-arts-in-interdisciplinary-studies/.

Graduate Certificate in Political Science

Students also have the opportunity to earn an online Graduate Certificate in Political Science. The certificate can be completed in conjunction with a master’s degree or as a stand-alone credential. Students are required to complete a minimum of 18 credit hours of 500-level political science coursework. Students work closely with a faculty mentor in political science. Courses are delivered asynchronously online. Our political science faculty are more than happy to provide further guidance. For more information about graduate certificates, visit https://interdisciplinary.wnmu.edu/graduate-certificates/.

Political Science Graduate Courses

Political Science Graduate Courses

Why Pursue Graduate Training in Political Science?

Because both the MAIS POLS concentration and the POLS graduate certificate can be completed completely online, our degree plan options are ideally suited for students who require a flexible graduate program of study. Our program emphasizes connecting what we learn in the classroom to what is happening outside it, in terms of political challenges and contemporary issues. Our goal is to train students to be active, engaged, and informed participants who can not only understand the dynamic world around us, but who also are equipped to shape and influence it. As someone with advanced education in political science, you shall have deepened your understanding of political debates/conflicts/discussions, learned how to conduct rigorous analysis, and sharpened how to convey your knowledge clearly, thereby making you a more effective citizen.

We prepare students for advanced professional roles in local, state, and the federal governments, non-profit organizations, K-12 teaching, and even post-secondary teaching positions (e.g., community college). Moreover, students may even pursue continuing education, such as master’s degrees, doctoral studies, and/or law. Our graduate students grow from consumers of knowledge to producers of it.

Faculty Contacts

To help make your transition to political science graduate study at Western as smooth as possible, our political science professors stand ready to address any questions you may have. We encourage you to reach out without hesitation.

Dr. Joel Blaxland
Associate Professor of Political Science
Best way to contact Dr. Blaxland is by email: Joel.Blaxland@wnmu.edu
Office: Off-Campus