MA in Policy Studies alumni work in a variety of policy settings, including public agencies, advocacy, research, nonprofit leadership, and corporations. Read what some of our graduates have to say about their experience in the program and the ways in which it influences their work.
Melinda Bocci, '06
Melinda Bocci had worked several years in the developmental disabilities sector when she decided to obtain a graduate degree in Policy Studies. Much of her work was driven by policy, and she knew a master's would enable her to effect systemic change within her field.
While in the Policy Studies program, pivotal disability legislation was being implemented in Washington State. Melinda chose to align her capstone research project with this new policy, which would allow all individuals with developmental disabilities between the ages of 21 and 62 the opportunity for gainful employment in their communities. Her capstone research highlighted the impact of this policy of on four stakeholder groups, and the credibility Melinda she built through this in-depth research project helped secure her current position with Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities.
Kristin Hallgren, '04
Kristin Hallgren was a high school civics teacher when she decided to pursue a graduate degree. At the time, she desired greater intellectual stimulation and a rigorous education which would enhance her teaching practice and ultimately, benefit her students.
The Policy Studies program provided Kristin with many opportunities to sharpen her critical thinking skills and understanding of policy and decision-making processes. It also exposed her to an array of professional pathways, and eventually, Kristin shifted her career into the field of program evaluation for education and early childhood programs. Now working as a Research Analyst for Mathematica Policy Research, she attributes much of the refinement of her skills to the training she received in the Policy Studies program.
Mike Hope, '06
Mike Hope currently serves as Washington State Representative of the 44th Legislative District. He is also a 10-year veteran of the Seattle Police Department, where he presently works street patrol. Prior to holding office, Mike served in the US Marine Corps Reserve from 1994-2001. Active in his community, Mike coaches track and wrestling for a local public high school, and in 2009, he received UW Bothell's Distinguished Alumni Award in honor of his professional achievements and civic engagement.
Mike chose the Policy Studies graduate program to hone his understanding of the policy-making process and to further prepare him for a career in public service.
Donna Ambrose, '03
Economic Development Manager
Snohomish County
"What I gained most from the program was a strong reinforcement of my research and professional presentation and writing skills. Having been in the policy field for a number of years, I know that the quality of these assets can make a big difference."
Hannah Baweja, '08
Environmental Planner
HDR
"The Policy Studies program prepared me to tackle dynamic, interdisciplinary policy problems, and the analysis skills I acquired have enriched my career in environmental policy. My current work on a large-scale, complex transportation project requires interaction with a diverse, group of stakeholders. Being able to analyze legislation, agency reports, and environmental regulations has made me a more effective planner."
Jennifer Clarke, '08
Licensee Program Manager
Fair Labor Association
"A benefit of the Policy Studies program is the range offocus among students. This allowed me to interact with others from varying fields of expertise, enabling me to build a more holistic foundation of industry knowledge through a range of policy arenas. I learned just as much from the expertise of classmates as I did from professors!"
Mark Hammond, '05
Social and Health Program Manager
WA State Department of Social and Health Services
"The Policy Studies program helped me to develop the analytic tools, and language, to consider multiple perspectives in the policy process. I learned that there are no easy policy decisions; if you find one, you're probably forgetting some important trade-offs. This is a great program for anyone wanting to develop rigorous research and analysis skills to engage in complex social problem solving."
Mollie Hughes, '03
Director of Parent Education
Break Through Parent Institute
"My Policy Studies education compelled me to influence court officials and social service advocates in the need for a parent curriculum which is framed in human rights theory, and to hold parent educators to higher standards. My skills are invaluable as I start a research project with a former Policy Studies student that will measure the quality and quantity of contact that parents in our program have with courts and social service systems before, during and after their participation in the 10-month extended parent education program."
Jeff Ketchel, '08
Health & Environmental Investigator III
King County Public Health
"I was at my mid-career moment, and I wanted a graduate program that would give me the tools I needed for the second half of my professional life. As a working adult I needed accessibility, and as a professional I needed the gravity of a serious program. The curriculum not only met these criteria, but was extremely relevant to my job in local government."
Mary Martin, '03
Resource Development Director
Habitat for Humanity of East King County
"I really value the education and preparation that the Policy Studies program program has equipped me with. I knew that I wanted to make a real difference in the lives of people in my community who really need it. My courses, faculty, and fellow students at the University of Washington's Policy Studies program have helped me become the agent of positive change that I dreamed of being."
Dean Olsen, '05
Social Science Analyst
Assigned to the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Department of State
"The memo writing that Professor Dolsak required is an essential skill to know. The most important ability of the Analyst is to absorb vast amounts of information, and then convey the most relevant points in no more than a one-page document. The Policy Studies degree was exactly the course of study the government desires to fill its current vacancies."
Candria Rauser, '03
Unemployment Insurance Legislative and Policy Research Analyst, UI Division
WA State Department of Employment Security
"Since Graduating from the Policy Studies program, I have had the opportunity to put many of the concepts and analytical tools to work. I have also had the opportunity to use valuable facilitation and presentation skills that were strengthened in the program."
Andi Smith, '05
Research Analyst
WA State House of Representatives, Higher Education Committee
"The neat thing about the UW Bothell campus is that it is still a relatively small, tight knit community, and you can make connections that take you places. This experience steered me into higher education policy, which is where I am now. It was a direct link to my career path."
Will Smith, '04
IT Business Analyst
Global Wireless by TMobile
"The Policy Studies curriculum drastically improved my analytic capabilities by introducing me to a wealth of tools and disciplines, particularly the application of statistical analyses to policy problems and thorough documentation of observations, results of tests, and the making of recommendations."
Teresa Tam, '08
Analyst
Government Accountability Office
"My Policy Studies education has helped me feel competent in my position at the Government Accountability Office from day one. I use what I learned in the program every day, whether it is determining the research design for a project, understanding statistical concepts, or simply being knowledgeable about the environment within which policy is made."
Diane Weber, '04
County Risk Manager
Snohomish County
"The Policy Studies program offers a skill set that crosses several disciplines. My current position has been enhanced by the skills I gained in the program, in particular collaboration and strategic planning. The ability to conceptualize what is perceived as a problem and then to recommend a plan that considers the variables associated with the concern is of paramount importance in my daily work."
View the complete list of our graduates' Capstone Projects.