This application information is presented in FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) format. Scan the questions to find a topic you are interested in. If you still have questions, contact the IAS Graduate Office.
I do not have a professor to use as a reference because I've been out of school for a long time and/or because I schooled in another country. What do I do?
You can request letters of reference from professional or other sources, but you should mention that you are making this substitution in a separate statement to the Admissions Committee.
Are classes offered in the evening?
Yes. Our programs are structured to serve non-traditional students, including working professionals. Consequently, all graduate classes on the UW Bothell campus meet twice a week, after 5 p.m. Occasionally professors schedule workshops during the day on the weekend, and give students ample notice.
Are there online classes?
No. At this time all classes are classroom-based.
Is funding assistance available?
Applicants to the University of Washington should use the FAFSA to apply for financial aid. Apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Contact the UW Bothell Financial AIS Office at diyall@uwb.edu or 425.352.5326 for more information. A limited number of scholarships may be available to incoming students. See the funding page for details.
I can't come to an information session. Can I speak with someone about the program some other way?
Yes. We are available to meet with you by appointment in the IAS Graduate Office. We can also speak with you over the phone. Contact us at 425.352.3406.
Are there special application requirements for International students?
Yes. More information can be found here.
Can I work while enrolled in the program?
Yes. Policy Studies and Cultural Studies are evening programs that cater to working professionals. Because the programs are rigorous, it is beneficial to have the ability to adjust your work schedule to allow more focus on your studies during periods when your academic workload intensifies.
Are there internships available through the program?
Yes, students may engage in internships and receive elective credit for them. Internships are encouraged, and our External Relations Coordinator can help facilitate a search for these positions. The IAS Graduate Office also circulates a monthly e-newsletter which contains a list of current job and internship opportunities in the greater Seattle area. In some cases, an internship can provide the basis for directed research or data gathering in conjunction with the Capstone project.
Can I take classes at the UW in Seattle?
Yes, if you have the approval of a faculty advisor.
Does the program admit during winter, spring, and summer quarters?
No. Because Policy Studies and Cultural Studies are designed on a cohort model, students are only admitted in fall quarter. Students interested in taking Policy Studies or Cultural Studies electives in Graduate Non-matriculated status before their program begins should contact the IAS Graduate Office.
I have graduate credits from another program. If I apply and am admitted, are the credits transferable?
Up to 6 graduate credits may transfer from a non-UW accredited degree program. The IAS Graduate Program Manager and the Admissions Committee will make the determination about how many credits, if any, can be applied to the degree.
How do I get to the UW Bothell?
Directions are available on the UWB web site.
Is a degree from UW Bothell a University of Washington degree?
Yes. The University of Washington is a three-campus university with campuses in Bothell, Seattle, and Tacoma.
Where can I find more information about the programs?
If you would like more information about the Policy Studies or Cultural Studies program, you should read all the information on the web site, contact our office, and attend an information session.
Can I do the program part-time?
Yes. There is the option of extending the program to three full years, including summer quarters. Contact the IAS Graduate Office for details: 425.352.3406.
What is the difference between the Policy Studies program and an MPA program such as the one offered at the Evans School?
Although a Policy Studies degree and an MPA may overlap in some areas of content or focus, there are some basic differences. Because the MA in Policy Studies is part of the Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences department, it develops the skills that are considered to be at the heart of liberal arts education, including critical thinking, research and analysis, writing and speaking, philosophical and ethical analysis, and historical and cultural understanding. Students in the program draw from multiple disciplines, from Political Science and Economics to Sociology, Psychology, and Philosophy. Traditional MPA programs may focus more on building discrete skills in areas such as budgeting, management, or forecasting, and each course typically focuses on a single area. Because of its interdisciplinary approach, the Policy Studies program incorporates the learning of these and other skills within each class. In addition, because the Policy Studies program is a Master of Arts degree, it places emphasis on building a strong theoretical basis for policy research, whereas an MPA program may emphasize public administration. The academic aspect of the MA in Policy Studies also makes it an ideal springboard for further work at the doctoral level.
What types of jobs can I get with a Policy Studies degree?
Policy Studies alumni are currently working a variety of policy-related positions in non-profit organizations, public agencies, and private corporations. In the non-profit sector, positions include: Program Manager, Executive Director, Government Affairs Officer, and Outreach Coordinator. In the public sector, positions include: Legislative Analyst, Policy Analyst, Policy Researcher, Transportation Planner, and Budget Analyst. Please see the Alumni section of the Policy Studies web site for more information.
Are there required summer classes in the Policy Studies program?
No. There are not required classes during the summer, but students have the option of taking electives or conducting directed research with faculty supervision.
What are the application deadlines?
The priority application deadline is March 1. Applicants who submit their applications by this date will receive first consideration. The final deadline is June 1.
How much is tuition?
Full-time quarterly tuition including the Services and Activities Fee and the Technology Fee for the Policy Studies program is currently $3,704 for Washington residents and $8,150 for non-residents.
Full-time yearly tuition (autumn, winter, and spring quarters combined) including fees is $11,110 for Washington residents and $24,450 for non-residents.
Complete tuition information is available on the University of Washington tuition page.
What criteria do you use when evaluating prospective students?
The Admissions Committee considers several criteria, including professional goals, writing ability, previous academic experience and performance, work history, official GRE scores, the applicant's academic strengths and weaknesses, and the overall likelihood to succeed in the program.
Do I need to have a specific undergraduate degree to be considered for the Policy Studies program?
No. Students who hold a bachelor's degree in any undergraduate discipline are encouraged to apply. However, coursework in Political science, Economics, Statistics, Sociology, Psychology, or Philosophy strengthens a prospective student's application.
What is the minimum GRE score required for consideration?
There is no minimum GRE score required for consideration, but Verbal and Analytical Reasoning scores of 500 or higher are considered competitive. The GRE can be taken more than once, and the highest score is used.
How many students are admitted to the Policy Studies program each year?
The Policy Studies program generally admits 20 students for each cohort.