University of Washington Bothell

Master of Arts in Policy Studies (MAPS)

The Master of Arts in Policy Studies (MAPS) reflects an innovative, integrated approach to the study of contemporary policy issues in local and global contexts and prepares students for policy-related analyst and leadership careers in public, private, and non-profit organizations. MAPS offers Fall Quarter admission and is a full-time program. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of skills, abilities, and fields of knowledge with the field experiences, applied research, learning opportunities, and professional skills essential for policy professionals and organizational leaders working in our complex, rapidly changing regional and global environments. Through evening class seminars, small group and on-line study, service learning, field research, internship options, and a capstone project, students will acquire the depth of knowledge, practical experiences, and sophisticated professional skills critical to their success as future leaders.


Faculty Profile

Faculty for the Master of Arts in Policy Studies includes faculty in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, Nursing, Education, Business, and Computing and Software Systems.

2004-2005 MAPS FACULTY COHORT

JoLynn Edwards, Ph.D., 1982, University of Washington; Art History, MAPS Administrator and IAS Director and Professor

Steve Collins, Ph.D., 1994, University of Virginia; government and foreign affairs, Associate Professor/IAS

Jane Decker, Ph.D., 1971, Washington University; political science; Interim Vice Chancellor, UWB, Professor/IAS

Nives Dolsak, Ph.D., 2000, Indiana University, Bloomington; public and environmental affairs and political science, Assistant Professor

Diane Gillespie, Ph.D., 1982, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; educational psychology & social foundations, Professor/IAS (on leave 2006 - 2007)

Martha Groom, Ph.D., 1995, University of Washington; zoology, Associate Professor/IAS

Cinnamon Hillyard, Ph.D., 1999, Utah State University; applied mathematics, Affiliate faculty

Dan Jacoby, Ph.D., 1986, University of Washington; economics, Professor/IAS

Bruce Kochis, Ph.D., 1979, University of Michigan; Slavic languages and literature, Assistant Professor

Anne Peterson, Ph.D., 2002, Washington University; political science, Assistant Professor (on leave 2006 - 2007)

David Stokes, Ph.D., 1994, University of Washington, Zoology, Associate Professor

Elizabeth Thomas, Ph.D., 1998, University of Illinois, Psychology, Assistant Professor



Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Master of Arts in Policy Studies, students must provide evidence of their ability to do sustained, high-quality graduate-level work. The Admissions Committee will examine the following components of the student's application:

  1. A letter of application to MAPS describing relevant background and articulating goals in seeking a MAPS degree;
  2. A current resume;
  3. An Application for Admission to the Graduate School;
  4. Three letters of reference, including at least two from faculty familiar with the applicant's ability to do the graduate-level work required for MAPS;
  5. Scores on the Graduate Record Exam;
  6. An individual academic essay demonstrating the applicant's critical thinking and writing skills;
  7. Official transcripts from all prior academic work;
  8. Any additional documentation of academic and professional accomplishments relevant for consideration by the MAPS Admissions Committee.

Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree at an accredited post-secondary institution, or its foreign equivalent, and achieved an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 in their last 90-quarter (or 60-semester) credits of work. While no specific courses are absolutely required, the Admissions Committee will look at the prior academic record of the applicant for readiness to use quantitative and qualitative methods of research, micro- and macro-economic analysis, political analysis, sociological research, and ethical reasoning. Applicants should have demonstrated strengths in academic and professional writing, oral communication, and information and computer literacy. In case of deficiencies, applicants may be asked to demonstrate aptitude prior to admission or take additional preparatory coursework.

Students are admitted as a cohort commencing in Autumn Quarter. The priority deadline for application is March 1. The final deadline is July 1.

Copyright © 1994-2006. University of Washington Bothell
Updated: 2006-11-20 13:08:00