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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. 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

Bruce Burgett, Ph.D., 1993, University of California/Berkeley, English; Interim Director of IAS

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

Jane Decker, Ph.D., 1971, Washington University; political science; Professor/IAS

Nives Dolšak, 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

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

Cinnamon Hillyard, Ph.D., 1999, Utah State University; applied mathematics, Assistant Professor/IAS

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

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

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

Admission Requirements

The MAPS Admissions Committee will determine the applicant's overall qualifications and readiness to do rigorous graduate level work by making a full review of his or her application materials. Please submit items 1 and 2 online and items 3 through 8 to:

Admissions Committee
Master of Arts in Policy Studies (MAPS)
Box 358511
University of Washington Bothell
Bothell, WA 98011

1.       [ONLINE] An application to the Graduate School and $45 application fee. Apply online: www.grad.washington.edu/admissions/application

2.       [ONLINE] Three letters of reference, including two from faculty who can discuss your academic ability.  Once you begin the on-line application in step 1, type in the three referents' names and email addresses.  Once you submit the names, your referents will receive an email directing them to the website used for uploading or copy-and-pasting the recommendations.  After they have submitted the recommendation, you will receive an email stating that the recommendation process has been completed.  You can monitor the status of each recommendation on the application web site.

3.       A current resume

4.       A letter of application to MAPS describing relevant background and articulating goals in seeking a MAPS degree

5.       Scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

6.       An individual academic essay demonstrating your academic research ability, critical thinking skills and writing proficiency

7.       All official transcripts, from prior academic work

8.       Any additional documentation relevant for consideration by the MAPS Admissions Committee (optional)

NOTE: Applicants are encouraged to complete step 1 before completing the remaining steps. For more information contact Andrew Brusletten at 425-352-5427 or maps@uwb.edu

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

Course Sequence

MAPS students enter the program in autumn of each year. They have a choice of pursuing the two-year full time program or the three-year part time program.

Core courses are offered as seminars that meet once a week. These seminars are combined with on-line and/or individual and small group discussions, workshops, case studies and analytical projects as well as field experiences, service learning and applied research opportunities. The MAPS course of study culminates with a Capstone Project based either upon a policy-related internship experience or an applied field research project.