Program Curriculum

Course Sequence

 

Autumn Quarter

Winter Quarter

Spring Quarter

Year One

BPOLST 500 Policy Process (5)

Policy Elective (5)

BPOLST 502 Statistics for Policy Studies (5)

Policy Elective (5)

BPOLST 501 Public Finance and Budgeting (5)

BPOLST 503 Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation (5)

Year Two

BPOLST 506 Capstone Research (5)

Policy Elective (5)

BPOLST 504 Management and Organizations (5)

Policy Elective (5)

BPOLST 505 Leadership and Organizations (5)

BPOLST 508 Capstone Project (5)

Go to the Time Schedule page for current course offerings.

Our Curriculum

The curriculum of the MA in Policy Studies 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. It is founded on the belief that students attain their highest levels of understanding and proficiency when combining practice with theory and connecting classroom and real life environments.

Through class seminars, small group collaboration, field research, internships, and a capstone project, students acquire the depth of knowledge, practical experiences, and professional skills that position them for success in the world of policy.

Policy Studies students enter the program as a cohort in autumn of each year. 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 course of study culminates with a Capstone Project.

Credits Distribution

 20 elective credits, 10 capstone credits, and 30 required course credits

Elective Credits

Students wishing to receive Policy Studies elective credit for courses taken in other departments (either at UW Bothell or UW Seattle) must fill out a Request for Outside Coursework form and obtain faculty approval.

Beginning with the 2010-12 cohort, the Policy Studies program requires that students complete at least 10 of their 20 elective credits in BPOLST courses, excluding BPOLST 520: Policy Internship and BPOLST 598: Directed Research

 

 

Summer Quarter

Students in summer quarter have the option of pursuing directed research, enrolling in policy electives, engaging in an internship or a field research project, or studying abroad.