Careers
The Master of Arts in Policy Studies program provides students with a rich toolkit of skills and a vital network of relationships to enhance their future careers.
Whether you are finishing your undergraduate degree or advancing your professional path, MAPS offers an accessible, flexible, and powerful route to a career in public leadership. Many graduates also pursue doctoral and professional programs in policy, public health, and social sciences.
Students are encouraged to draw from their own strengths and experiences to develop a pathway unique to their passions and interests!
Professional Pathways
The M.A. in Policy Studies provides the professional competence essential to making substantive policy contributions, leading to a variety of career options within public, non-profit, and private sectors.
State, local, and
federal government
Nonprofit and advocacy organizations
Climate and
environmental policy
Education and
workforce policy
Urban and
regional planning
Research, strategy, and consulting roles
Environment and
sustainability initiatives
Public health and
community development
Human resources
and social work
Visit the links below to learn how MAPS alumni are engaging with particular sectors:
- Public service
- Community health
- Education policy
- Global development
- Human services
- Workforce development
Academic Pathways
The M.A. in Policy Studies can be an ideal way to prepare for doctoral programs because of its emphasis on liberal arts skills, such as critical thinking, research and analysis, writing and speaking, philosophical and ethical analysis, and historical and cultural understandings.
Graduates have gone onto doctoral programs in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Public Policy and Management, and Public Health. Those interested in further academic study may explore our quick guide to Ph.D. admissions.
Career Resources
The M.A. in Policy Studies program and the University of Washington Bothell offer multiple resources for your career development.
As part of the Policy Studies program, you will participate in BPOLST 509 Pro-seminar, a quarterly one-credit course which develops students’ professional competence in a number of areas essential to the field of policy work.
You also have the opportunity to explore work in different sectors through academic internships in community, nonprofit, government, private and/or philanthropic organizations.
UW Bothell Career Services offers workshops and personalized assistance in developing professional presentation skills, from resumes and cover letters, to informational interviewing and networking, to career planning.
Additional University of Washington career resources for graduate students include:
- Job and internship postings within the HandShake platform
- Exploring and Navigating Options for career exploration and professional development resources
- Academic Careers for strategies and tips on navigating the faculty job market
- Beyond Academia for information on the non-academic job and internship search process
Alumni Stories
Learn how the M.A. in Policy Studies program has contributed to the career success of our graduates.
Leadership in
the environment
Melissa (Schutten) Watkinson is an environmental justice leader, social scientist, and Diversity Equity & Inclusion Lead at Washington Sea Grant.
Leadership in
public health
Abigail Echo-Hawk is director of the Urban Indian Health Institute and executive vice-president and chief research officer for the Seattle Indian Health Board.
Leadership in
public administration
Shibuki Hanai is a risk management specialist for the City of Hillsboro. He focuses on continuity of operations planning, hazard mitigation, and emergency response.