Graduate study in Political Science at West Virginia University is characterized by at least four special features: the focus on policy studies, small classes and personal attention from faculty, rigorous and nationally-recognized research methods training, and our Graduate-Faculty Colloquium.

One of the principal changes in the discipline of political science in recent times has been the increasing attention paid to the public policy process and policy problems. We vigorously pursue this trend by presenting a graduate curriculum that explores political life and political science from the perspective of public policy studies. We believe that such a perspective not only puts our graduates on the cutting edge of political science today, but it also trains them well for academic, government and private sector employment in a way that is relevant today and for the future. Therefore, an understanding of the political system through a focus on public policy motivates much of our curriculum.

Our graduate students enjoy the benefits of studying in small classes and gaining considerable personal attention from the faculty. Graduate courses typically have between six and twelve students. Each student chooses a faculty advisor to guide his or her studies personally. Students and faculty have often engaged in joint research, which has led to publications in the top journals in the discipline. Our faculty are approachable and eager to enhance your graduate education experience.

Our program is also characterized by an emphasis on research methods and quantitative analysis. One study reported that we ranked among the top 10 political science departments in the U.S. in the number of methods courses required of graduate students. This training allows WVU graduates to compete very effectively in the academic, governmental, and private sector job markets.

Finally, our Graduate-Faculty Colloquium series is one of the most important professional activities within the department. The colloquium consists of an on-going series of speakers, seminars, research presentations and workshops designed to encourage professional development and the lively exchange of ideas among graduate students and faculty. Presenters at colloquia include important political scientists and political actors from outside of WVU, members of the WVU faculty, and advanced Ph.D. students in the department.