Program assessments
Bachelor of arts (B.A.) in political science
The study of political science is focused on understanding the nature and problems of government and the role of politics in contemporary society. This is accomplished through systematic exploration of the structure and processes of government at different levels and across nations, through study of individual and collective political behavior, and through analyses of policy problems and the processes through which public policies are formulated and administered. Political science contributes to the goals of general education by promoting civic literacy and cultivating an awareness of the opportunities and obligations of citizenship at local, state, and national levels.
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Bachelor of public affairs (B.P.A.)
The B.P.A. prepares qualified students for professional and technical careers in the public service or for advanced study in public affairs and administration, the social sciences and related disciplines. The program is a structured professional curriculum that builds on the foundation of a general liberal arts education. The curriculum incorporates fundamentals of social science theory and applications of that theory to public management and policy analysis. The B.P.A. provides students with skills needed for working in city, county, state and national government, in other public and non-profit agencies, and in positions in private enterprise that deal with governmental relations.
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Master of arts (M.A.) in political science
The M.A. program is designed for students who have completed an undergraduate degree and wish to continue their education in Political Science. Our M.A. students have the opportunity to specialize in one of six subfields of study: American government and politics, comparative politics, political theory, public policy, urban politics, or world politics. Students in the M.A. program also gain advanced analytic and methodological skills. The M.A. program prepares students for doctoral study upon completion of the degree, and for careers in government, policy advocacy and the non-profit sector.
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Master of public administration (M.P.A.)
The mission of the M.P.A. program at Wayne State University is to provide superior graduate education to students aspiring to or committed to public service careers. To that end, the program provides an academically rigorous, political science-based curriculum relevant to public policy and public management. The program serves a select group of academically capable pre-service and in-service students and is an integral part of a major urban university that affords unique opportunities for public affairs research and public service.
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Doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in political science
The Ph.D. program in political science prepares students with a strong intellectual interest in political science for careers in academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations and private-sector research firms. The doctoral degree in political science indicates not only the achievement of superior knowledge of the major theoretical approaches, research findings, and debates in the discipline but also the ability to initiate, design and carry out independent research. We offer preparation in seven subfields of study: American government and politics, comparative politics, political theory, public administration, public policy, urban politics, and world politics. Our Ph.D. students specialize in one major and two minor fields.
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