Graduate programs

Wayne State’s political science and public administration graduate programs offer students the tools to understand and influence today’s complex political landscape. Students gain advanced research capabilities, sharpen analytical reasoning and refine their writing and communication skills—assets highly valued across various industries.

The curriculum emphasizes the study of political systems, public policy, global affairs and political theory. Students engage in rigorous coursework and research that prepares them to critically examine issues of power, governance and justice at local, national and international levels. Graduates pursue careers as policy analysts, legislative aides, government consultants and public affairs professionals. Others advance to doctoral programs or enter academia, nonprofit leadership or law. Whether working in public service or the private sector, political science graduates from Wayne State are equipped to lead, advocate and effect change.

Why pursue a graduate degree in political science or public administration at Wayne State?

Careers

• Seventy-five doctorates and many more master's degrees have been granted since the program began over 30 years ago.
• Our graduates are now working in government agencies, non-profit organizations, private-sector research firms, other private-sector jobs, as well as in academic settings.

Courses

• Graduate courses are taught by experienced, full-time faculty who are active scholars and effective teachers.
• Our graduate classes are small, often enrolling fewer than 15 students of a diverse and dynamic mix.
• In order to facilitate graduate study by both full-time and part-time students, graduate courses are almost exclusively offered in the late afternoon or evenings.

Scholarship

• Graduate students have opportunities to work closely with full-time faculty who are actively engaged in scholarship. Students often participate in professional conferences, research projects and scholarly publications.
• Students have access to the resources of a nationally ranked, graduate/professional research university.

Location

• WSU is located in the heart of the University Cultural Center of Detroit, Michigan. Its neighbors include the Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Historical Museum, Museum of African American History, Detroit Science Center, Fisher Theatre, Orchestra Hall and the Detroit Medical Center.
• The 180-acre campus and the nearby areas encompassing the Detroit Medical Center represent one of the safest urban locales in the state of Michigan. The university's record of safety compares favorably with other large universities in the country.

Contact 💬

If you would like to arrange an appointment to discuss the program and how it fits your academic and career goals, please contact our graduate directors:

• For M.A., Ph.D. and J.D. programs: gradpolisci@wayne.edu
• For the M.P.A. program: mpa@wayne.edu
• For the graduate certificate in nonprofit management: npm@wayne.edu