Welcome to Political Science

We offer undergraduate degrees in Political Science, Political Science/Social Studies, and Economics/Political Science, as well as a Political Science minor. Whether you are exploring the major, ready to declare, or looking for advising support, you are in the right place.

Shirin Deylami

Incoming Department Chair

Shirin Deylami, PhD | Political Science Professor
Contact:
ESteele

Department Manager

Erica Steele | Political Science Department Manager
Contact:
jessie tanksley

Academic Advising

Jessie Tanksley, PhD | Political Science Academic Advisor
Contact:
Schedule an Appointment

Check out these upcoming courses...

Fall 2026 Highlights

Looking to fill your schedule? These courses have seats available and are worth a look.

202640 PLSC 399
Politics of Democratization
202640 PLSC 453
202640 PLSC 453 text
202640 PLSC 370
370 text

Welcome to the Political Science Department!

Graphic for the Political Science Department featuring a statue in a lecture hall on the left and department information on the right. Text reads: ‘Political Science Department Office Hours, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday – Friday.’ The graphic also includes a QR code for scheduling an advising appointment and contact information for the department.

You can reach us at politicalscience@wwu.edu; for phone assistance, call 360-650-3469.

Students wishing to declare the Political Science major/minor or needing advising support should contact Program Coordinator Jessie Tanksley at paynej9@wwu.edu. You can also find great information about programs and opportunities under this website's “Students” section.

Large group of students gathered behind "Cape of Good Hope" sign
Students presenting at 2023 PSA Conference

Join us on Social Media!

Did you know that the Political Science Department has new Facebook & Instagram pages?

Join us on Social Media to learn more about exciting events, courses, internships, and opportunities from the Political Science Department!

gears with engraved words Political Science
Students at 2024 Day on the Hill Event
group of PSA club students

Why Political Science?

A Political Science degree prepares you for careers in law, government, business, nonprofit work, and beyond. Our program covers four core areas -- American Politics and Public Policy, Political Theory, International Relations, and Comparative Politics -- and we offer several degree paths including a BA in Political Science and combined degrees with Social Studies and Economics.

Explore our career ideas page to see where a Political Science degree can take you.