Combined BA in Political Science/MPS in Legislative Affairs
For political science majors interested in careers in legislative affairs and politics, the Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Legislative Affairs is a practical extension of the undergraduate political science program.
The dual BA/MPS is offered through the Department of Political Science and the Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) and allows students to complete both degrees in a shorter time by double-counting three legislative affairs courses.
Questions? Contact the advisor for this combined program.
How to Apply
Once students have completed 60 undergraduate credits, they may proceed with the official GSPM application process. GRE scores are not required. The application materials must include:
- 3.3 GPA in all GW coursework.
- Personal statement: In an essay of roughly 250-500 words, please explain why you are interested in pursuing the five-year option and why you should be considered for admission. Among the issues you should address are these: What intellectual issues in political science do you find intriguing? Why are you interested in graduate studies in the field? What special skills and knowledge can you contribute to the graduate program?
- Two letters of recommendation from Political Science Department faculty, to be submitted through the online application.
GSPM Application Deadlines
Students must apply to the MPS program in the last semester of undergraduate coursework.
- Fall admission: June 15
- Spring admission: November 15
- Summer admission: April 15
Double-Counted Courses
Students must choose three of four specific legislative affairs courses to be double-counted for both undergraduate and graduate program credit:
- LGAF 6201 Politics and Public Policy
- LGAF 6202 Legislative Politics
- LGAF 6203 Executive Legislative Relations
- LGAF 6204 Research Methods
These courses will count for three of the four upper-level elective courses required for the political science major and may be taken during the second semester of junior year and throughout the senior year.
Course Requirements
All requirements for both the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and the Master of Professional Studies in Legislative Affairs degrees must be fulfilled.