Careers

The Master of Arts in Policy Studies program provides students with a rich toolkit of skills and vital network of relationships to enhance their future careers. Students are encouraged to draw from their own strengths and experiences to develop a pathway unique to their passions and interests.

Alumni Stories

Learn how the M.A. in Policy Studies program has contributed to the career success of our graduates.

Melissa (Schutten) Watkinson is an environmental justice leader, social scientist, and Diversity Equity & Inclusion Lead at Washington Sea Grant. Learn about Melissa.

Abigail Echo-Hawk is director of the Urban Indian Health Institute and executive vice-president and chief research officer for the Seattle Indian Health Board. Learn about Abigail.

Shibuki Hanai is a risk management specialist for the City of Hillsboro. He focuses on continuity of operations planning and emergency response. Learn about Shibuki.

Read more Alumni Stories

Organizational Pathways

The M.A. in Policy Studies provides the professional competence essential to making substantive policy contributions, leading to a variety of career options within public, non-profit, and private sectors. Visit the links below to learn how alumni are engaging with particular fields.

Academic Pathways

Other graduates go on to complete further graduate education. The M.A. in Policy Studies can be an ideal way to prepare for doctoral programs because of its emphasis on liberal arts skills, such as critical thinking, research and analysis, writing and speaking, philosophical and ethical analysis, and historical and cultural understandings. Graduates have gone onto doctoral programs in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Public Policy and Management, and Public Health. Those interested in further academic study may explore Applying to Ph.D. Programs and the conference and association resources under Research Opportunities.

Career Resources

The M.A. in Policy Studies program and the University of Washington Bothell offer multiple resources for your career development.

As part of the Policy Studies program, you will participate in BPOLST 509 Pro-seminar, a quarterly one-credit course which develops students’ professional competence in a number of areas essential to the field of policy work.

You also have the opportunity to explore work in different sectors through academic internships in community, nonprofit, government, private and/or philanthropic organizations.

UW Bothell Career Services offers workshops and personalized assistance in developing professional presentation skills, from resumes and cover letters, to informational interviewing and networking, to career planning.

Additional University of Washington career resources for graduate students include: