Breadcrumb
Political Science BA
Political Science
Bachelor of Arts
Preparing Students for 21st Century Careers
A Bachelor of Arts in Political Science will help you develop the communication, analytical, leadership, and problem-solving skills to succeed in the classroom and on the job market. A Political Science degree prepares students for a wide range of careers in public service, the private and non-profit sectors, law, education, and more. Political Science majors specialize in one of four subfields--American Politics, Law and Theory, Comparative Politics, and International Relations--and take courses on a range of topics, including:
Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
Globalization and International Organizations
Law and the Courts
War, Political Violence, and Terrorism
Campaigns, Elections, Political Parties, and Interest Groups
Refugees, Migrants, and Trafficking
The Powers and Responsibilities of the President
Global Economics and International Development
Democracy and Authoritarianism
Resources for Current and Prospective Students
The Perfect Major for Students who want to go to Law School
The UCM Political Science program is the perfect choice for those students who want to attend Law School after graduating. The program offers a variety of law courses, including American Constitutional Law, Public Law, Civil Liberties and Civil Rights, Trial Advocacy, and more. Students can also join UCM's nationally-ranked Mock Trial Team, one of the top teams in the Midwest. And UCM's new "3+3" agreement with the University of Missouri allows students to graduate from UCM and complete law school at the University of Missouri in just six years.
Hone your Leadership Skills by Joining Model UN
Join the Model United Nations student organization to learn about the United Nations and travel to conferences in places like Chicago and St. Louis to compete in diplomatic simulations. Students who join Model United Nations gain the leadership and teamwork skills that employers want.
Gain Real-World Experience with an Internship
Internships are a great way to gain knowledge and experience beyond the classroom. Political Science students have an opportunity to intern in places such as the Missouri State Capitol and the International Relations Council of Kansas City among other organizations. An internship at UCM gives students the real-world experience that employers want.
Explore the World with Study Abroad
UCM Political Science students have an opportunity to study abroad all over the world. Political Science faculty lead annual study abroad programs to places such as Cuba, Tanzania, Jordan, and Israel. Students can study abroad for a summer, semester, or even just a couple of weeks. All students are eligible for grants that make study abroad opportunities affordable and accessible.
Set yourself apart with a Minor
Whether you are interested in American politics, law, or international relations, we offer a variety of minors that will make you competitive on the job market by helping you develop a specialized area of expertise. While Political Science students pursue many different minors, some popular options include:
Award-Winning Faculty
The faculty members in the Political Science program are committed professors in the classroom, as well as experts in their fields. The Political Science faculty have published highly-regarded research on such topics as the Supreme Court, state government and elections, European Politics, international development, Middle Eastern politics, Asian politics, and more. And our small class sizes mean that you get to work one-on-one with your professors in all of your classes.
Click here to Learn more about the Political Science Faculty
Alumni and Friends of Political Science: We Want to Hear from You!
We are proud of our many alumni, who go on to achieve great things and find rewarding careers after graduation. Check out what some of our recent alumni have been up to below. And please, if you are an alumnus of the Political Science program, we would love to hear what you have been up to, as well as talk to you about how you can stay involved with Political Science.
Contact the Political Science Program Coordinator
Tomei P.
“The Political Science program at UCM helped me reach law school and find my area of emphasis. The law classes gave me a solid introduction to legal concepts that helped convince me to go to law school, the Mock Trial Team gave me invaluable practical experience, and the Middle East Beyond the Headlines study tour inspired me to explore immigration law. The Political Science program provided me with a multi-faceted education that helped me grow well beyond what I thought was possible. “
Noelle B.
"I was one of many students who took advantage of the unique study abroad opportunities offered by the department including trips to Cuba, Jordan, and Israel. These study abroad trips along with the unconditional support and invaluable resources provided by the professors within the Political Science/International Studies program motivated me to pursue a goal I never imagined actually achieving: a Fulbright grant to teach in Mexico."
Luis D,
“The UCM Political Science program presented me with unique opportunities during my four-year tenure, including experience in the Missouri State Senate. My professors encouraged debate of diverse opinions and taught me how to successfully defend my own – which has helped shape my experience in the current political climate I encounter working in Washington, DC. “
Contact
Dr. Michael Makara
Associate Professor, Political Science
203 Wood Hall
Tel: (660)543-8321
