What you will study
Regardless of which area you specialize in, you will gain a broad, liberal arts education
in writing, problem solving, critical thinking and more. The University of Central
Missouri’s Political Science Bachelor of Arts program is designed to develop your
analytical, communication, leadership and problem-solving skills while building your
understanding of core concepts, theories and ideologies in political science. This
combination strengthens your global view while preparing you to succeed in jobs for
Poli Sci majors.
With a wide variety of electives to choose from, you can enhance your Political Science
major coursework by exploring additional topics that you’re interested in. These are
just a few of the many electives you could take:
- Campaigns, Elections, Political Parties and Interest Groups
- Democracy and Authoritarianism
- Globalization and International Organizations
- The Powers and Responsibilities of the President
- War, Political Violence and Terrorism
In your upper-level classes, you’ll enjoy robust discussions, hands-on activities
and personalized attention in smaller groups of 15–20 Political Science majors. This
can enhance your learning experience, bring forth your strengths and help you stand
out.
UCM’s Political Science BA program courses are taught by award-winning, tenured faculty
who are experts in their fields. Their teaching and research interest areas range
from American law, legislative politics, voter behavior and security issues to globalization,
international development, Middle Eastern politics and international relations. Beyond
classroom instruction, they mentor and guide Poli Sci majors to help you choose your
subfield, explore political science pre-law school opportunities, define your career
path and more.
Unique learning opportunities in political science
While earning your Political Science BA degree, you can gain real-world experience
and apply knowledge you learn in the classroom in a variety of ways. These are just
a few examples:
- Internships: Complete an internship for course credit. UCM’s Political Science Bachelor of Arts
degree program offers opportunities in Johnson County, throughout Missouri and across
the country to gain work and life experience. In the past, Political Science majors
have been placed in internships at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, nonprofit
organizations like Global FC, City Hall in Warrensburg and the International Relations
Council of Kansas City.
- Study abroad: Public policies and political behavior impact countries and cultures. Observe this
first-hand by joining a 1–2 week-long service-learning trip or studying abroad for
a few weeks, a summer or a full semester. As a Political Science major, you could
travel to, for example, Cuba, Israel, Jordan, Peru or Tanzania. UCM is one of few
universities in the country that offer scholarships and grants to students studying
abroad, including undergraduate students in the Political Science Bachelor of Arts
program.
- Student activities: Gain additional opportunities for hands-on learning and job experience through student
clubs, organizations and special events. For example, join Model United Nations to
build teamwork and leadership skills. Our Model UN team travels and competes in diplomatic
simulations with undergraduate students from other colleges and universities in Missouri
and across the Midwest. Political science pre-law opportunities include mock trial.
100% of our UCM Mock Trial team members at the University of Central Missouri have
been accepted to law school.
What can you do with a degree in Political Science?
The Political Science Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Central Missouri
can lead you to an entry-level job right out of college or prepare you for grad or
law school. Poli Sci majors have been accepted into graduate programs at University
of Missouri, University of Missouri-Kansas City and Georgetown University, among others.
Our undergraduate students often choose to go down the political science pre-law path,
but jobs for Poli Sci majors can also include education, government, public service,
private and nonprofit sectors and more. Some even start their own businesses.
We have alumni throughout St. Louis; Kansas City; Columbia; Washington, D.C.; New
York and beyond. These are just a few examples of where they’re impacting communities
and influencing public policies:
- ACLU
- Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
- Missouri Army National Guard
- Missouri State Legislature
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- The Educated Citizen Project
- Voter Integrity Project
- Water.org
A variety of career options from one versatile degree
Explore the future possibilities with a Political Science BA using the interactive
tool below. You’ll gain insights on salary potential, job titles, career fields and
more — in Missouri and throughout the United States.
Financial assistance options for your Political Science Bachelor of Arts
From federal grants and scholarships to university-wide financial aid, you have many
options for financing your education at the University of Central Missouri.
In addition to merit-based and general need scholarships, you may qualify for several
scholarships specifically for students in UCM’s Political Science BA program. These
include:
- Joseph E. Kallenbach Scholarship
- Political Science & International Studies Scholarship
- Robert A. and Edith M. Young Scholarship
- Simon E. Maxwell Scholarship
Meet Tomei P.
BA Political Science ’18
“The Political Science Bachelor of Arts program at UCM helped me reach law school
and find my area of emphasis. The UCM 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 degree program provided me with a multi-faceted
education that helped me grow well beyond what I thought was possible.”
UCM Mock Trial Team Nationally Ranked
Excellent political science pre-law experience
The UCM Mock Trial team is one of the best in the Midwest. Mock trial is a role-playing
competition in which students — playing the role of prosecuting and defense attorneys
— are evaluated by real judges and attorneys on their command of case law and trial
procedures. 100% of UCM’s Mock Trial team has been accepted to law school.
Meet Noelle B.
BA Political Science ’18
“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. With the unconditional
support and invaluable resources provided by the professors within the Poli Sci degree
program, I was motivated to pursue a goal I never imagined actually achieving: a Fulbright
grant to teach in Mexico.”
Immersive, High-impact Learning Experiences
UCM Mock Trial and Model U.N. Room
The University of Central Missouri is home to a state-of-the-art civic engagement
classroom that can be staged for a mock U.N. Security Council or mock courtroom. As
a Political Science major, you’ll have opportunities through class activities and
team practices to gain hands-on experience in real-world professional settings to
prepare for your future career.
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