What you will study
Regardless of what your major is, a Political Science minor can complement your bachelor’s
degree to expand and deepen your knowledge in one of four subfields of political science:
- American Politics, Public Law and Theory: If you’re interested in a career in government, public service or law, this subfield
of political science is a great option. Poli Sci majors will learn the fundamentals
of the U.S. political system, Constitutional law, civil liberties and civil rights,
as well as political institutions, political parties, political ideologies and public
policy.
- International and Regional Politics: If you’re interested in a career in government and international affairs, this subfield
allows you to dive deep into key political dynamics across the globe, including regions
such as Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Poli Sci majors
explore the complex politics between countries and international institutions while
addressing global concerns, from climate change and globalization to human rights
and security issues.
UCM’s Political Science program courses are taught by award-winning, tenured faculty
who actively conduct and publish research in their respective fields. Outside the
classroom, they guide and mentor undergraduate students in choosing coursework that
meets their goals, preparing for law school, identifying Political Science minor jobs
and more. With their expertise in everything from voter behavior and legislative politics
to Middle Eastern politics and international development, you’re bound to find a shared
interest area. They might even convince you the four-year Political Science Bachelor
of Science or Arts is right for you.
Unique learning opportunities in political science
In addition to all of the benefits offered by your bachelor’s degree program, you’ll
gain real-world experience and apply knowledge you learn in the classroom in a variety
of ways such as:
- Internships: Complete an internship for course credit, even in UCM’s Political Science minor program.
We can help you find a placement in Johnson County, elsewhere in Missouri or across
the country. For example, our Poli Sci minors have worked at City Hall in Warrensburg,
the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, the nonprofit organization Global FC
and the International Relations Council of Kansas City.
- Study abroad: Travel to other countries and gain a first-hand view of the impact public policies
and political behavior have on other societies and cultures. Opportunities to study
abroad or participate in service learning include trips to Cuba, Peru, Tanzania, Israel
and Jordan. You can study abroad for just a few weeks, a whole summer or the entire
semester. One of few universities in the country that offer study abroad grants and
scholarships, UCM has opportunities even for Political Science minors to apply.
- Student activities: From Model U.N. to UCM Mock Trial, student organizations, clubs and special events
offer additional hands-on learning opportunities to gain leadership and teamwork skills.
The UCM Model U.N. team travels to St. Louis and around the Midwest to compete against
undergraduate students from other universities and colleges in diplomatic simulations.
UCM Mock Trial may be particularly interesting if you’re planning to become a lawyer.
100% of the UCM Mock Trial team members have been accepted to law school.
What can you do with a minor in Political Science?
Combining a major and a minor can multiply your career opportunities in both fields.
Political Science minor jobs are similar to those available with a Political Science
bachelor’s degree, including education, government, law, private and nonprofit sectors,
public service and more. As a good minor for Criminal Justice majors, Political Science
minor jobs could also include working for community agencies, youth and family services
and probation and parole departments. Start an entry-level job right out of college
or, especially with public service degrees, prepare for law or grad school.
Add a Political Science minor, increase your career options
Explore political science career fields, job titles, income-earning potential and
more — in Missouri and throughout the United States — using the interactive tool below.
Financial assistance options for your Political Science minor
As an undergraduate student at the University of Central Missouri, you have many options
for financing your education. You may qualify for:
- Federal grants and scholarships
- General need and merit-based scholarships
- Program scholarships in your major program of study
Meet Zach C.
Political Science Minor ’22
“The Political Science program has thoroughly prepared me for law school and allowed
me to explore areas of law that interest me the most. Organizations such as the Model
United Nations and Mock Trial teams have provided access to learning experiences both
in and out of the classroom. The array of courses have allowed me to feel informed
and experienced enough to take on the upcoming challenges of law school and my career.”
Nationally Ranked Mock Trial Team
One of the best mock trial teams in the Midwest
Join the UCM Mock Trial team to gain experience in law and government — especially
valuable for public service degrees. Team members compete against other college students
in role-playing scenarios as prosecuting and defense attorneys while real-life judges
and attorneys evaluate their command of case law and trial procedures. 100% of the
UCM Mock Trial team members have been accepted to law school.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Model U.N. and Mock Trial Room
Our new civic engagement classroom offers a more immersive, high-impact learning experience
right on campus. As a Political Science minor, you could take classes and attend UCM
Mock Trial team practices in this state-of-the-art facility that can be set up for
a mock U.N. Security Council or a mock courtroom.
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