UG
POLS 3105: Const Law II: Civil Lib & Civil Rights
3 credits
American legal and political freedoms; judicial policy making; criminal justice; civil rights.
Undergraduate
Political Science, B.A.
Understanding political actors and institutions, both domestic and international.
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
The Ray Mabus Department of Political Science in the College of Liberal Arts offers the B.A. in Political Science. Political Science is the systematic study of government institutions, elections, mass political behavior, and public policy. Our department is organized around three fields of study: American politics, Comparative politics, and International politics.
The department offers the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelors of Science (BS) in Political Science. To compare the degree programs:
- they have different general education foundations;
- the BA degree requires a minor field of study;
- the BS degree requires more political science courses; and
- the BS degree is a more technical and quantitative degree.
Political science majors can choose from four optional emphases:
- Campaigns and Elections
- Law and Courts
- International Conflict and Cooperation
- Politics of Developing Countries
Students may pursue the accelerated master's program, where they earn a B.A. and M.A. in political science in 5 years instead of 6 years, saving time and money. They may also pursue the accelerated law program, where they earn the undergraduate and law degrees in 6 years instead of 7 years.
The Value of a Political Science Degree
Political Science majors develop skills in analysis, problem-solving, argumentation, and persuasion. They learn to work with others towards a common goal, and communicate in a variety of settings. Analyzing data provides skills to understand and interpret trends in data – skills that are highly desirable to employers and prepares students for careers in a wide variety of fields. Despite our different paths, we share a love of politics and a desire to serve a larger purpose than ourselves.
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Program Information
Degree
B.A. in Political Science
Emphases
Campaigns and Elections ;
International Conflict and Cooperation ;
Law and Courts ;
Politics of Developing Countries
Required Credit Hours
120
Program Type
Major
Minor
Program Location
School
Duration
4 years
What are some courses you will take to earn a Political Science Bachelor's Degree?
Here are some of the classes you may take while earning your Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. See all Political Science courses.
UG
POLS 3503: Intl. Politics of Nuclear Weapons
3 credits
This course will introduce students to many important issues that surround nuclear weapons. The technical aspects of nuclear weapons, key political events of the nuclear age, reasons why states pursue the acquisition of nuclear weapons, international efforts to stop the spread of weapons of mass destruction, and issues of nuclear strategy.
UG
POLS 3106: Voting and Political Participation
3 credits
Explanations of voter turnout; sociological, psychological, and economic perspectives on voter behavior.
UG
POLS 3300: Politics of Latin America
3 credits
A comparative survey of Latin American democracies focusing on several key themes; political culture and participation, political groups, government structures and policy making.
UG
POLS 3501: Ethnic Conflict and International Terror
3 credits
A study of the sources, consequences of ethnic conflict and international terrorism.
UG
POLS 3109: Political Communication
3 credits
An examination of American political communication. The role of the media, speechwriters, politicians, and the public in developing and transmitting political symbols and rhetoric.
Earn both the B.A. and M.A. degrees in Political Science in 5 Years
The Accelerated B.A. and M.A. program offers undergraduates the opportunity to begin earning credit towards a graduate degree while they complete the final requirements for their undergraduate degree. This saves students time and money as they complete their advanced degree, and is a great way to prepare for law school and many career paths.
Undergraduate political science students can apply to the Accelerated Master's Degree program after completing 90 credit hours with a GPA of 3.0
Video: Get to Know the Ray Mabus Department of Political Science
Hear firsthand from students, faculty, and staff about the Political Science program.
Department Opportunities
Learn more about the opportunities to engage beyond the classroom and prepare for life after college. What are the resources for success at the university?
What Can You Do With a Political Science Degree?
- Director of Global Business Partnerships, American Express
- Journalist, Gannett News Service
- Platoon Commander, US Marine Corps
- Senator: Roger Wicker
- CEO, US Capitol Consulting
- Faculty, UNC-Chapel Hill
- Executive Director, MS Bar Association
- Chairman, Burson-Marsteller
- Senior Analyst, Exxon Mobil
- Personal Assistant to Queen Noor of Jordan
- Chief, Starkville Police
- President, MS Forum on Children & Families
- Associate Attorney, Baker Botts Law Firm
- Special Agents, DEA Treasury and FBI
- Staff, US House Armed Services Comm.
- Mississippi State Auditor
Welcome to the College of Liberal Arts
As Coordinator of Student Recruitment for the College of Liberal Arts, I work with students, and their parents, who are interested in attending UM for their undergraduate degrees. I coordinate personalized visits to our departments, answer questions about the majors and programs in the CLA and handle all recruitment communications from the CLA. Please feel free to send me any questions you may have. It is my job to make sure you have everything you need to make an informed decision on where to spend your college career, and I hope it will be with the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Mississippi!
Annabelle Harris
CLA Coordinator of Student Recruitment
Join Us in the College of Liberal Arts
We invite future undergraduates to learn about the College of Liberal Arts, the value of the liberal arts education, our programs, career opportunities, and resources to help you succeed. You can also request a personalized degree sheet.
Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Apply to the University of Mississippi
Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?