Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Analyze political institutions and behavior.
"Political Science is so much broader than you think. There are students who want to work in policy, students who pre-law looking at working in corporate law/international law/etc, and those like me who want to work internationally in politics. Understanding that there are so many niche areas of study and not limiting yourself to a larger group will really help you find a passion in your studies."
Carson Webb ('24)
B.A. in Political Science
About this Program
The 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.
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, 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.
- While many go to law school, many others find careers in business, teaching, the Foreign Service, the armed forces, government, law enforcement, lobbying, and non-profit organizations.
- Some of our alumni serve in Congress, at the White House, in state government and in U.S. embassies abroad, while others are attorneys, teachers, and business professionals.
Despite our different paths, we share a love of politics and a desire to serve a larger purpose than ourselves.
On this Page…
Program Information
Program Type
Major
Minor
Area of Study
Social Sciences, Law, and Policy
School
Duration
4 years
Degree
B.A. in Political Science
Program Location
Emphases
Campaigns and Elections;
Law and Courts;
International Conflict and Cooperation;
Politics of Developing Countries
Required Credit Hours
120
Degree Requirements
See the information below on the political science major and minor. For a full description, visit the online catalog.
Students in the B.A. in Political Science complete 33 credit hours of political science courses.
- Pol 101: Introduction to American Politics
- Pol 102: Govt and Business
- Pol 103: Introduction to International Relations
- Pol 251: Intro to Political Science Methods
- One political science course at any level
- 18 credit hours of political science courses at the 300-level or higher.
To fulfill the Campaigns and Elections emphasis, students complete four courses from:
- Pol 308: Voting and Political Participation
- Pol 309: Public Opinion and Political Psychology
- Pol 310: Political Parties and Interest Groups
- Pol 311: Political Communication
- Pol 391: Applied Politics
To fulfill the Law and Courts emphasis, students complete four courses from:
- Pol 300: Judicial Process
- Pol 304: American Legislative Process
- Pol 305: Judicial Behavior
- Pol 306: Constitutional Law I
- Pol 307: Constitutional Law II
To fulfill the International Conflict & Cooperation emphasis, students complete four courses from:
- Pol 331: International Organization
- Pol 332: Ethnic Conflict and International Terror
- Pol 335: International Politics of Nuclear Weapons
- Pol 334: Politics of World Economy
- Pol 339: International Conflict
- Pol 363: War in World Politics
To fulfill the Politics of Developing Countries emphasis, students complete four courses from:
- Pol 321: Politics of Latin America
- Pol 324: Politics of China
- Pol 329: Transitions to Democracy
- Pol 336: Political Economy of International Development
- Pol 337: Asia in World Affairs
- Pol 342: Politics of Mexico and Central America
- Pol 349: Middle East Politics
- Pol 387: Political Economy of East Asia
What is Political Science?
Connect with a Political Science Major
Ella Paul
- Service and Community Engagement
What do you hope to do after you graduate?
See Ella ’s Answer
Samorria Williams
Apart from school, how do you spend your time in Oxford?
See Samorria’s AnswerWhat can I 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
Accelerated B.A. and M.A. 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 post-grad plans.
Undergraduate political science students can apply to the Program for an Accelerated Advanced Degree after completing 90 credit hours with a GPA of 3.0.
Accelerated Advanced Degree Information
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?