Request Info Visit Apply

POLITICAL SCIENCE

Be a Leader

The W's Bachelor of Science degree in political science equips students for democratic engagement and leadership in addition to social analysis with coursework emphasizing active and service learning in which students apply what they learn to real problems. The program encourages students to address the critical questions of our time both in and out of the classroom through internships and a one-hour "lab" option that enables students to embed opportunities for field research, political activism, or internship work into their regular coursework. Internships, labs, and experiential learning throughout the program ensures students gain experience working in a professional setting and have a feel for the range of careers open to them.

Political Science for non-majors: Political Science Minor

A woman speaks at a lectern

Additional Opportunities

https://www.muw.edu/hpg/Study%20Abroad
Study Abroad
Study abroad is life-changing and essential for the modern student. Study abroad creates global awareness, enhances academic learning, develops leadership skills, adds to personal growth, and can help students advance their careers.
Study Abroad
https://www.muw.edu/hpg/Internships%20in%20Government%20&%20Politics
Internships in Government & Politics
Given our program’s emphasis on civic engagement and experiential learning, the student internship occupies a special place in our curriculum. Internships are integrated with coursework, so students earn college credit and progress toward their degree as they gain hands-on experience and career training.
Internships

Political Science, BS Curriculum

This information is presented for informational purposes. In the event of a discrepancy between this page and the Undergraduate Bulletin, the Bulletin should always be used.

General Education Curriculum

In keeping with The W's Mission, the General Education Program provides students with the skills, knowledge, and values they need to become independent, productive members of society in our continually changing world.

The W's General Education Program provides a foundation in the liberal arts that includes knowledge in the historical, literary, aesthetic, scientific, and cultural traditions that shape the world, and fosters skills that allow students to become civically responsible life-long learners ready to adapt to new challenges.

All students who complete the Mississippi University for Women general education program will demonstrate:

  • Critical Thinking
  • Effective Communication
  • Cultural Literacy
  • Quantitative & Technology Skills
  • Understanding of Self, Global Societies, & the Natural World
  • Life-Long Learning

View General Education Requirements

Bachelor of Science Requirements

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree must complete the following courses in their academic program:

  • 8 semester hours of Laboratory Science
  • 3 semester hours of Mathematics MA 113 (or higher)
  • 6 semester hours of Science and/or Mathematics
  • 3 semester hours of additional mathematics above MA 113 or computer applications/programming course

A total of 20 hours is required, and students may not double count credit hours in the above categories.

Major Courses

  • POL 101 - The Study and Practice of Politics
  • POL 150 - American Government
  • POL 202 - Making Democracy Work
  • POL 250 - World Politics
  • POL 390 - Southern Politics

Select additional Political Science elective courses: (15-18 Semester Hours)

Choose Four additional Political Science elective courses (15 semester hours) if taking POL 490 for six hours
OR
Choose Five additional Political Science elective courses (18 semester hours) if taking POL 490 for three hours

  • POL 203 - Social and Political Analysis
  • POL 215 - Women’s Rebellion
  • POL 290 - Politics Lab
  • POL 300 - Genocide Studies
  • POL 301 - Public Administration
  • POL 307 - Public Budgeting
  • POL 309 - Protest and Contention
  • POL 330 - Nonprofit Advocacy & Government Relations
  • POL 335 - Religion and Politics in Contemporary America
  • POL 355 - Contemporary Events
  • POL 360 - Political Parties and Interest Groups
  • POL 365 - Mississippi Women in Politics
  • POL 370 - Campaigns & Elections
  • POL 375 - Applied Law for Religious & Other Nonprofits
  • POL 380 - US Foreign Policy
  • POL 381 - U.S. as a World Power to 1898
  • POL 382 - U.S. as a World Power Since 1898
  • POL 395 - American Constitutional Law
  • POL 401 - The American Congress
  • POL 410 - The American Presidency
  • POL 440 - Urban Politics and Policy
  • POL 450 - Special Topics in Political Science
  • POL 451 - Political and Social Philosophy
  • POL 475 - Terrorism


POL 490 - Internship/Practicum

An experiential program that allows students to apply their academic preparation to particular political/governmental settings. Students work for a political organization, government agency, city hall, or other relevant institution and complete written assignments for academic credit.

Total Hours Required for a BS in Political Science: 120 Semester Hours