B.A. in Political Science

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science at Mississippi College, housed within the Department of History and Political Science, is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of political institutions, behavior, and theories, both domestically and internationally. This program emphasizes critical thinking, robust analytical skills, and effective communication, preparing students to be engaged citizens and impactful leaders in various sectors. The B.A. option specifically requires proficiency in a foreign language (typically 12 hours), making it an excellent choice for students interested in graduate studies in political science, law school, or careers with a global focus. Mississippi College's political science program inspires intellectual curiosity and a strong commitment to democratic and Christian ideals, offering opportunities to understand past trends and the trajectory of current events, and equipping students to advocate for positive policy positions.

Curriculum: The B.A. in Political Science curriculum at Mississippi College is comprehensive, blending a strong liberal arts foundation with specialized political science coursework. Beyond the university core, students delve into key areas such as American government, political theory, international relations, comparative politics, and American constitutional development. Core political science courses often include Introduction to Political Science, Great Issues of Politics, and a capstone Proseminar in Political Science. Students choose from diverse electives across subfields like American Politics (e.g., State and Local Politics, American Presidency), Global Politics (e.g., World Politics, International Law and Organization), and Legal Studies (e.g., U.S. Constitutional Law, The American Judicial Process). A distinguishing feature of the B.A. track is the required 12 hours of foreign language study, which enhances students' global understanding and analytical capabilities. The curriculum emphasizes close reading, clear writing, and critical thinking throughout.

Research Focus: Mississippi College's Political Science program places a significant emphasis on developing students' research skills, preparing them to analyze and understand complex political phenomena. Students engage in rigorous inquiry, learning to apply various research methodologies to study political behavior, institutions, and public policy. Faculty members, who are active scholars with expertise in areas like international relations and comparative politics, guide students in developing critical analytical frameworks. Opportunities for undergraduate research are integrated into coursework, particularly in advanced seminars and the capstone experience, where students undertake independent projects. The program's focus on understanding current events and past trends inherently involves research into political discourse and policy positions, preparing students for data-driven analysis in future careers or graduate studies.

Industry Engagement: Mississippi College's B.A. in Political Science program demonstrates strong industry engagement by preparing graduates with highly valued skills and providing practical experience. The program actively encourages and facilitates internship opportunities for its students, allowing them to gain real-world exposure in government, politics, and related fields. MC students have interned and worked for prominent political leaders and organizations, including the Heritage Foundation, Foreign Affairs Magazine, the Office of the Governor of Mississippi, and other state and federal officials. The department also supports praxis-based learning experiences, such as fellowships, research assistantships, and relevant volunteer work. These practical experiences, combined with a curriculum focused on developing analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, directly address the needs of employers in government, non-profits, and the private sector.

Global Perspective: Mississippi College is deeply committed to fostering a global perspective throughout its academic programs, and the B.A. in Political Science is specifically designed to cultivate this. The curriculum includes courses focused on international relations, world politics, international law and organization, and comparative political systems, exposing students to diverse governmental structures and geopolitical dynamics. The required foreign language proficiency further enhances students' ability to engage with global issues and understand different cultures. Faculty expertise in international relations and comparative politics enriches classroom discussions. Additionally, the university offers study abroad programs to various countries, providing students with firsthand experience of political systems and cultures beyond the U.S., equipping them to analyze and contribute to a complex and interconnected global political landscape.