B.S. in Political Science

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Political Science at Mississippi College, offered through the Department of History and Political Science, is tailored for students seeking a strong foundation in political institutions, behavior, and theories without the foreign language requirement of the B.A. track. This program is particularly beneficial for those interested in data-driven analysis within political contexts, public policy, or pursuing a direct path to law school through the 3+3 Law program pathway (which includes a B.S. in Political Science to J.D. option). It emphasizes critical thinking, robust analytical skills, and effective communication, preparing students to be engaged citizens and impactful leaders. Mississippi College's political science program inspires intellectual curiosity and a strong commitment to democratic and Christian ideals, equipping students to understand past trends, analyze current events, and advocate for positive policy positions.

Curriculum: The B.S. in Political Science curriculum at Mississippi College provides a solid foundation in political science, often with a greater emphasis on empirical analysis and less on foreign language compared to the B.A. track. 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 typically include Introduction to Political Science, American Government, World Politics, and the capstone Proseminar in Political Science. The B.S. track at some institutions requires more political science courses, sometimes including specific quantitative methods courses. Mississippi College's specific course list for the B.S. would include electives chosen from 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), allowing students to tailor their studies. The curriculum consistently emphasizes close reading, clear writing, and critical thinking.

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. The B.S. track, by potentially having a more quantitative focus, could lean into empirical political science research.

Industry Engagement: Mississippi College's B.S. in Political Science program demonstrates robust 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, and are particularly valuable for direct entry into the workforce after graduation.

Global Perspective: Mississippi College is deeply committed to fostering a global perspective throughout its academic programs, and the B.S. in Political Science inherently contributes to this. While the B.S. track typically does not have a foreign language requirement like the B.A., the curriculum still includes courses focused on international relations, world politics, international law and organization, and comparative political systems. This exposure helps students understand diverse governmental structures and geopolitical dynamics. 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. This ensures graduates are prepared to engage with global challenges and opportunities, even without a specific language focus.