Make a Difference with a Political Science Degree
If you have a passion for talking politics, a craving for current events, and an ambition to shape the future, political science may be your calling. UNE’s Bachelor of Arts in Political Science focuses on the most important – and most flexible – skills required by the American job market today: skills in analysis, critical thinking, and effective communication. Through coursework in political theory and American, comparative, and international politics, you will work very closely with faculty members to prepare for an in-depth, ambitious independent research project in your senior year that will set you apart in the eyes of employers and graduate schools alike.
Why UNE for Your B.A. in Political Science
Unlike other political science programs that offer a “tacked on” senior thesis, we focus from day one on this ambitious independent research project as an integral part of the major. Working very closely with a faculty mentor you will produce an impressive piece of scholarship that demonstrates your knowledge and skills to both graduate programs and employers.
- Choice of four concentrations: Environmental, Global, Pre-Law, or General
- Unusual variety of unique courses
- Flexible curriculum, allowing for double majors and minors, including minor in Health, Law, and Policy
Mackenzie Deveau ’19
Why UNE
I came to UNE originally wanting to do Clinical Psychology. I had no intention of picking up my minors. Then my advisor introduced me to the Women’s and Gender Studies department. I ended up taking a lot of political sciences classes because they had open spots. I knew that I could always pick them up, and I ended up really liking them, so I stuck with it.
The curriculum ties together well. The professors communicate and ensure that students are getting the most out of the classes. My political science classes even tied into the women and gender studies classes. One of my professors is technically in the Political Science department, but he’s also part of Women and Gender Studies, so there is a lot of cohesion. I would be sitting in class, and it would all click together. It’s a real, true liberal arts experience.
Everything that I studied came together in a perfect funnel — that’s exactly what college should do. You go to college not really knowing what you want or who you are, and then you go through all of these different things, and you come out with a better direction of your path.
Beyond the Classroom
When I was in my first year, I met the women and gender studies club members, and I had absolutely no idea what women and gender studies meant. I remember thinking that they were some of the most confident people I’d ever met. It took me a couple of years until I really got into the club. But I was president last year and vice president for two years prior to that.
I worked in a research lab as well. We created a study where we were testing the effects of sexism on women's evaluations of cosmetic products. It was cool to tie that knowledge in with my psychology background. The lab is still now working on a third study on the same topic. It’s going to continue on so that they can continue to collect data. I’m proud of that legacy.
Internship Experience
During senior year, a requirement is to do an internship. I decided to do mine at Planned Parenthood helping with political activism and awareness. It taught me a lot about the laws regarding women’s rights. I really, really loved my internship there. I had so much support from professors during that time too. It was one of the best experiences, but it was also really challenging because it was during a time when the Kavanaugh hearings were happening, and it was election season. There was a lot of pressure on Planned Parenthood. I learned so much about advocacy work and how challenging it can be. It steered me in the direction of women’s rights law, which is what I’m leaning towards now.
Everything that I studied came together in a perfect funnel — that’s exactly what college should do. It’s a real, true liberal arts experience.
What Will You Study? Political Science Degree Curriculum Overview
The Political Science major offers four different areas of concentration:
- Pre-Law
- General Concentration
- Environmental Politics
- Global Politics
Our Pre-Law program introduces you to legal issues specific to different disciplines, such as health care law, ocean coast law, and business law. We provide intensive advising regarding internships and law school.
B.A. in Political Science Courses
The following are some examples of the exciting courses that you can take:
- Comparative Revolutions
- Why Americans Hate Politics
- Law and American Society
- Politics and the Environment
- Political Islam
Secondary Education
If you hope to one day be a high school or middle school social studies teacher, you can enroll in the necessary secondary education courses at UNE to meet the standards for State of Maine certification (grades 7-12) upon graduation.
Honors Program
We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes a research project of significant ambition under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their major advisor.
Angela Davis Speaks at UNE
On January 23, 2019, legendary political activist Angela Davis spoke before a packed crowd at the Harold Alfond Forum for UNE's annual Martin Luther King Jr. event.
Career Paths for Political Science Majors
The analytical and communications skills that you develop as a Political Science major and the on-the-job experiences you acquire through internships can be easily applied to a multitude of professions across a broad spectrum of fields. We count among our graduates an assistant vice president at a Fortune 500 company and a U.S. Senate staffer. Other Political Science graduates have found successful careers with professions such as:
- Lawyer
- Policy Expert
- Elected Official
- Consultant
- Researcher/Analyst
- Teacher
- U.S. Foreign Service Agent
- Media Specialist
- Nonprofit Administrator
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, the Office of Career Services is here to help you plan your next step.
Taking Political Science Beyond the Classroom
The Bush Legacy Collection and Lectures
Our George and Barbara Bush Center presents another treasure trove of rare historic documents and artifacts. The Bush Legacy Collection houses materials related to the life of George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, focusing on his family’s New England heritage. The George and Barbara Bush Distinguished Lecture Series is an annual event honoring the legacy of President and Mrs. Bush as political and community leaders.
Experiential Learning in the Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science Program
Whether you’re defending a “client” in a mock trial, researching political issues that affect social media for your senior thesis, or interning at a senator’s office, UNE’s Political Science major keeps you involved and engaged — because we believe in learning by doing.
Political Science Hands-On Activities
- Conduct original research in an area of interest for your senior thesis
- Participate in the National Model United Nations Conference hosted by the National Collegiate Conference Association
- Join UNE’s Mock Trial Team in competition against other colleges and universities
- Study abroad for international experiences
- Get on-the-job experience through internships
Watch UNE Students Participate in a Mock Trial
Internships for Political Science Majors
Get a taste of local politics by plugging into Maine’s political scene through internships at elected officials’ offices, municipal governments, and district and county courts. You may also intern at law firms, local TV stations, newspaper offices, and corporations.
If you are a Political Science major with a general concentration, you must complete a 3-credit internship. And no matter your concentration you must work with a faculty member to research and write a senior thesis.
Internships are initiated under the guidance of a school faculty member and facilitated by the Academic and Career Advising Center. As an intern, you work under the joint supervision of a site supervisor and faculty sponsor.
Apply Today
Ready to begin your future in UNE’s B.A. in Political Science degree program?
