Political Science

Concentration Options

Minors Available

Degree

Minor https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/political-science/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/us-capitol.jpg
Bachelor of Arts https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/political-science/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/us-capitol.jpg
Teacher Certification https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/political-science/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/us-capitol.jpg

School

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Department

Department of Political Science

Contact

Betsy Smith, Ph.D.

Political Science at St. Mary’s

Political Science professor walking with students in hallway and talking about Political Science course.

Through the courses it offers, the research its faculty, staff and students conduct, and through the events it sponsors, the St. Mary’s University Department of Political Science seeks to examine two vital questions:

What is – as Aristotle called it – the good life?

How can we, as members of the civic community, be effective creators of a good life characterized by legal and social justice?

To answer them, the Department commits itself to the education of the whole student, to the scholarly life, and to an approach that reaches out in service to society.

A political science degree opens the door to many possible career opportunities, from journalist to intelligence officer.

Top 10

Best Colleges for Political Science in Texas (Niche 2023)

Degree Plans
Students can choose from a wide variety of programs:

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

B.A. with Peace Studies Concentration

B.A. with Security Studies Concentration

B.A. with Social Studies (4-8) Teacher Certification

Minor in Political Science

Minor in Public Careers

Those interested in pursuing a master’s degree may select a 5-year combined program:

Combined Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Those interested in further law study may wish to participate in:

Nelson Wolff Law Early Admission Program
Political Science Courses
Political Science classes vary by program. Some courses include:

American National Government

Introduction to Global Affairs

Texas State & Local Government

European Politics

International Relations Theory

Judicial Politics & Law

Public Administration

Urban Policy

See the catalog for a complete listing of courses and their descriptions:

Course Catalog

Political Science Living and Learning Community

The Political Science Living and Learning Community is an opportunity for first year Political Science freshmen to live and take classes together, participate together in activities and events, and be mentored by a professor.

POLLCers learn about the diversity of the discipline, engage with faculty members and their research specializations and interests, and develop clear career goals related to the discipline by participating in the year-long experience.

Living Learning Communities

Presidential Award Recipients

Allison A. Grijalva

B.A. in Political Science
San Antonio, Texas

“The Marianist Charism and Characteristics have shown me that to be a warrior of service, justice and peace means to be radical like Mary. It means to love in an unapologetically fierce way.”

Watch Allison’s Video

Angela Perez

B.A. in Political Science
Mission, Texas

“Since my first day, I knew this was where I was meant to be. I have developed personal relationships with my professors that have enriched my education and shaped my future career goals.”

Watch Angela’s Video

Outside the Classroom

Students at St. Mary’s enjoy a variety of activities, events, clubs and special programs. A few examples that pair well with our Political Science programs include: