Political Science

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.

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 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:

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

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.