Undergraduate Program
Welcome to Mizzou and the Political Science Department. We are happy to have you join the approximately 450 undergraduate students who are majoring in Political Science. The department has 23 faculty members including 4 women. Our faculty is well known for excellent teaching (several have won awards), significant research, and active publishing. Simulations are frequently used in classes; in the past there have been mock legislatures, United Nations, and a cooperative simulation involving three classes (public policy, interest groups, and Congress).
Many of our students participate in internships in Columbia, Jefferson City, Washington, DC and other sites. Students are encouraged to include a study abroad experience. Other opportunities exist to expand learning outside the classroom.
Political Science can help you learn to be a better communicator, analyze complicated issues, solve problems, and become a better citizen. Our graduates pursue many career paths. About half become lawyers. Many join the world of business (yes, you can work in business without a business degree). Others become faculty members. In addition, a collection of business cards from our grads include: consultants, realtors, insurance agents, politicians, bureaucrats, public relations representatives, ministers, radio and TV personalities, entrepreneurs, and investment representatives.
Courses in political science help students learn to think analytically and critically and to communicate effectively. Political science classes require extensive writing assignments and majors are given many opportunities to hone their writing skills.
To get practical experience, political science majors work in political campaigns or party activities, join organizations such as College Democrats or Republicans, Mock Trial, Model UN, etc., complete internships, and find part-time or summer jobs to meet their interests such as secretarial work in a law office or campaigning.
Many students start to think about what they will do after graduation early in their college careers. By doing this, they can have a more meaningful and personalized program of study and complete extra-curricular experiences that will build their resumes.
Political science majors go on to a wide variety of jobs including attorney, positions in bureaucracies, business positions, political campaigners and politicians, professors and teachers, public relations and radio/TV reporters and anchors. See Opportunities in the Undergraduate Handbook (pdf) for more information.