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
Luke Colomey ’22
Why UNE
I visited a lot of schools trying to find the right fit for me. All of the different things that I wanted in a college came together at UNE. I love the scenery here. The location of the school is awesome since we’re right on the water. Being able to look at that view every day is always comforting. The size of UNE was exactly what I was looking for, and I like that it’s nearby to some urban areas like Portland but still feels far away.
My favorite thing is the community. The faculty and the students here are so close. I really love it. Everyone is really friendly and willing to help out and collaborate. Through my experiences with classes, clubs, intramural sports…it’s all been so open and welcoming. There is a really good air on campus all the time.
Beyond the Classroom
I was looking for a way to get some of my own writing published, so I reached out to some of the English faculty. They told me that there was a need for officers for Zephyr (UNE’s literary and artistic magazine) because the officers were going to be graduating, so I took on the position of editor-in-chief. I worked with a team to really make Zephyr our own. We added a lot of things to the edition this year. We were able to get some extra funds to change things like the size of the magazine, the font, adding borders, and even adding color this year. In 21 years of Zephyr, this was the first edition with color.
One thing that’s really stood out to me at UNE is my ability to work with different academic fields. They all overlap and enhance my experience. I find that the small programs communicate with one another for the full arts and humanities experience. One big highlight of my time at UNE is that I did the Arts and Humanities Capstone for my English minor. It was a capstone project where I had to do a big research paper. I took a lot of political science sources, references, and questions and mixed them with English, literature, philosophy, and history sources. It was a really cool thing to do to be able to mix a lot of my different interests and the different fields that I work in. I had professors from both disciplines help. It was a really cool, collaborative project.
I’ve gotten to know all of my professors really well. I get a lot of one-on-one and face-to-face time with my professors and my peers. The personal attention makes a huge difference. I get access to a lot of amazing opportunities.
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?
