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
Seth Semmelrock ’19
Why UNE
My program at UNE did a really good job of teaching me about both small and big business, by showing that there are many pros to small business and “keeping it local” while simultaneously encouraging us to question everything.
In Maine, there is definitely an emphasis on small business across the state. It’s evident in the sheer amount of small business in Maine and how strong that community is. I think that it's very important to keep small business around and not allow big business and major corporations to become overbearing.
The local feel here in Maine is genuine. When you go into a local shop or restaurant or whatever it may be, it is an exponentially different experience than when you walk into a cookie-cutter corporate office or even a chain restaurant. The atmospheres, people, and experiences at small businesses are unique and refreshing.
Beyond the Classroom
In Community Health and Environmental Development in Kenya, we learned about what goes on in Kenya politically, environmentally, and developmentally in the classroom here in Maine. The ultimate goal of the class was to travel to Kenya to put our classroom learning to use in a hands-on setting. We did just that.
We fit into three weeks the amount of activities that you could have done over the course of two or three months. We worked with numerous different NGOs and other organizations that are all focused around healthy community and environmental development in Kenya. We also got to do a bit of touristy stuff, like visit a museum, we went to an elephant orphanage and giraffe center, and we went to Nairobi National Park. Every experience that we had was deeply educational. We were doing different bits and pieces, learning whatever we could about this place that was new to us.
One day, we were all going out in a big group for a tour on foot. We had some very young Kenyan students along with us for the trek. I was tapping my metal water bottle along the way, and it was making a tinny, ringing sound. One little Kenyan girl — she couldn’t have been more than four — turned around and stared at me, mesmerized by the sound. We don’t speak the same language, so I had no way of communicating to her in words, but I could see that it was the sound that she was interested in. I bent down, held out the water bottle, and kept tapping at it. She kept looking at it, entranced. Eventually, she reached out and tapped it too. She smiled so big. It was this special moment of communication between us. We hadn’t spoken a word to each other, and I felt like we had had an entire conversation. There was a mutual understanding that felt really cool and was a moment that made my decision to go [to Kenya] worth it.
The ultimate goal of the class was to travel to Kenya to put our classroom learning to use in a hands-on setting. We did just that.
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
Curriculum
| Nor’easter Core Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 40 |
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| PSC 105 – Introduction to Political Science or PSC 202 – Politics as Social Science | 3 |
| One (1) Introductory level course in American Politics including PSC 101, 103 or 205 | 3 |
| One (1) Introductory level course in Comparative Politics including PSC 110, 204, or 205 | 3 |
| One (1) Introductory level course in International Relations including GLS 100, PSC 201, 240, or 241 | 3 |
| One (1) Introductory level course in Political Theory including PSC 200, 206, or 207 | 3 |
| One (1) Advanced level course in American Politics (300-level or higher) | 3 |
| One (1) Advanced level course in Comparative Politics (300-level or higher) | 3 |
| One (1) Advanced level course in International Relations (300-level or higher) | 3 |
| Three (3) Electives with PSC Prefix (at least one (1) must be 300- or 400-level) | 9 |
| PSC 490 – Senior Seminar | 3 |
| PSC 491 – Integrative Essay | 3 |
| Total Credits | 39 |
| Open Elective Courses (as needed to reach 120 credits) | Variable |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 120 |
|---|
Please note: While some courses can fulfill both core and program requirements, the credits earned do not count twice towards the minimum total required credits for the degree.
Double majors or minors of all types are encouraged. All students can pursue internships and study abroad opportunities while majoring in political science.
To learn more about the program visit the Academic Catalog.
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.
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.
Watch Videos from UNE Political Science Events
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?
Bachelor of Science in Political Science FAQ
What is a political science degree?
Political science explores the challenges and opportunities that arise in communities of varying sizes. A political science degree dives into coursework on governance, public policies, and political behavior, utilizing humanistic perspectives and scientific methods to analyze political decision making in the U.S. and nations worldwide.
Students who study political science acquire essential skills in analysis, critical thinking, communication, and writing, which are all crucial components of a well-rounded liberal arts education.
All levels of political science degrees, from associate to Ph.D., fall under the realm of social sciences. It is a rigorous and holistic field of study that combines qualitative and quantitive methodological academic enquires and approaches.
UNE offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science, providing classes in political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and American politics. This program emphasizes essential and adaptable skills demanded by today's job market. It includes coursework and a collaborative independent research project during the senior year, which can significantly distinguish graduates in the eyes of employers and graduate schools.
Learn more about UNE’s B.A. in Political Science degree program in Maine
Additionally, UNE offers a Minor in Political Science, allowing students from other departments to minor in Political Science with approval from the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Academic Director.
What jobs can you get with a political science degree?
A political science degree offers versatility, serving as a stepping stone to careers in business, education, media nonprofits, policy, and politics. The acquired skills in research, communication, and data analysis find application in both public and private sectors.
For those with a B.A. or B.S. (each with varying course requirements), entry-level positions in administration, communication, or analysis are attainable in public sector organizations, businesses, or nonprofits. In addition, political science stands as a traditional undergraduate major for students aspiring to attend law school.
Students who graduate from UNE with a political science degree in Maine have achieved remarkable success in various professional fields. Their career paths encompass roles such as lawyers, policy experts, elected officials, consultants, researchers/analysts, teachers, U.S. foreign service agents, media specialists, and nonprofit administrators.
UNE students can work with our Academic and Career Advising Center. It doesn’t matter if you have a clear career goal or just a general interest in a field.
What classes are required for a political science major?
A typical political science major combines lecture coursework, seminars, group projects, and hands-on tasks. Introductory political science courses establish the basics of political theories, structures, and policies. From there, students apply these fundamental concepts to projects, real-life situations, and internships.
UNE political science majors have a choice of four concentrations:
- Pre-Law
- General Concentration
- Environmental Politics
- Global Politics
UNE’s Pre-Law program introduces students to legal issues across various law disciplines such as healthcare, ocean coast, and business. Alongside this, our program offers thorough guidance concerning internships and preparation for law school.
Students at UNE interested in obtaining teacher certification in Political Science have two options: pursuing a double major in Political Science and Secondary Education, or a major in Secondary Education with a concentration in Political Science. UNE's secondary education courses are designed to assist you in meeting the certification standards of the State of Maine (grades 6-12) upon completing your studies.
Learn more about Middle and Secondary Education with a Certification major at UNE
No matter which track you choose, we offer a variety of unique courses including:
- Comparative Revolutions
- Why Americans Hate Politics
- Law and American Society
- Politics and the Environment
- Political Islam
UNE’s political science curriculum is flexible, allowing for double majors and minors, including a minor in Health, Law, and Policy.
How long is a political science degree?
It usually takes four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science. Whether you are working toward a B.A. or a B.S. in political science, you will need to complete 120 credit hours.
UNE’s B.A. in political science requires a minimum of 120 credit hours. This includes:
- 42–46 credits of College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) core curriculum
- 39 credits of program required courses
- Open elective courses as needed to reach 120 credits
How much is a political science degree?
The cost of a four-year bachelor’s degree in political science depends on several factors:
- Residency status – in-state vs. out-of-state
- Type of school – public in-state vs. private
- Fees outside of tuition including room and board, and other costs
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate degrees at UNE in Maine
UNE is Maine's largest private university. We offer merit-based scholarships independent of whatever degree path or major you choose. We are committed to affordability in education. Here are some relevant statistics:
- 98% of undergraduates receive merit-based scholarships
- The average total award package for our students is $26K
- $42M awarded annually in institutional scholarships
Learn more about grants and scholarships available for students at UNE
A degree in political science is absolutely worth it. It unlocks a wide range of job possibilities in both public and private sectors. In addition, completing your bachelor’s degree helps pave the way for law school or graduate school.
Should I major in political science?
Many political issues hold significance for college-aged students, including climate change, college affordability, gun control, racial equity, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. If you want to channel your passion into a career involving research, advocacy, or direct action, you should consider majoring in political science.
Political science is a good major for prospective college students who want to make an impact on the world. As a political science major, you’ll learn about American government and politics, comparative politics, political theory, and international relations. You’ll study concepts such as democracy, ethics, and justice.
Read testimonials from political science majors at UNE
Few degrees offer as broad a range of career options and employment prospects as a political science degree. Graduates can pursue various career paths, each with impressive earning potential. Zippia reports that American graduates with a major in political science earn an average annual salary of $52,859. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 6 percent job growth for political scientists from 2021 to 2031, which is on par with the average growth rate for all U.S. jobs.
Which colleges have the best political sciences degree program for me?
There are many factors to consider when choosing which college or university has the best political science degree program for you.
Faculty
To identify the most suitable political science faculty for you, consider their areas of expertise and research focus, aligning them with your academic interests and career aspirations.
UNE political science faculty collaborates closely with students on their senior thesis, a significant independent research project that's a core component of the political science major. This notable scholarly work showcases expertise and abilities valuable to both graduate programs and employers. In addition, all political science interns work under the joint supervision of a site supervisor and faculty sponsor.
Our small classes and abundant individual attention from faculty give students ample opportunity to hone marketable skills.
Meet faculty and professional staff in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Curriculum
To determine the ideal political science curriculum for you, assess the courses offered, the specialization options available, and how they align with your academic and career goals.
UNE’s political science degree program offers a flexible curriculum, allowing for double majors and minors, including a minor in Health, Law, and Policy. Students have a choice of four concentrations: Environmental, Global, Pre-Law, or General. No matter which concentration you choose, we offer a variety of unique political courses.
We also offer Political Science majors the opportunity to select all Secondary Education certification courses as their electives to become Maine middle or high school teachers (grades 7–12) in the area of social studies.
At UNE, we believe in experiential learning – learning by doing. Highlights include:
- Conducting original research in an area of interest for your senior thesis
- Participating in the National Model United Nations Conference hosted by the National Collegiate Conference Association
- Joining UNE’s Mock Trial Team in competition against other colleges and universities
- Studying abroad for international experiences
- Getting on-the-job experience through internships
Learn more about the full Political Science curriculum
Career goals
To select the best political science degree program for your career goals, evaluate factors such as the program's focus areas, opportunities for internships or research, and how well the program aligns with your long-term aspirations.
As a Political Science major at UNE, you will have the ability to work with our Academic and Career Advising Center. It doesn’t matter if you have a clear career goal or just a general interest in a field. In addition, UNE’s Pre-Law program provides intensive advising regarding internships and law school.
Learn more about Career Advising at UNE
Political science internships at UNE provide students with hands-on experience in Maine's political landscape, involving placements in elected officials' offices, municipal governments, and district and county courts. Students also have opportunities to intern at law firms, local TV stations, newspapers, and corporations. Internships are initiated with guidance from a faculty member and facilitated by the College of Arts and Sciences Internship Office.
The experience offered through each student’s independent research project nurtures students’ analytical and communication skills, fostering readiness for life after college.
Location and environment
Ask yourself what kind of environment suits you best. Figure out if you want to stay in your state or if you wish to move. See if you will be inspired or challenged by your fellow students and faculty.
UNE is Maine’s largest private university. We have three unique campuses that provide diverse learning opportunities. In Maine, two campuses in Biddeford and Portland offer renowned undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Additionally, our Tangier, Morocco campus hosts a unique semester abroad program for UNE students.
Learn more about UNE’s campuses and how you can visit us
Outside of the classroom, UNE’s George and Barbara Bush Center offers a valuable collection of historical documents and artifacts. The Bush Legacy Collection holds materials about George H.W. Bush's life, with a focus on his New England family heritage. The George and Barbara Bush Distinguished Lecture Series is an annual event that celebrates the Bushes' legacy as political and community leaders.
UNE’s Global Education Program provides the opportunity for all students to study abroad. Our program offers English-language courses in the sciences, humanities, business, and the arts, as well as language study in Arabic, Spanish, and French.
Learn more about studying abroad at UNE
Additionally, UNE boasts small class sizes. Overall, we have a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio and an average class size of 20.
Learn more about some quick facts about UNE
Financial Aid
Consider whether the school you're contemplating provides financial aid or scholarships to support your educational journey.
A UNE undergraduate education is very affordable. Our tuition is 16% below the average tuition for private universities in New England. Plus, all incoming full-time undergraduate students at UNE will receive Merit Scholarships in amounts from $5,000 to $22,000 per year.
Learn more about grants and scholarships available to students at UNE