Political Science and International Relations Major

Political Science and International Relations Major (BA, BS)

BA Requirements

BS Requirements

Sample Plan

Quick Facts (PDF)

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When you pursue a degree in political science and international relations, you explore systematic approaches to understanding politics. Through thought-provoking courses and experiential learning opportunities, you develop a deep understanding of why things happen in the world of politics and international relations. With an emphasis on research, writing, and oral presentation, this program helps you build strong critical-thinking, analytical, and communication skills.

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Career Paths

The major prepares you for graduate school in political science, public administration, public policy, and business administration. It also prepares you for a wide range of careers in federal, state, and local governments as well business, politics, law, teaching, grassroots organization, political consulting, international relations, and more.

Notable graduate schools include:

Duke University
Harvard Law School
Ohio State University
Syracuse University
University of Chicago
University of Michigan
University of Iowa
Penn State University
University of Wisconsin-Madison
George Washington University
Creighton University
Boston University
American University
London School of Economics

Law School Pathways

Truman has 3+3 law school pathways agreements with select institutions allowing qualified students to matriculate into law school after completing just 90 credit hours at the undergraduate level.
Pre-Law Studies at Truman>

Notable employers include:

The White House
Missouri Governor’s Office
Brennan Institute of Justice
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Missouri General Assembly
U.S. Congress
Verizon
Edward Jones
Peace Corps
Teach for America
AmeriCorps
U.S. Military

Featured Courses

American National Government

Explore the principles, organization, and functions of American national government along with the role of public attitudes, voting and elections in shaping the behavior of government.

Introduction to International Relations

Gain an understanding of the nature of international society and the forces affecting relationships between states and social actors.

Political Science Methodology

Learn the science aspect of political science by exploring a variety of research approaches including experimental, quasi-experimental, survey research, cross-sectional or longitudinal studies, and basic statistical tests.

Comparative Politics: Theory and Research

Learn how to evaluate trends in comparative politics from historic, methodological, and theoretical perspectives. Drawing on cases from both developed and less developed nations from around the world, you study the types, causes, and impacts of competing political institutions, as well as other political, social, and economic issues of importance to Comparativists, such as democracy, democratization, authoritarianism, party development, electoral systems, and economic development.

Advanced Survey of Political Thought

Examine major thinkers and schools of Western political philosophy, from Plato to the present.

Professional Development

Internships can be arranged with elected officials in your hometown, Jefferson City, or Washington, D.C. Here's a sampling of potential internship locations:

U.S. Representative and Senator
Offices in Washington, D.C.
White House & Cabinet departments
Local judges, prosecutors, and attorneys
U.S. Embassies
Numerous international organizations

Missouri Government Internships

This unique program offered by Truman allows you to spend a semester in Jefferson City working with a state representative, state senator, the Governor’s office, or other state government offices. A stipend helps with living expenses.

MO Government Interns

The Washington Center Internship

The Washington Center offers an opportunity for you to live, work, and study for a semester in Washington, D.C. Internships range from working in federal agencies to art centers to political and social organizations.

About TWC

Internships

Starting on day one, you have access to Truman's Career Center which provides resources for helping you find internship opportunities that are the right fit for you

About Internships

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Model United Nations

Participation in Model U.N., an academic simulation of a session of the United Nations, provides a chance for you to acquire expertise on working with others to solve problems.

Model UN

Research

You can build strong research skills by collaborating with a professor or engaging in your own research. Many students present their research projects at Truman's Student Research Conference or at annual meetings of regional and national professional associations.

Student Organizations

Expand your network by joining student groups such as Pi Sigma Alpha, a national honor society; Student Senate; College Democrats at Truman; and Truman State College Republicans.

Study Abroad

Join students who have studied abroad in countries like France, Britain, Spain, Greece, Australia, China, The Czech Republic, Northern Ireland, other locations.

About Study Abroad