Cina Hall 304
1123 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
United States
About This Program
Political Science offers you the opportunity to explore and better understand a complex and interconnected world. You will explore the nature of politics, government, and international affairs while developing skills in research, communication, and analysis, preparing you for a variety of careers.
Your classes will help you develop critical thinking skills that will nurture a better understanding of and tolerance of diverse political views, and an informed understanding of and participation in current affairs. We encourage you to explore your own interests and to connect with faculty who share those interests.
Program Highlights
- Political Science offers courses in four subfields: American Government, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Public Law
- Faculty are internationally respected for research on human rights, violence and war, international diplomacy, public opinion, and government institutions
- Local, state, and national elected officials and other public servants actively engage with students, providing hands’ on experiences
- You can pursue study abroad opportunities that correspond with your interests
- Political Science houses the pre-law program and mock trial teams and provides opportunities for students to meet and interact with public and private sector attorneys
- You work with faculty on developing research skills necessary for success in careers or in future graduate programs
Research & Experiential Learning
- You work with faculty in classrooms to develop survey instruments that provide original data for projects
- The student mock trial team participates in American Mock Trial Association Tournaments
- Former diplomats for state department internships and job guest lecture classes and meet with students interested in state department or federal government work
- Student Political Science Association host forums with local and state candidates for office
- You conduct your own research in classes, generating original data and presenting results in poster sessions
- Faculty work with you in analyzing election results
- You analyze public policy issues and prepare policy memos and briefs proposing solutions for those issues
Student Internships
- Pro-Choice Minnesota
- United States Department of State
- Carlton County, Public Defenders Office
- Minnesota State Legislature, House of Representatives
- United States Department of Congress
Potential Careers
- Federal, state, and local agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Public or private sector legal careers
- Secondary education
- Political campaigns
- Journalism and mass media
Scholarships
You are eligible for a number of department scholarships based on your interests. Scholarships are available to students interested in careers in public service, law, and education to specify a few. Scholarships are awarded to deserving students active in student affairs or with the highest GPAs for the classes. Scholarships are available as you complete your first year and are based on criteria established by the donor.
Get Involved
Political Science is home to three students organizations and you are encouraged to get involved in your department.
- The Political Science Association is for students majoring or minoring in Political Science. The student-run organization sponsors campus forums as well as social events. It is an opportunity for you to meet other students and to become involved in the civic life of the department, university, and Duluth Community
- The Pre-Law Club is housed in Political Science and open to students with any major but interested in attending law school. In this organization you will meet recruiters from laws schools, practicing attorneys, and work with others are preparing for the LSAT and admission into law school
- The Mock Trial Team is open to students with any major. You will compete with teams from across the state and country, and work with a UMD Political Science instructor who is a practicing attorney on civil and criminal trial advocacy
- Political Science majors are also active in student government, serving as officers in appointed positions
Requirements
Refer to the link below for more detailed information about the program, admission requirements, sample plans, and contact information.