Degrees and Areas of Concentration
The political science department offers undergraduate work leading to the B.A. degree in political science, B.S. degree in public policy and administration, and, in cooperation with the College of Education, the B.A. in political science with teacher certification and the B.S. in education with an emphasis in social studies. (See College of Education section in this Bulletin for details.) Minors in political science are available to students who are majoring in another discipline and who have a special interest in law, government, and politics.
Principal areas of concentration include urban politics, American political processes and behavior, international politics, comparative politics, public policy and administration, public law, and political theory. In many courses, emphasis is placed on the ways in which public policies are developed and administered. In addition to formal course work, internships are available in which the student can relate classroom learning to practical field experience. The political science department also offers graduate courses leading to the M.A. and Ph.D. in political science. The M.A. program in political science offers advanced education for those seeking careers in government, business, community, or not-for-profit agencies. The principal foci of the 33-hour program are public administration and public policy analysis/evaluation in the local, state, national, and international areas. The flexibility of the general master's degree allows for individualized programs in urban politics, prelegal education, American national government, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.
The Ph.D. in political science emphasizes theoretic, analytic, and substantive approaches to public policy. Core courses include research methods, normative and empirical theory, and policy processes and institutions. Doctoral candidates, in consultation with the faculty, develop a policy concentration, many of which are interdisciplinary. Internships, when appropriate, may be a component of many programs. All successful doctoral candidates must complete a dissertation which makes a significant contribution to knowledge in the field.
Most graduate classes are scheduled so those employed outside the university can participate in the programs on a part-time basis.
Special Interdisciplinary Degree
The Department of Political Science also cooperates with the Department of Economics in the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business Administration in offering a master's degree in public policy administration (MPPA). For information on the MPPA degree program, see that section in this Bulletin.
Cooperative Programs
Political science students may also study overseas, or obtain a certificate in international studies, European studies, African Studies, East Asian studies, Latin American studies, women's studies, or writing, in conjunction with their political science major. See Certificate Programs in this Bulletin and consult with the Center for International Studies.
Research in political science is encouraged for students at all levels. Assistance is available at UM-St. Louis' Public Policy Research Centers, the Center for International Studies, and the Office of Computing. The department's membership in the Interuniversity Consortium for Political and Social Research provides access to a wide range of survey data on local-state-national, comparative, and international politics. In addition, extensive research opportunities are available within the metropolitan St. Louis area. Financial assistance is available for qualified students; details can be obtained from the department office.
Career Outlook
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Arts in Political Science
Political science graduates have done well in obtaining appropriate employment and in pursuing graduate education. Majors develop communications and decision-making skills, learn to analyze complex policy issues, both domestic and international in scope, and have a thorough understanding of government and politics. Political science is a particularly good undergraduate major for pre-law students. Many other majors pursue graduate education in business, education, public administration, public policy administration, journalism, public relations, non-profit organizations, and many other fields. Guides to careers in political science are available in the department office.
Ph.D. in Political Science
The Ph.D. in political science prepares students for three career areas: 1) government leadership and management positions at the local, state, and federal levels (both for new employees and in-service employees); 2) careers in the private sector, particularly positions in public affairs, policy research, and governmental relations departments of corporations, as well as consulting firms and nonprofit organizations; and 3) research and teaching careers in academic institutions.
Requests for further information about the M.A. or Ph.D. program should be sent to the Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Political Science, University of Missouri-St. Louis, 8001 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, MO 63121-4499.