Political Science
A major in political science prepares students for a rich and rewarding career. Political science graduates are well equipped for professions both at home and abroad in the fields of law, business, criminal justice, education, journalism, and government service at the local, state, and federal levels. In fact, many political science graduates have reached the pinnacle of their respective professions.
Political science is a flexible major, with the curriculum available on campus or entirely online. Political science is among the most popular liberal arts majors and is highly suitable for combination as a double major with other disciplines such as business, economics, foreign languages, history, international studies, philosophy, psychology, and sociology, among others.
The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees may be obtained with or without a concentration. Students may pursue concentrations in government affairs and civic engagement, foreign and national security affairs, law and the courts, political thought, and race, ethnicity and gender politics.
Public Service
The political science major provides students with the tools to become effective and politically active citizens and leaders. Students learn to process the endless flow of ideas, rhetoric and data that are an inescapable feature of the information age. By polishing valuable skills in analysis, communication, research, and writing, political science classes challenge students to think independently, with an informed awareness of current affairs and tolerance for other points of view. With these skills political science graduates are always among the leaders in community organizations and electoral politics.
Pre-Law
Political science continues to be the single most popular major among students who apply to law school. Law schools emphasize the importance of a course of study that develops the following skills: an understanding of human nature and human institutions, clarity in written and oral communication, and creative and critical thinking. Political science offers such an education, plus a number of courses that provide undergraduates with a rigorous introduction to legal concepts and arguments, as well as to the operation of the American legal system. Students who are interested in majoring in political science as a preparation for law school are encouraged to pursue a concentration in law and the courts and they are invited to consult with the department’s pre-law advisor.
Other Information
A political science major or minor must earn at least a “C-” in all political science and cognate courses presented in satisfaction of the major or minor.
For the political science minor, 9 credits must be taken in residence at UNO.
For the political science major, 15 credits must be taken in residence at UNO.
Political Science may also be studied through the College of Public Affairs and Community Service in the Division of Continuing Studies. Students interested in this degree program must meet with an advisor in the Division of Continuing Studies. The concentration consists of a minimum of 30 credit hours in political science, details of which are found here.
Student Groups
UNO Pre-Law Society
Option for Degree Completion
Fast Track Program
The Department of Political Science has developed a Fast Track program for highly qualified and motivated students providing the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an accelerated time frame. With Fast Track, students may count up to 9 graduate hours toward the completion of their undergraduate program as well as the graduate degree program.
Program Specifics:
- This program is available for undergraduate students pursuing BA/BS in Political Science or BA in International Studies desiring to pursue a MS in Political Science.
- Students must have completed no less than 60 undergraduate hours.
- Students must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5.
- Students must complete the Fast Track Approval form and obtain all signatures and submit to the Office of Graduate Studies prior to first enrollment in a graduate course.
- Students will work with their undergraduate advisor to register for the graduate courses.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduate coursework to remain in good standing.
- Students remain undergraduates until they meet all the requirements for the undergraduate degree and are eligible for all rights and privileges granted undergraduate status including financial aid.
- Near the end of the undergraduate program, formal application to the graduate program is required. The application fee will be waived, the applicant will need to contact the Office of Graduate Studies for a fee waiver code.
- Admission to Fast Track does NOT guarantee admission to the graduate program.
- The admit term must be after the completion term of the undergraduate degree.
Notes:
- 8000-level courses taken at the undergraduate level without having been accepted into the integrated program will not count towards a graduate program.
- Students accepted into the Fast Track program may be denied entry into the graduate program due to, but not limited to poor performance, academic integrity issues, and other violations of the student code of conduct.
- Before starting graduate work, students are expected to complete all PSCI subfield introductory courses (1100, 2000, 2210, 2310, and 2500) and 2-3 (3000/4000) level political science courses.
- Please inquire with the Department of Political Science graduate advisor for more information about this program.
Other Program Related Information
The Departments of History and Political Science have developed a Fast Track program for highly qualified and motivated students providing the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an accelerated time frame. With Fast Track, students may count up to nine (9) graduate hours toward the completion of their undergraduate program as well as the graduate degree program.
Program Specifics:
- This program is available for undergraduate students pursuing BA/BS in History or BA/BS in Political Science desiring to pursue a MA in History and Government.
- Students must have completed no less than 95 undergraduate hours.
- Students must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5.
- Students must complete the Fast Track Approval form and obtain all signatures and submit to the Office of Graduate Studies prior to first enrollment in a graduate course.
- Students will work with their undergraduate advisor to register for the graduate courses.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduate coursework to remain in good academic standing.
- Students remain undergraduates until they meet all the requirements for the undergraduate degree and are eligible for all rights and privileges granted undergraduate status including financial aid.
- Near the end of the undergraduate program, formal application to the graduate program is required. The application fee will be waived, the applicant will need to contact the Office of Graduate Studies for a fee waiver code.
- Admission to Fast Track does NOT guarantee admission to the graduate program.
- If students obtain a minimum GPA of 3.8 in the graduate courses taken within the Fast Track Program, this will be considered a plus factor for admission to the master’s degree program.
- The admit term must be after the completion term of the undergraduate degree.
- Admission to Fast Track does NOT guarantee admission to the graduate program.
Contact Information
275 Arts & Sciences Hall
402.554.2624
Website
Political Science majors make great employees in any field because of their ability to communicate effectively, think critically and solve complex problems. These timeless skills make them attractive to employers in all walks of society. Specifically though, Political Science majors often pursue careers in:
- Government
- Public Sector Jobs
- National Security
- Journalism and Media
- Law
- Diplomacy & International Affairs
- Business
- Human Rights
- Education
- Military
- Nonprofit & International Organizations