Dedman College Majors

You will be challenged to evaluate prominent political thinkers throughout history, and to formulate intelligent views while examining your values. At the same time, your analytical, research, and communication skills will be sharpened so that you are prepared to think independently and be politically astute. Four minor concentrations are geared to varied student interests: political science (general), political thought, comparative and international politics, and American politics.

Degree Highlights

B.A. in Political Science
Minimum 33 term hours of political science courses

Minor in Political Science
Minimum 18 term hours of political science courses

Related Majors and Minors

If you’re thinking about a double major, political science combines well with public policy and international studies. Economics, business, journalism, foreign languages, and history also are popular choices.

Careers

Law school and graduate school are only several of the diverse paths pursued by political science graduates. The public service sector abounds with government and non-government positions for which political science graduates are well qualified. Or you might apply your savvy to a career in business, journalism, teaching, or international affairs.

Faculty

Study and conduct research alongside faculty who are recognized nationwide. Classes are limited to 35 students at the introductory level and 30 at the advanced level.

Internships & Study Abroad

Dedman College students get paid internships through the Hegi Family Career Development Center. Students majoring in political science may be eligible to earn up to three (3) graded credits toward their degrees by enrolling for unpaid, faculty-directed internships through the Dedman College Internship Program. The John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies offers the rare chance to meet highly distinguished diplomats and international political experts on campus. Vice President Dick Cheney is among past diplomats-in-residence. The Center also sponsors internships and research fellowships for undergraduates; many more summer and semester internships in Washington, D.C., and other government capitals are available.

Many political science majors gain that extra advantage by taking part in the SMU Study Abroad Program. Choose from yearlong, semester, or summer programs that probe timely political issues at locations around the globe. Most valuable to political science majors are SMU-in-Australia, SMU-in-Copenhagen, SMU-in-Paris, SMU-in-Japan, SMU-in-Spain, SMU-in-Oxford, and SMU-in-Taipei.