BAConcentrationMinor

Political Science

Curious about how governments work, how laws are made or how global events affect daily life? A political science degree from UNC Pembroke helps you explore power, justice, policy and the systems that shape the world around you. Whether you’re planning to go to law school, work in government or make change through advocacy or international work, this program gives you a strong start.

Degrees

BABachelor of Arts

MinorMinor

ConcentrationConcentration

College of Arts & Sciences

Political Science & Public Administration

UNCP student at a pre-law internship with a judge

Focus Areas

General, International Studies, Pre-Law, Public Policy and Administration

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Choose a concentration for your BA in Political Science that reflects your interests and prepare to make an impact. Political science at UNCP gives you the tools to think critically, lead confidently and navigate a rapidly changing world.

General

Interested in the foundations of government and politics? The general concentration provides a broad, flexible education in political theory, American politics, comparative government and more. Perfect if you’re still deciding on a specific path or if you want to explore a wide range of career options.

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International Studies

Drawn to global issues, diplomacy or international cooperation? The international studies concentration prepares you for careers that cross borders. Discover how nations work together. Learn how foreign policy is made and how global organizations help shape the world.

Review the international studies political science degree requirements in the catalog.

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Pre-Law

Thinking about law school? The pre-law focus sharpens your reasoning, public speaking and analytical skills – everything law schools are looking for. You’ll dive deep into constitutional law, judicial systems and political thought.

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Public Policy & Administration

Want to create or influence the policies that shape lives? Public policy and administration focuses on how decisions are made and implemented across government and society. Learn how real-world decisions are made — and how you can help shape them.

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Minor in Political Science

Add a deeper understanding of government, policy and civic engagement to your major. A minor in political science strengthens critical thinking, writing and public speaking. Use these valuable skills to help launch any career.

gear with words political science

Minor Requirements

Female student with red hair in a UNCP sweatshirt at her laptop in class, looking toward the professor who is out of frame.

Academic Concentration in Political Science

A concentration in political science gives you a strong foundation in government, political ideas and civic responsibility. You'll learn more about how government works — and why it matters.

female student wearing UNCP sweatshirt in a class

female student wearing UNCP sweatshirt in a class

Concentration Requirements

UNCP’s five-year combined BA in Political Science and Master of Public Administration (MPA) program blends academic theory with real-world application — preparing you for leadership roles in government, nonprofits and beyond.

Designed for driven students, this accelerated track allows you to begin graduate coursework in your senior year and earn both degrees in less time. You’ll save money, gain valuable experience and launch your career with a competitive edge in public service, law or civic leadership.

Explore the 5-Year Program

student receives hooding at Grad School commencement UNCP

Politics is about action. Step into leadership roles and shape conversations on campus and beyond.

Dr. Josiah Marineau (far left), faculty advisor, is pictured with SRMUN team members Katie Aguilar Manueles, Aspen Andersson, Sharon Daminabo, Kristian Johnson , Ethan Deese, Jose Perez, Anesu Mavhiya, Magally Ortiz-Rojas

Model United Nations

The Model United Nations program at UNCP offers students opportunities to get real-world experience at the Southern Regional Model United Nations (SRMUN) and Southern Regional Model Arab League (SRMAL) conferences. These conferences give students a hands-on opportunity to engage in diplomacy, negotiation and international affairs.

Aspen Andersson in cap and gown next to UNCP Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings and fellow graduate Madison Schwenneker

Political Science Honor Society

UNCP's Political Science program is proud to participate in Pi Sigma Alpha — the only honor society in the United States dedicated to college and university students of political science. Pi Sigma Alpha recognizes and promotes high academic achievement in the field, offering students opportunities for leadership, networking and national recognition.

UNCP's Pre‑Law Society offers hands‑on preparation and professional growth, helping you explore legal careers, build networks and sharpen skills through mock trials, LSAT prep, guest speakers and community-focused events. For students considering law school or a career in public service, the Pre‑Law Society is a hub for collegial support and transformative opportunity.

UNCP student presenting a case during a mock trial

Voter registration at a student event on campus at UNC Pembroke.

UNCP Votes

Your voice matters. UNCP Votes is a student organization that promotes voter registration, education and participation.

Join registration drives
Attend issue-focused events
Learn how to make your voice heard in every election

Student Government

Step into leadership, shape campus policy and represent your peers. Through Student Government, you can:

Run for elected office
Advocate for student needs
Learn how governance works from the inside out

After UNCP

Starting out in the Political Science program at UNCP gave me the foundation I needed to pursue a career in public service. The faculty truly invested in my growth, challenged me to think critically about policy and equity, and encouraged me to see myself as a leader. It was the beginning of everything.

Peace Ajirotutu

Peace is a published Political Analyst and a contract researcher for The Jamestown Foundation. She received her MA in Statecraft and International Affairs from the Institute of World Politics after her BA in Political Science at UNCP.

Common Careers

A degree in political science from UNC Pembroke helps you understand how governments function, how policy is made and how power shapes societies. You’ll build critical thinking, communication and research skills that prepare you for impactful careers in law, public service, business and beyond.