The political science major at UNT Dallas offers traditional and innovative approaches to preparing graduates for work, further study and participation in government, law and communications. The program blends the study of government and human political behavior in a major that is designed to be interdisciplinary, using insights from sociology, psychology, economics and the management sciences in addition to providing foundational knowledge about political theory, political institutions and international affairs.

Political science has a deeper relevance to modern life: students will acquire knowledge at the macro level about how the world is structured and works, but students will also cultivate and understanding of how politics functions in the workplace, neighborhoods and small groups. Political science majors will become discerning consumers of political messages and understand the importance of political context in communication.

The value of an undergraduate political science degree in the job market is considerable. Political science majors find jobs in:

• Federal, state and local government.

• Political campaigns.

• Public affairs communications.

• Lobbying for interest groups, non-governmental organizations and corporations.

• Law.

• Journalism.

A political science major is also good preparation for professional degree programs in:

• Law (JD)

• Public Administration (MPA)

• Policy-based programs in business, health and education (MBA, MPH etc.).

• Journalism (MJ).

Concentrations in political science include:

• Public Law and Public Policy - this track will provide preparation for law school, but it is also useful to those involved in criminal justice programs.

• American Politics - UNT Dallas is an urban university that seeks to prepare students for careers in city government and politics.

• Political Behavior - Understanding the mechanics of public opinion, and party, candidate and voter behavior, and democratic institutions is important to the survival of modern democracies.

• International Relations and Comparative Politics - Politics among nations is different from local, state and national politics and warrants its own type of analysis. UNT Dallas hopes to eventually develop area study programs that will focus on Mexico and other nations in Central and South America.

Program Coordinator: Dr. Curtis McDowell, Phone: 972.338.1775, Email: Curtis.McDowell@untdallas.edu

Content amendment since initial publishing added May 15, 2024

PSCI BA/MSPLA Accelerated Program

The Master’s Accelerated Pathways (MAP) provide an opportunity for academically outstanding, currently enrolled UNT Dallas undergraduates to initiate graduate coursework toward a master’s degree in their final undergraduate year, and to complete the bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less combined time than it would take to complete them sequentially.  The accelerated pathways allow students to gain valuable knowledge and qualifications while saving time and money to meet their career goals through the attainment of an advanced degree.  

To ensure that students taking graduate courses have a high likelihood of success, the Graduate School requires an undergraduate student to meet its minimum, prescribed academic standards and, if applicable, any additional, more stringent standards that may be required by the approved MAP.

Approved Master’s Accelerated Pathways (MAPs):

MAPs are an entry point into an existing master’s degree, not a separate degree.

If no additional dates/deadlines, admission, or academic standards are stated for each MAP, the Graduate School minimum requirements are to be regarded as the MAP requirements.

Pathway to M.S. in Public Leadership and Administration

The B.A. in Political Science to M.S. in Public Leadership and Administration

Students may contact the Political Science Program Coordinator and/or the Public Leadership and Administration Program Coordinator for information about the B.A. in Political Science to M.S. in Public Leadership and Administration Pathway. Once students are officially classified as graduate students, the Public Leadership and Administration Program Coordinator will serve as the student advisor.

Undergraduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Sean Hubbard, Email: Sean.Hubbard@untdallas.edu                                

Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Janiece Upshaw, Phone: 972-338-1538, Email: Janiece.Upshaw@untdallas.edu                            

 Admission Standards:

• This program is limited only to Political Science.

• Students must have a 3.25 cumulative GPA within the first 75 hours of their degree.

Academic Standards:

• Accelerated students must maintain a B or above in each of the graduate courses to apply to the Public Leadership and Administration graduate program following the obtainment of their bachelor's degree in Political Science.  Once accepted into the graduate program, the 9 hours may transfer as Pass/No Pass into the Public Leadership and Administration degree plan. 

• To successfully complete the B.A. Political Science to M.S. Public Leadership and Administration pathway within 5 years, students must graduate with a minimum of a 3.0 in BA (PSCI) and a 3.0 for the M.S. Public Leadership and Administration degree.

Recommended Course Sequence Notes:

15 credit hours per fall and spring semester or 30 hours over a full academic year is typically required to graduate with a 120-hour undergraduate degree in 4 years.

Plan assumes TSI College Readiness requirements have been met in all subjects. All prerequisites must be met for course enrollment. Refer to the Undergraduate Catalog for TSI requirements and course descriptions for all course prerequisites.