Education & Social Sciences

Political Science

political-science

Prepare for a Career in the field of Political Science

The Political Science program offers a dynamic and comprehensive education designed to prepare students for informed citizenship, leadership, and a wide range of careers in public service, law, international affairs, advocacy, and academia. Rooted in a broad liberal arts tradition, the program provides students with a deep understanding of political institutions, processes, and theories across local, national, and global contexts. 

Students explore the fundamental questions of power, justice, and governance while engaging with a wide spectrum of subfields including American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and strong communication skills through rigorous coursework and interdisciplinary study. 

A distinguishing feature of the program is its emphasis on undergraduate research and experiential learning. Students have the opportunity to conduct independent research under faculty mentorship, present at academic conferences, and contribute to policy briefs or publications. Through internships, study-away programs, simulations like Model United Nations, and community-based learning, students gain real-world experience that connects classroom theory to practical application. 

By the time they graduate, Political Science majors are equipped not only with a robust understanding of political dynamics but also with the methodological tools and ethical grounding needed to tackle today’s most pressing challenges. The program cultivates thoughtful leaders who are ready to engage meaningfully in democratic processes and global affairs. 

Why You Should Pursue a Degree in Political Science

Political Science is one of the oldest and most prestigious programs at Manchester University, housing the University's rigorous political science major, as well as its demanding Mock Trial and Model United Nations organizations. Our well-known graduates include G. John Ikenberry '76, Albert G. Milbank professor of politics and international affairs at Princeton University, and Steven Shull '65, university research professor at the University of New Orleans.

Our distinguished faculty have included such luminaries as Professor of Political Science Robert Johansen '62 (Faculty 1967-74), founder of the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame and president of the World Policy Institute (1978-1982); and Professor of Medieval History Andrew Cordier '22 (Faculty 1926-1944), one of the co-founders of the United Nations and president of Columbia University (1968-1970).

Manchester University benefited from Cordier's faculty position. Through his relationship with the United Nations, Manchester's Peace Studies Institute was awarded NGO status with the UN, a distinction we still hold. This has allowed Manchester to attract a number of renowned public figures and policy makers to our campus, among them: Eleanor Roosevelt, Martin Luther King Jr., Barry Goldwater, Ralph Nader and Jesse Jackson. These speakers, in turn, have helped provide perspective, depth, and experience to those at the University interested in history and politics.

More recently, the department has welcomed Dr. Gabriela Ramalho as the major advisor and faculty member in the political science program. Dr. Ramalho has expertise in American Politics, International Relations, Latin American Politics, Public Policy and Political Research Methods. Dr. Ramalho is a member of a global network of more than 40 scholars working on a variety of topics related to Politics and Policy, and she is also the program coordinator for a large research database.

What Can You Do with a Degree in Political Science?

Political science prepares students for jobs in politics, policy, international affairs and media. In this program, hard and soft skills are developed that can translate across public and private sectors. A growing focus of poli/sci programs and data analysis is a highly in-demand professional skill. Graduates from Manchester University are qualified to pursue careers as:
  • Legislative Assistant
  • Policy Analyst
  • Diplomat
  • Political Consultant
  • Intelligence Analyst
  • Attorney
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Urban Planner

Explore Political Science Program Highlights

The political Science program is home to two major co-curricular organizations: the Model United Nations Organization and the Mock Trial.
  • Model United Nations (MUN) is an educational simulation where students assume the roles of diplomats representing countries or organizations in United Nations committees. Participants engage in debates on pressing global issues, draft resolutions, and collaborate to find solutions, mirroring the procedures of actual UN conferences.
  • Mock Trial is an academic simulation of courtroom proceedings where students assume the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and other legal participants to present a fictional case before a judge or panel. This experiential learning activity allows participants to engage deeply with legal concepts and trial processes, fostering a practical understanding of the judicial system.
In addition, our students have joined a number of honor societies including the National Political Science Honor Society, Pi Sigma Alpha, and the International Honor Society in Social Sciences, Pi Gamma Mu.