Political Science: A Deeper Understanding of Politics
An Overview
As an undergraduate, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science can provide you with the intellectual tools necessary to understand various topics within the political arena, preparing you for a career in business, government, law, or a variety of other jobs that require an understanding of the political world. Our new Pre-Law concentration gives you an in-depth understanding of the connections between law and politics.
For those already with an undergraduate degree, our M.A. program offers a more-advanced educational experience, providing students with the skills to be either professional political scientists or to seek career paths that place a premium on research skills.
Our website contains information about our programs, our faculty, our alumni, and some of the opportunities offered by a specialization in Political Science. If you need more information, or want to schedule an appointment to meet with someone about beginning studies in political science, please feel free to contact us by e-mail or by phone at 901.678.2395.
Pre-Law Concentration in Political Science
The Department of Political Science is excited to introduce its new Pre-Law Concentration! Starting in Fall 2025, students interested in pursuing a career in the legal profession after graduation will be able to take a curated version of the Political Science major that emphasizes the study of law and legal/political theory. Students will take courses in U.S. law, international law, and legal/political thought. Students will also be expected to get hands-on experience as part of their course of study by participating in internships, study abroad, research projects, or mock trial.
Students will need to complete 36 hours of coursework in order to satisfy the requirements of the Pre-Law concentration in Political Science. There are four required courses:
- POLS 1120: Politics & Law - An Introduction
- POLS 1030: American Government
- POLS 3405: Intro to Law / Jurisprudence
- POLS 4101: Political Statistics
Students will also be exepected to complete 2 courses within four categories: Law in the U.S., International Law, Legal Thought, and Pre-Law Elective Experience.
Sample classes within the Law in the U.S. category include:
- POLS 3211: State & Local Government
- POLS 3219: Judicial Process
- POLS 4202: Con Law - Civil Rights
- POLS 4211: Con Law - National Powers
- POLS 4212: Con Law - Civil Liberties
Sample classes within the International Law category include:
- POLS 3320: Human Rights / World Politics
- POLS 4504: International Law
- POLS 4510: Politics of the Global Economy
- POLS 4512: Global Environmental Politics
- POLS 4513: Human Security
Sample classes within the Legal Thought category include:
- POLS 3401: Legal/Political Thought of the Ancient World
- POLS 3402: Legal/Political Thought of the Modern World
- POLS 3415: Feminist Political Thought
- POLS 3430: Conservative Political Thought
- POLS 4405: American Political Thought
Sample classes within the Pre-Law Elective category include:
- POLS 4231: Internship
- POLS 4399: Study Abroad
- POLS 4713: Mock Trial
- POLS 4999: Senior Thesis
We also encourage students with the Pre-Law concentration to consider adding a minor in Legal Thought / Liberal Arts to further bolster their law school preparedness and skill set. Students can complete this minor with as few as three additional courses from outside of Political Science.
If you have questions about the Pre-Law concentration, please contact our advising team: polsadvising@memphis.edu
Meet the Newest Faces in Political Science!
Please join us in welcoming Dr. James Fahey to the Department of Political Science at the University of Memphis as an Assistant Professor! Dr. Fahey holds a BA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and an MA and a PhD from the University of Florida. He previously worked as an Assistant Professor at the University of North Florida. Dr. Fahey’s research focuses on the effects of populism, nativism and misinformation in the United States and Western Europe.
We are delighted to announce that Dr. Brooke Shannon has joined the Department of Political Science at the University of Memphis as an
Assistant Professor. Dr. Shannon holds a BA from the University of Colorado, Denver,
an MA from the University of Memphis, and a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin.
She previously served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr.
Shannon’s research focuses on urban politics and public policy, local institutions,
policy agendas, and political development.
Department of Political Science Awards, Highlights, Publications and more:
The department is proud to have exceptional faculty who are recognized for their outstanding
contributions in research, teaching, and/or service to students, university, community
and the world. Visit the awards page on our site to view a list of achievements, honors and awards.