What to Look for in a Department of Anthropology, History and Political Science

If you’re interested in law, public service, public policy, or leadership, choosing the right department matters. Here’s how SEMO helps you turn ambition into opportunity. 

• Accelerated 3+3 Law Program: SEMO partners with the University of Missouri School of Law to offer a 3+3 pathway, allowing you to earn both your bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor in about six years, saving time and money while getting a head start on your legal career. 
• Dedicated Pre-Law Support: In our pre-law program, you’ll work with faculty who understand law school expectations and help you develop the analytical thinking, writing, and reasoning skills needed for the LSAT and law school applications. 
• Real-World Experience Before Graduation: SEMO students gain hands-on experience through government internships with legislatures, courts, government offices, and policy organizations, building professional connections and practical skills while still in college. 

At SEMO, coursework prepares you for leadership and decision-making. 

• Political Science courses help you understand how laws are made, how governments operate, and how public policy shapes communities. SEMO offers a Bachelor of Arts, examining national and international politics. The Bachelor of Science analyzes international relations, public administration, and public policy.  
• Pre-Law pre-professional coursework prepares students for law school by building strong skills in critical thinking, logical reasoning, and persuasive writing while they complete a major of their choice.  

These programs give you a flexible foundation for law, government, nonprofit leadership, and graduate study. 

• Students participate in Model UN, Pi Sigma Alpha, pre-law organizations, and political clubs, gaining leadership experience and building community. 
• Debates, forums, and campus events help you sharpen public speaking skills and engage with real-world issues. 
• Internships and experiential learning let you put classroom knowledge into action, helping you graduate with a competitive edge. 

The department has a strong record of graduate and career outcomes, with alumni moving into law school, public service, education, nonprofit leadership, and more. Career Services supports you with internships, personal development, interview preparation, and job searches from your first year through graduation. 

If you want a department that combines rigorous academics, real-world experience, and proven outcomes, SEMO’s Department of Anthropology, History and Political Science is the right fit. 

Frequently Asked Questions:  

• What classes should I take in undergrad to prepare for law school? Focus on classes that strengthen writing, critical thinking, and analysis. Political science, philosophy, history, economics, and communication courses are all excellent preparation, along with classes in logic, ethics, research methods, and public speaking. 

• How does a political science degree help with the LSAT? Political science helps you build the exact skills the LSAT measures. You’ll learn to evaluate arguments, interpret complex texts, and think critically about evidence, all of which translate directly to LSAT success. 

• What kinds of internships should I look for as a pre-law or political science student? Look for internships that expose you to law, government, or policy work. Great options include courts, law firms, legislative offices, city or county government, nonprofit advocacy groups, and policy organizations. 

• What are the best extracurriculars for a political science student planning on law school? Activities that build leadership, communication, and argumentation skills are ideal. Consider Model UN, student government, debate teams, pre-law clubs, political organizations, volunteer advocacy work, or campus leadership roles. 

• What jobs can I get with a political science degree besides being a lawyer? A political science degree opens the door to careers in government, public policy, nonprofit leadership, business, and communications. Common paths include policy analyst, legislative staffer, public relations specialist, campaign manager, nonprofit director, or roles in public administration and international relations. 

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