Southeast Missouri State University 1873

Department of Political Science, Philosophy & Religion

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The Department of Political Science, Philosophy, and Religion comprises three distinct disciplines with majors in Political Science and minors in Political Science, Nonprofit Management, Philosophy, and Religion. The department also maintains a 3+3 program with Mizzou Law School and offers an accelerated BS to MPA degree.

Political Science 

Political Science prepares you to think critically, write persuasively, and analyze the basic structures of government to promote greater engagement and greater awareness of what good government is. Political science curriculum represents the major fields of the discipline:  

  • American Government 
  • Comparative Government 
  • International Politics, Political Theory 
  • Public Administration.  

In the Department of Political Science, Philosophy & Religion, you can explore a variety of diverse clubs and organizations, sponsored forums, campus-community events, and outreach services! All of the following are sponsored by SEMO faculty to provide you with expert experience. 

  • Model United Nations 
  • Student chapter of the International City/County Management Association 
  • Law, Politics, and Society Club 
  • Iota Rho Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha  
  • Annual Constitution Day celebration  
  • Campus forums on political events 

 

Graduate Studies

Are you committed to championing the causes that matter most in your community? Are you ready to expand your impact in a leadership role? The online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is designed to shape rising leaders into ethically minded change-makers in government and nonprofit organizations. 

  • With tracks in Nonprofit and State and Local Governance, the hyflex MPA program allows you to develop specialized skills to support your career aspirations in public service.
  • Hyflex format is made to support your learning style. This means if you are working full-and/or part-time you are able to tailor the program to your schedule!
  • SEMO also has an accelerated Political Science bachelor’s to MPA degree that allows you to receive both degrees with one less year of coursework! 

Academic Programs

We have an array of different majors and minors in the Department of Political Science, Philosophy, & Religion to choose from. Find the one that interests you and begin your journey!
Undergraduate Programs Graduate Programs
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About the Department of Political Science, Philosophy & Religion

  • A student studies at a laptop during a political science class.

    Jefferson City Legislative Internship

    SEMO students are highly sought after by legislators in Missouri’s Capitol for the legislative internship experience. The program, while giving invaluable experience to students, can also lead to a career in politics or policy making. Many former interns have gone on to government or campaign employment following their internship experience. 

  • A student shakes hands with an individual while mingling at a career expo.

    Career Services

    Career Services assists students and alumni with major and career exploration, internship strategizing, career planning, and graduate school preparation. Throughout the academic year, we offer a variety of career workshops and events as well as career fairs designed to connect students with prospective employers. 

  • A student listens to a lecture in a political science class.

    Pre-Law Collaboration with Mizzou

    SEMO offers a new pathway in partnership with the University of Missouri School of Law that will save exceptional students one year of undergraduate tuition and give them a head start on achieving their career goals in the legal profession. During their junior year at SEMO, students who have completed their general education and political science major requirements may apply to Mizzou a year early. If accepted, they will receive their bachelor’s degree from SEMO after their first year of law school. Instead of taking seven years to complete both degrees, students can complete both in six years!

Expert Faculty

Our experienced faculty work closely with students to achieve their academic goals. With small class sizes, students receive hands-on, experiential learning tactics in real-world situations. Our faculty care deeply about the success of their students, and our departmental learning outcomes are as impressive as the professors themselves.
Faculty Directory
professor lectures during political science course

Experiential Learning

You’ll gain hands-on experience through internships on and off campus with government offices and nonprofit organizations. Beyond internships, experiential learning includes faculty-led research, community-focused policy projects, Model UN, and the Model Constitutional Convention. Your coursework also emphasizes real-world application through simulations of legislative processes, campaign management, and public and nonprofit management.
stuendts in politicla science conversing during an experiential learning activity during class.

“After graduating from SEMO, I commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. I attended SLU law, and then proceeded on to active duty. While on active duty, I spent the majority of my time as a criminal defense attorney. Once I leave the Marine Corps, I will transition to the Marine Corps reserves, and will begin civilian employment with the Department of Justice.”

— Geoffrey Ogden, '11, Political Science and History, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, United States Attorney's Office 

Political Science, Philosophy & Religion

Contact Us

Location

Office

Carnahan Hall 211

Mailing Address

One University Plaza, MS 2920
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701