Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Study political institutions, processes, and players at all levels of government and from a global perspective. Your BA in Political Science explores a variety of contexts—institutional, legal, historical, philosophical, and economic, among others—while providing an exceptional foundation in highly transferable and marketable skills.
Learn about politics and gain the essential skills to adapt successfully in an ever-evolving world.
Delve into who has the power and who doesn’t from a global perspective, learn how various forces influence our interactions with our communities, and gain valuable insight into policy, legal considerations, and how politics intersects with the economy.
- Develop and hone key skills such as critical and analytical thinking, excellent verbal and written communication, conducting systematic research, and solving complex problems
- Take part in our Moot Court program, where you can hone your critical thinking and communication skills in mock Supreme Court-style oral arguments and written briefs, competing with other students in the region and around the country
- Jumpstart your career in law by engaging with our pre-law professional path, including the option to earn a certificate in legal studies
Program Spotlight
Pair of Wolverines rank 12th in American Moot Court Association’s national tournament
At the end of the 24-25 competition season, two UM-Flint students qualified to compete at the national level in Houston, TX. Alumni Sami Kotob and Alyssia Washington ultimately ranked 12th in the nation.
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Why earn your bachelor’s degree in Political Science at UM-Flint?
Partner with faculty and build core skills
UM-Flint’s political science faculty members are dedicated to your success.
Through individualized mentorship, extensive co-curricular opportunities in legal, electoral, and policy areas, and the chance to engage with faculty in their research, you’ll develop fundamental skills while building a network of lifelong professional relationships.
Jumpstart your legal career
Many political science majors continue on to attend law school, and our certificate in legal studies is excellent preparation for a career in law.
Our alums have been accepted into law schools around the country, including the University of Michigan, Georgetown University, Notre Dame University, the University of Minnesota, Emory University, Penn State University, Wayne State University, Michigan State University, and Marquette University—often supported by substantial scholarship funding.
Broaden your expertise
UM-Flint offers a variety of minors and certificates that can enhance your political science knowledge. Popular programs include:
- Anthropology Minor (opens in new tab)
- Communication Minor (opens in new tab)
- Criminal Justice Minor (opens in new tab)
- Economics Minor (opens in new tab)
- Humanistic Inquiry in the Liberal Arts Certificate (opens in new tab)
- International and Global Studies Minor (opens in new tab)
- International Relations Minor (opens in new tab)
- Law and Society Minor (opens in new tab)
- Professional Writing Minor (opens in new tab)
- Public Policy Minor (opens in new tab)
Free Tuition with the Go Blue Guarantee!
UM-Flint students are automatically considered for the Go Blue Guarantee upon admission, a historic program offering free tuition for high-achieving, in-state undergraduates from lower-income households. Learn more about the Go Blue Guarantee to see if you qualify and how affordable a Michigan degree can be.
Curriculum Overview
UM-Flint offers a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Political Science Minor. We also offer a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Social Sciences and a graduate program in Public Administration.
BA in Political Science
You’ll begin by taking core courses that explore political science theory and policy. You’ll then select courses in U.S. politics, global politics, political theory, and applied politics.
Political Science Minor
This 15-credit program will give you a bird’s-eye view of political science—its basic theory and how it applies across different environments.
BA in Integrated Social Sciences
Explore the intersection of people and their economic, social, and political institutions. You’ll have the option to select a primary discipline, complemented by two other disciplines, from anthropology, economics, history, political science, psychology, and sociology.
Master of Public Administration
Once you achieve your BA, you can continue your education with our MPA graduate program.
Select from various concentrations and apply your coursework in your professional life.
Career Outlook
UM-Flint political science graduates have gone on to successful careers in law, policy analysis, business, medicine, nonprofit agencies, the media, and education, and they’ve held elected office at various levels of Michigan government.
Here is a selection of career paths our alumni have taken, along with their 2024 median annual pay:
- Government (Top Executive): $105,350
- Labor Relations Specialists: $93,500
- Lawyers: $151,160
- Political Scientists: $139,380
- Postsecondary Teachers: $83,980
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists: $60,280
Admission Requirements
Whether you’re a first-year student or a transfer student, we aim to keep the admissions process simple, saving you time and money. We accept applications on a rolling basis; however, we recommend submitting all application materials at least 1 month before you plan to start your first semester. Review our academic calendars to learn more.
When applying to UM-Flint’s BA in Political Science program, please submit the following:
- A completed online or paper application
- Official transcripts from all previous schools
- Review UM-Flint’s complete undergraduate admission requirements.
Have questions about our admissions requirements or application process? Please contact our Office of Undergraduate Admissions at admissions.flint@umich.edu for more detailed information.
Academic Advisor
Scholarships for Political Science students
UM-Flint offers several scholarships specifically for political science students. They include:
- David French Memorial Scholarship
- Richard S. Harris Scholarship Fund
- David R. Keller Book Fund
- Gilbert Rubenstein Attorney at Law Scholarship Fund
- Lillian B. and Bruce E. Wright Memorial Scholarship
Our Office of Financial Aid also offers a variety of other scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. They’re all part of our effort to make your world-class University of Michigan-Flint education affordable.