Political Science
Undergraduate ProgramsWhy Study Political Science?
Get a well-rounded foundation in political science and the valuable skills needed for careers in politics, policy, law, international relations, and more.
Follow your interests in community- to federal-level politics, policy, law and legal advocacy, or international relations and political systems. UMBC’s Political Science Department will also help you become a well-rounded professional by developing your skills in research, analysis, writing, and foreign language. Political science majors are active with internships, study abroad, and clubs like Mock Trial and Model United Nations, and graduates go onto rewarding jobs in government, public service, law, and other careers. You also have the opportunity to accelerate your studies with a five-year combined bachelor of arts and masters of public policy degree in partnership with the School of Public Policy.
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Which Program is Right for You?
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
The customizable Political Science degree gives you the well-rounded skills and hands-on experiences you need to prepare for a career in government, policy, international relations, law, or related fields.
VIEW Bachelor of Arts DETAILS →Minor in Law and Justice
Learn more about the law and legal systems as well as the struggle for justice with classroom and hands-on training. Apply your new knowledge at law school or in one of many fields where understanding the law is an advantage.
VIEW Minor DETAILS →Minor in Practical Policy and Politics
Get hands-on experience and professional skills in American government with a minor that can be personalized to your interests.
VIEW Minor DETAILS →Minor in World Politics
Get a global perspective of politics and how countries interact with each other. Learn how to think critically about and find potential solutions for today’s complex global challenges.
VIEW Minor DETAILS →Certificate in Public Administration and Policy
The Department of Political Science offers many options for students interested in the study of political science as well as programs that prepare students for rewarding jobs in government, public service, law, and other careers. Students can major in political science, minor in World Politics, Law and Justice, Practical Policy and Politics, obtain a certificate in Public Administration, or complete a five-year BA/MPP combined program.
VIEW Certificate DETAILS →Certificate in Security Studies
The Department of Political Science offers a 15-credit Upper-Division Certificate in Security Studies (SEST). The certificate enables UMBC undergraduates of any major to choose a curricular focus in international security affairs that will help prepare them for professional positions and/or graduate or law school.
VIEW Certificate DETAILS →Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid
UMBC is committed to making a world-class education accessible to every student. We offer a range of financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans to help you manage the cost of your education. New and current degree-seeking undergraduates can explore institutional and departmental scholarships using our Scholarship Retriever tool, along with additional opportunities from external partners. Scholarships and financial aid can help cover tuition, fees, textbooks, and even housing and meals, ensuring you can focus on your studies and your future at UMBC.
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Contact Information
UMBC Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation Contact Information
Mailing Address
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
and Orientation
1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250
OFFICE LOCATION
Albin O. Kuhn Library
on the lower level next to Library Pond
Admissions Staff
410-455-2292
Available Monday through Friday, from
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
admissions@umbc.edu
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Email Undergraduate Admissions at Request Help.