Whether you are interested in a career in law or politics, or as a leader of local, state or federal agency, AUM’s Department of Political Science and Public Administration can put your goals within reach. We offer small classes and faculty committed to provide students the personal attention and monitoring you need to succeed.
The department offers the Bachelor’s of Science in Political Science as well as the Master of Science in Political Science and the Master of Science in Public Administration. In addition to other scholarship opportunities that could be available, the department awards a merit scholarship to a well-deserving junior or senior major. There are many career possibilities for students majoring and minoring in political science.
The courses making up the AUM Bachelor’s of Science in Political Science degree explore the multiple and various dimensions of politics.
Political science is a frequently selected major for students interested in attending law school. One reason for this relationship is that political science courses emphasize analytical and critical thinking, careful reading, and persuasive writing, all skills highly valued in the legal profession. The Department is extremely proud of its record in preparing students for admission to American Bar Association accredited law schools.
Political Science Four Year Plan
Political Science Plan of Study
Master of Science in Political Science
The master’s degree program in political science offers students an opportunity to gain advanced, in-depth training in political science and is designed for students who seek academic or professional careers. Students explore the leading literature in the key political science fields of American politics and international relations, receive advanced training in research methods, where they gain significant skills in quantitative and qualitative analysis, have the opportunity to take electives in comparative politics and data analysis, and undertake an independent research project on a topic of interest under the guidance of program faculty.
The program requires ten courses–six required courses and four electives–totalling 30 credit hours. See the plan of study for details. Two of the required courses include the two-semester thesis seminar in which master’s candidates work on an article-length, independent research project under the guidance of a three-member faculty committee. Students are able to choose a topic that reflects their individual interests, goals, and area of specialization.
The program offers students two primary areas of specialization.
Elective courses also are offered in comparative politics, making it possible for students to explore, for example, the impact of such factors as institutions, economic development, party systems, and national identity using broad, cross-national comparisons or, given the expertise of our faculty, developing more specific investigations in the African or European contexts.
A low student-faculty ratio ensures that each graduate student receives hands-on training from faculty members who are experts in their fields; their research has appeared in highly regarded academic journals including Journal of Politics, British Journal of Political Science, Political Research Quarterly, Legislative Studies Quarterly, Justice System Journal, Public Administration Review, Comparative Political Studies, Review of International Studies, and International Studies Quarterly.
Our graduates are well positioned for a variety of career paths. Recent graduates have continued their studies in the Auburn University-Auburn University Montgomery Joint Ph.D. Program in Public Administration and Public Policy whereas others have entered the workforce, accepting positions with public sector organizations or private sector entities. All courses meet in the classroom. The master’s degree program in political science is designed to be completed in two academic years.
Applications are accepted throughout the academic year. Merit-based scholarships are available. See the program’s application instructions for details on the application process. Students are encouraged to start the program in the fall if possible, but are welcome to begin in the Spring term. For more information, please contact the faculty and staff of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration or send inquiries to politicalscience@aum.edu.
Application Instructions MPS Plan of Study MPS Brochure
Master’s Degree Program in Public Administration
The MPA program at AUM prepares students for management positions in the nonprofit sector and various administrative and management opportunities in local, state, or national government. We equip students to be effective and ethical administrators in today’s complex and multicultural environment. Here is an example:
The twelve-course (thirty-six credit hours) program provides students with broad training in public administration and policy, thereby positioning students for opportunities across the public, non-profit, and private sectors and in federal, state, and local government. The program also offers a four-course concentration in Nonprofit Management and Leadership. Applications are accepted throughout the academic year and applicants should make certain to follow the program’s Application Instructions. The program also awards scholarships to new and continuing students who meet certain requirements.
Through excellent teaching, research, academic collaboration, community engagement, and service the program provides students with the critical knowledge, professional skills, and public service values required to assume leadership positions in the public and nonprofit sectors. Hallmarks of the program are its emphasis on the importance of an understanding of the normative, constitutional, and participatory aspects of active citizenship, and the broader challenges facing public policy and administration in the contemporary world.
The program’s faculty members have expertise across several areas of public administration and public policy including ethics, program evaluation, organizational behavior, budgeting, financial management, urban politics, state and local government, policy analysis, and nonprofits.
MPA Program Fact Sheet MPA Plan of Study MPA Brochure
Certificate in Data Analysis and Policy Evaluation
The MPA program offers a four-course Certificate in Data Analysis and Policy Evaluation as an option for current students as well as individuals not enrolled in the AUM MPA program. This certificate program provides students with the essential training they need to land the jobs they desire: strong data analysis skills—both with respect to the ability to analyze data and the ability to explain their data analysis in written, visual, and verbal communication.
Certificate in State and Local Administration
The MPA program’s Certificate in State and Local Administration focuses on the policymaking and implementation challenges affecting state and local governments and provides hands-on training in grant writing and grants administration.
For students who are interested in political science but have chosen another major, the department offers two minors:
The International Relations Minor offers students an understanding of the interactions among states and the roles and significance of such non-state actors as international organizations, non-governmental organizations, terrorist groups and business groups. The International Relations Minor Plan of Study provides details on the requirements for this minor.
Office Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Phone (334) 244-3698 Fax (334) 6244-3992 Goodwyn Hall, Room 209 P.O. Box 244023 Montgomery, AL 36124
Physical Address: 7061 Senators Drive Montgomery, AL 36117
Faculty & Staff: Department of Political Science and Public Administration
Cortell, Andrew Department Head/Professor Goodwyn Hall 209D 334-244-3622 acortell@aum.edu
Richardson, Shannon Administrative Associate Goodwyn Hall 209 334-244-3698 sricha17@aum.edu
Bark, Tracey Assistant Professor 209H Goodwyn Hall 334-244-3646 tracey.bark@aum.edu
Brooks, John Assistant Professor 209J Goodwyn Hall 334-244-3123 Jbrook30@aum.edu
Dennard, Linda Professor Emeritus
334-244-3698 ldennard@aum.edu
Howard, Nicholas Assistant Professor Goodwyn 209E 334-244-3177 nhoward8@aum.edu
Hughes, David Assistant Professor Goodwyn 209G 334-244-3594 dhughe10@aum.edu
Kalu, Kalu Distinguished Research Professor Goodwyn Hall, 209I 334-244-3695 kkalu@aum.edu
Knigge, Pia Assistant Professor Goodwyn Hall 209E 334-244-3834 pknigge@aum.edu
Through its various departments, the AUM College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences offers a variety of resources to give students the necessary knowledge and skills to be profoundly competitive. Join us and apply to AUM, where learning matters most. It’s why we learn-and why we teach.
Taylor Center 101
7400 East Drive Montgomery, AL 36117
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday
334-244-3000
334-244-3795
admissions@aum.edu
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