Graduate Program

The Department of Political Science at the University of New Mexico is a department of sixteen full-time faculty members. The department offers both the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees, with subfield specializations in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, methodology, and public policy.

Undergraduate Program

Majoring in Political Science? Are you interested in American politics? International affairs? Critical issues such as health, the environment, civil rights? Do you want to study these subjects and pursue a career based on your interests? If so, you should select political science as a major. Political science uses both humanistic and scientific perspectives and skills to examine the United States, all countries and regions of the world, and international relations. Because of its breadth and diversity, political science is a very popular undergraduate major.

Political science majors acquire skills in writing, communications, and analysis that are critical to a liberal arts education. A liberal arts education prepares students to think independently, with tolerance for others and concern for current affairs. Today, students can reasonably expect to change jobs and even to have more than one career. An undergraduate education in the liberal arts and sciences is excellent preparation for flexibility in employment.

Political science majors qualify for many different careers in private and public sector organizations, including careers in business, the law, state, local and federal government, journalism, international organizations and finance, political campaigns, interest groups and associations, and pre-college and college teaching.

Political science training also provides valuable preparation for participation in community organizations, electoral politics, movements on behalf of specific policies, or even seeking elected or appointed positions in governments. Many of these are voluntary activities. But opportunities also exist for part-time and full-time positions in politics and government, particularly at the local level.

Political science majors at UNM select courses that interest them and prepare them for professional or graduate education or for careers that can be entered with a B.A. degree.

The University of New Mexico serves recent high school graduates, transfer students, non-degree students, returning and non-traditional students. For undergraduate admission requirements and prodedures, contact the Office of Admissions.

Internship Programs

UNM Fred Harris Congressional Internship Program

The University of New Mexico has established a scholarship program to allow its students to travel to Washington, D. C. to learn firsthand how federal policy is formulated in our nation's capital. The program's objective is to provide undergraduate students who have an interest in public policy the opportunity to participate in public service by observing and contributing to the policy-making process. The internship experience helps students understand the challenges and rewards of public life and develops their leadership skills.

Beginning the Fall of 2006, up to five students per semester will travel to Washington D.C. under this program to intern in NM delegation member offices. Eventually, the program will expand to place students in agency offices as well. We anticipate many will use their internship experience as a springboard into careers in our nation's capitol, while others will choose to continue their education by entering into graduate school.

Undergraduate students who have completed a minimum of 60 semester credit hours with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 are eligible to participate. No particular major or disciplinary background is required. Students will acquire skills and experience that will serve them well no matter what career they choose.

Up to five interns will be selected for the Fall 2008 semester. Each student will receive a $5,000 scholarship to help defray costs associated with the internship. The student will be required to complete a minimum 12 semester credit hours.

Students may obtain an application packet from the Department of Political Science Office located in the Social Sciences Building, Room 2061, or by using the link above. Applications are due March 12, 2008. For additional information about the program, please contact Joann M. Buehler at 277-8930 or joannb@unm.edu.

This program has been made possible by the collaborative efforts of the offices of the UNM Provost, President's Club, Academic Affairs, the Vice President of Research and Economic Development, and the Department of Political Science.

New Mexico Legislative Internship Program

The Department of Political Science is taking applications for the 2008 New Mexico State Legislative Internship program. Participants in the program will be assigned to members of the New Mexico State Legislature for one week during the 2008 legislative session. Interns will be in a unique position to observe the operation of the legislature first-hand.

Each intern will work full-time at assigned duties during the week. The intern reports at 9:00 a.m. on the Monday of his/her assigned week and resides in Santa Fe until released at the close of the week's legislative session. Interns receive a stipend of $300 to help cover their Santa Fe expenses.They also receive one hour of academic credit (granted on a credit/no credit basis) upon completion of the internship and submission of a daily internship journal and short summary paper to the internship coordinator.

Applications are available in the Political Science Department office (Social Sciences Building, Room # 2059). The deadline to submit applications is November 16, 2007. If you have any questions about the program, please contact Professor Lonna Atkeson at 277-5104.

Completed applications should be turned in to the Political Science Department, Room # 2059.