Department of Political Science
Illuminating the Dynamics of Power
Develop an understanding of human interactions in their social and political lives, and get the skills to take yourself to where you want to be.
EXPLORING an Interconnected World
Our research intensive programs improve your analytical ability, written and verbal communication skills and critical and creative thinking while allowing you to explore the interconnectedness of our world. The development of these skills and understanding prepare you for more advanced academic work as well as careers in public service, government, law, non-governmental organizations and industry.
Explore Our Programs
Political Science (BA/BS)
The undergraduate bachelor's degree programs in political science are intended to introduce students to key concepts and methods used in the study of politics and government. Through courses in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political philosophy and public policy, students develop skills in communication, critical and analytical thinking, and a deeper understanding of their personal and social responsibilities.
Paralegal Studies (BA/BS)
Paralegal studies provides specialized classes to prepare you to work in law offices as a paralegal. Practicing attorneys teach courses in family law, real estate law, business law, probate, legal research and other areas. This is definitely a growing field with a promising job market.
Latin American and U.S. Latino Studies Minor
The interdisciplinary minor in Latin American & U.S. Latino Studies (LALS) is designed to introduce undergraduates at East Texas A&M to the histories, cultures, politics, and societies in Latin America, as well as the descendants of Latin Americans who reside in the United States (U.S. Latinos). This minor is open to all majors and requires students to select courses in various departments to maximize their academic understanding of the region.
Legal Studies Minor
The legal studies minor gives students the benefit of a multi-disciplinary minor with rigorous courses intended to improve their ability to get into law school and help them to succeed once there. The reason for this is that not only do law schools consider undergraduate GPA in admission decisions—they also consider the quality of the undergraduate courses taken by a candidate. The minor in legal studies is available to any student in any major who is considering law school upon graduation from East Texas A&M.
Welcome from the Department Head
As William Dix noted in Forbes magazine: “Dedicated to the free and open pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, a liberal arts education provides a multi-faceted view of the world. It enables students to see beyond one perspective, encouraging them to understand others’ even if they don’t agree.” This ability to comprehend a wide variety of perspectives is essential in the 21st century.
The members of the faculty in Department of Political Science are content experts and accomplished scholars who cover the breadth of the discipline. Students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty to develop their own scholarship in American government and politics, comparative politics, international relations, public policy, and political philosophy. In addition, the Department sponsors study abroad programs, simulations of international organizations, and an annual remembrance of the Holocaust. Students that excel in their programs have the opportunity to join Pi Sigma Alpha, the award-winning honor society for political science.
Resources
News Spotlights
A&M-Commerce Alum Appointed to Preside over 73rd District Court
In February, Texas Governor Greg Abbott appointed Marialyn Barnard to the 73rd Judicial District Court in Bexar County for a term set to expire on December 31, 2024. Barnard is a 1983 graduate of East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University-Commerce), double-majoring in English and Political Sciences. She received her Juris Doctorate from the […]
TAMUC Student Elected President of A&M System Committee
Adriel Terrazas, a Political Science major from Terrell, Texas, was recently elected president of the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Committee (CSAC) for the Texas A&M University System. The CSAC was created in 1982 to provide an avenue for all student leaders to address student issues common to all campuses within the A&M System, and each system […]
A&M-Commerce Graduate is “The Voice of Hunt County”
Texas A&M University-Commerce alum Carissa Carter has been singing for as long as she can remember. Her talent and determination were on full display as the inaugural winner of “The Voice of Hunt County,” a singing competition held April 14-15 in Greenville, Texas. Carter loves telling stories through song. She got her start crooning to […]
A&M-Commerce Faculty Receives Grant to Fund Affordable Classroom Materials
Texas A&M University-Commerce Assistant Professor Dr. Jangsup Choi received a $5,000 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) for the creation of affordable materials to be used in university classrooms, creating less financial burdens for students. Choi has not only begun development on new materials, but has already utilized these materials in his […]
A&M-Commerce Faculty Member to Give Virtual Lecture on the Rise of Online Antisemitism
Texas A&M University-Commerce Assistant Professor of Political Science Ayal Feinberg is slated to give a virtual lecture on antisemitism in the digital space later this month. The lecture, titled “Online Antisemitism: The New Hate Frontier,” will discuss how the internet became the new frontier for proliferating hate, what researchers know about this growing phenomenon, and […]
A&M-Commerce Faculty Member Receives Academic Engagement Network Grant
Dr. Ayal Feinberg, assistant professor of political science at Texas A&M University-Commerce, received a $3,000 grant from the Academic Engagement Network (AEN). The grant comes as part of Feinberg’s appointment as the Junior Faculty Selection Chair of AEN. Feinberg utilizes his position to organize networking events and professional opportunities for scholars that share the missions […]
A&M-Commerce faculty member delivers lecture at Yale
Dr. Ayal Feinberg, Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Texas A&M University-Commerce, was invited to take part in Yale University’s Benjamin and Barbara Zucker Lecture Series on January 29. The invited lecture was titled “Quantifying Contemporary Anti-Semitism: Challenges and Findings from North America and Europe.” In February, Dr. Feinberg will be giving […]
Meet our Department
Contact Us
- Department of Political Science
- 903.886.5317
- 903.886.5318
- Ferguson Social Science Building, 152
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011