Why study Political Science at MC?
Would you enjoy working for a US political campaign? Do you want to learn more about global political issues and explore solutions to some of the world’s biggest social problems through participation in the international Hult Prize competition? Would you like to take US and international pre-law courses from faculty who regularly travel abroad and have worked as D.C.-based policy analysts, international election observers and documentary film makers?
The Political Science (PLS) major at Maryville College prepares you for careers in a host of government, diplomatic, non-government, media and legal fields. Working with professors with professional experience in Washington DC and over two dozen nations around the works, PLS major students learn about political processes, institutions and the theories guiding governments around the world. They also learn how social and economic factors in those nations impact the daily work of government.
Politics comes alive in our major, providing skill sets students use to become successful interns in a host of US and global organizations, law firms and businesses. Our PLS majors have received public administration, law and public policy graduate degrees from among the best schools in the nation. They work for legislators in Nashville, Washington DC, and for leaders in a number of corners of the world. Come, and be our next political leader. The journey starts here, at Maryville College.
Campus Opportunities
Maryville College annually sends a team of students to participate in the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL), a forum for student leaders to exchange ideas, express their opinions and learn how government works. Its four programs are patterned after the essential elements of public service: legislative, AMC3 (the Appellate Moot Court Collegiate Challenge), lobbying and media. Contact Maryville College Criminal Minds to find out how to get involved.
Meet a Current Scot
Bettye “Maddie” Taylor
Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee
Maddie chose to study Political Science because of her passion for all things political and her belief that government can play a significant role in bettering lives. This belief is evident in her own campus involvement – she is president of the College’s Student Government Association. After graduation, she plans to attend law school with a focus on civil rights, with future plans of operating a nonprofit that works closely with the government.
Thanks to MC professors, Political Science is now more than a passion to Maddie. “They showed me that despite the world viewing politics as the enemy that I could take on politics with an insight that could ultimately change how we view our role and duty to engage with politics,” she said.
Meet a Recent Grad
Sammy Zeino ’21
Currently: J.D. candidate UCLA School of Law in Los Angeles, California
Through various courses and the writing of his Senior Study, Sammy developed research and writing skills necessary for law school and a career in law. He is considering corporate, immigration and environmental law.
“My experience at MC made me feel prepared to send out meaningful personal statements in my application, and I’m grateful that MC played such a large part in my eventual acceptance at UCLA School of Law,” he said. “I have wanted to study law since high school, and that is why I pursued a political science degree at Maryville College.”
