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
Clara Webster
Hometown: Alcoa, Tennessee
In her college search, Clara found that Maryville College had every area of interest she wanted to explore. Her love for politics started at the age of 12, and as a teenager she grew passionate about activism and grassroots movements.
In addition to majoring in Political Science, she is minoring in International Studies, Spanish and Theatre. “Being able to study all of the things I am passionate about without being limited is extremely important to me,” Clara said.
While at MC, Clara has been involved in several student organizations and has studied abroad twice: one semester in Nottingham, England; and one summer in Chile for a Spanish language program. She plans to study international human rights law after graduation.
Meet a Recent Grad
Lacey Hunter ’24
Currently: Pursuing a J.D. at the University of Tennessee
College of Law
When she came to MC, Lacey thought she wanted to major in Biology and follow the Pre-Vet track but quickly realized that wasn’t the path for her. With help from faculty and staff at the College, Lacey learned how to take her interests and turn them into a career path for which she could be excited. “My occupational goal is to pursue a career in the legal profession with a strong focus on advocating for social justice,” she said.
While a student, Lacey served as an environmental education fellow; co-authored a research article with her advisor, Dr. Naji Bsisu; worked as an intern for the Blount County Recovery Court; and served as a legislative intern in the Tennessee House of Representatives.
