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School of Social Sciences

We are a vibrant department composed of three different programs. We offer a Bachelor's in Political Science Degree, a Master's in International Relations Degree (MSIR), and a Master's in Public Administration Degree (MPA).

Programs Scholarships and Careers Research Faculty FAQs Resources

About the Department

The Department of Political Science offers a comprehensive and flexible academic experience, catering to students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees both on-campus and online. Housed in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, we provide a robust curriculum designed to equip students with the analytical and practical skills necessary for careers in law, government, international relations, public administration and more.

Featured Bachelor's Programs

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Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology

TROY's unique focus on archaeology and forensic anthropology and extensive hands-on lab and field experience help the TROY program stand out as one of the best anthropology programs in the nation.

Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
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Bachelor of Science in Social Science

Troy University's social science major will prepare you to understand and contribute to society in a meaningful way by applying critical and creative thinking, technology and an interdisciplinary perspective to solving practical problems.

Bachelor of Science in Social Science
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Political Science Bachelor's

Whether you're dreaming of a future in law, American and world politics, public administration or international relations, these respected faculty members will not only bring expertise to their classrooms, they will also help you build your resume to be competitive when you graduate.

Political Science Bachelor's
All Programs

Featured Master's Programs

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Master's in Public Administration

At TROY, you'll develop your abilities to manage people, places and budgets within a global context, training to become an impactful, effective public leader in the United States and abroad.

Master's in Public Administration
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Master's in International Relations

When you earn TROY's M.S. in international relations degree, you'll follow in the footsteps of graduates like John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the White House; Richard Wyatt, deputy division chief at Joint Staff, and retired NASA astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris.

Master's in International Relations
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Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Whether you want to advance your career in law enforcement, the courts, corrections, homeland security or another area, Troy University's graduate program in criminal justice prepares you to make a positive impact on the field.

Master of Science in Criminal Justice
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PhD in Criminology

At Troy University, our PhD in Criminology will help you better understand the complexities of crime and justice in society. Whether you want to pursue research, policy or teach, our online PhD in Criminology will prepare you to address complex issues within our criminal justice system.

PhD in Criminology
All Programs

Scholarships

Last year, TROY awarded more than $20M in scholarships. There are several scholarship available to students studying political science including the Cathy Lynn Stewart Scholarship and the John Browning Endowed Scholarship.
Explore

Careers

Careers for majors in Political Science are thriving. These include: 
  • Law (about 20% of all law students majored in political science)
  • Government and Public Administration
  • Military Service
  • International Organizations
  • Political Organizations
  • Journalism
The American Political Science Association (APSA) provides helpful information for careers in political science:
Careers in Political Science
Career Resources
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Tutwiler Garden Program

The Troy University Tutwiler Garden Program, now known as Gardening in the Alabama Prison System (GAPS), represents a unique and impactful collaboration between Troy University and the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka, Alabama. Led by faculty and involving Troy University students, this educational initiative offers incarcerated women a comprehensive curriculum in horticulture and nutrition, coupled with hands-on experience in the "Garden of Perseverance." Beyond providing access to fresh produce and valuable skills, the program fosters a sense of purpose, community, and even artistic expression, with the long-term vision of expanding its reach to other correctional facilities across the state. While the garden itself is located off-campus, GAPS exemplifies Troy University's commitment to innovative community engagement and transformative learning experiences.

 

Learn More

 

Center for Eastern and Central European Russian and Eurasian Studies (CECERES) as a Research Hub

The Center for Eastern and Central European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies at Troy University is a leading institution dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding of the political, cultural, and economic dynamics in Eastern and Central Europe, Russia, and Eurasia. With a focus on interdisciplinary research and academic excellence, the Center offers students and scholars opportunities to engage with key global issues such as security, diplomacy, and international relations. The Center's programs include expert faculty, specialized courses, and events designed to foster dialogue and collaboration among students, policy professionals, and academics. Located in a vibrant academic community, the Center is committed to producing cutting-edge research that informs policy and contributes to a deeper understanding of the region's global significance.

Learn More About CECERES

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Meet the Faculty

Our faculty are specialists in many different areas and are extremely well-published. Many of our faculty members are consulted by media when they need experts. For example, our faculty have been interviewed by the BBC, ABC News, NBC News, CNN and many other media outlets.

Our Team
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the program requirements for the Political Science Bachelor's?
The Political Science Major is a 36 hour course of study containing two department specific general studies courses, three department specific core courses, three core courses from American Government, International Relations, and Public Administration concentrations, and eighteen more hours from any upper level Political Science courses available.

Admission Requirements
What are the program requirements for the MPA and MSIR?
Unconditional Admission: 
Applicants may be admitted unconditionally if they meet the following requirements:
  1. Hold a master's or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution. No test score is required. An official transcript showing completion of a master's or higher degree is required. 
OR
  1. Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 2.5 (4.0 scale) or a 3.0 GPA on the last 30
    semester hours. All hours attempted in the term in which the 30 semester hours were reached will be used to calculate the GPA. All transcripts from all colleges or universities attended are required
    AND
  2. Have an acceptable score on the appropriate entrance exam: GRE 294 (920 on the old exam) (verbal plus quantitative) or GMAT 490.
  3. The GRE/GMAT requirement may be waived under the following conditions:

  • If the applicant holds a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale)OR
  • If the applicant holds a baccalaureate degree from Troy University with a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 2.5 (4.0 scale) or a 3.0 on the last 30 semester hours. All hours attempted in the term in which the 30 semester hours were reached will be used to calculate the GPA.OR
  • If the applicant is an officer or senior NCO in the U.S. military in good standing and holds a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 2.5 (4.0 scale) or a 3.0 on the last 30 semester hours. All transcripts from all colleges or universities attended are required.
Conditional Admission
Conditional admission may be granted under certain circumstances to applicants who cannot satisfy all unconditional admission requirements to the graduate program. 

Academic Catalog (Graduate Catalog)
When is the last day to apply/register/drop/etc.?
View TROY's Academic Calendar for important dates and deadlines. 

Academic Calendar
Who can I speak to about program specific questions?
Email polisci@troy.edu is a great first point of contact! From there, we will be able to direct your questions to the correct person within our department.
I need to file a form and I can't find it/don't know which one.
Records has extensive knowledge regarding what type you should use and they also have access to it. Records can be contacted at 334-670-3170. If you wish to inquire about the location of a form that has already been submitted through the department, please call the departmental secretary.

Forms
How do I change my major?

The change of major form can be found on the records forms page.

Forms

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Criminology Student Associations

Troy University's Criminology program offers two nationally recognized student associations. These associations provide opportunities for students to become more involved in extracurricular activities related to their field of choice. Below is some information on each of the student associations and the requirements for membership in each.
Lambda Alpha Epsilon
LAE

Membership in Lambda Alpha Epsilon is composed of individuals employed in the criminal justice system or taking a course of study in criminal justice at an accredited college or university at the time the application is submitted. As a member of the American Criminal Justice Association-Lambda Alpha Epsilon, you are entitled to several benefits.

Students are eligible to participate in the Regional or National Conference held annually and competes in workshops, seminars, written, practical, and physical competitive events. Several students participate on the University Pistol Team, a sub-component of LAE and attend the National Conference and compete each year. Throughout the year, members participate in several activities in the community.

Requirements for membership include: students must be enrolled in and in good standing with the University, enrolled in, as a major or minor in Criminal Justice or employed in the Criminal Justice Field, and pay the annual membership dues.


Learn More

Alpha Phi Sigma
APS

Alpha Phi Sigma recognizes academic excellence of Undergraduate and Graduate students of Criminal Justice, as well as Juris Doctorate students. The Goals of Alpha Phi Sigma are to honor and promote academic excellence; community service; educational leadership and unity. Alpha Phi Sigma is the only Criminal Justice Honor Society that is a certified member of The Association of College Honor Societies and affiliated with The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.

Requirements for Undergraduate Membership are: Students must be enrolled in the institution represented by the chapter (Troy University) and have a declared major or minor in criminal justice or a related field, completed three (3) full time semesters or its equivalent, with a G.P.A. of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale and be ranked in the top 35% of their class with a minimum of four (4) courses of the above course work shall be in the criminal justice field.

Requirements for Graduate Membership are as follows: Students shall be enrolled in a graduate program in criminal justice or a related field, and students shall have completed four (4) courses in criminal justice with a minimum GPA of 3.40 on a 4.0 scale or rank in the upper 25% of their class.


Learn More

News

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Why Get an International Relations Degree?

Global politics and major world events have a far-reaching, long-lasting impact. Every day and on every continent, life is affected by economic globalization and pressing international issues such as climate change. As technology advances and the world gets smaller, there's more demand than ever for professionals — in all fields — with international knowledge and global expertise.

Read More

Helpful Links

Contact

Dr. Richard Ledet
Interim Chair
polsci@troy.edu

Barbara Jeffrey
Departmental Secretary
334-670-5926
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