About us

UTRGV’s School of Political Science, Public Affairs, Legal & Security Studies (PPLSS) prepares students to think critically about real-world issues, communicate their ideas professionally, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. PPLSS offers a dynamic learning environment through its Political Science major and several minor options, including Global Studies, Global Security and Intelligence, Public Administration, and Legal Studies. Students from other disciplines may also pursue a Minor in Political Science.

Beyond the classroom, PPLSS provides a wide range of experiential learning opportunities, including research internships, legal internships, governmental internships, legislative internships, the Texas State Capitol Internship Program in Austin, and the Archer Fellowship Program in Washington, D.C. These opportunities allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings while gaining valuable professional experience.

PPLSS also offers a strong Pre-Law program. One of its distinguishing features is the Law School Preparation Institute (LSPI), an intensive summer program designed to help selected students prepare for law school. Pre-law students can also expand their professional and academic networks through student organizations such as the Pre-Law Society in Edinburg and PALMA in Brownsville.

For students pursuing advanced education, PPLSS offers several graduate degree options, including the Master of Arts in Political Science with concentrations in World & Borderland Politics or Governance & Policy Process, and the Master of Public Affairs (MPA) with concentrations in Public Administration, Public Policy, or Global Security Studies and Leadership. Students may also pursue the MPA in Public Administration through an Accelerated Online Program (AOP) option.