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Mission
The School of Political Science, Public Affairs, Legal and Security Studies at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley develops ethical, informed, and innovative leaders ready to meet the political, legal, and public challenges of an interconnected world. Through rigorous study of political systems, public administration, legal frameworks, and security issues, our students gain advanced skills in communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and both quantitative and qualitative research.
We emphasize active community engagement, a commitment to justice and equity, and the integration of academic learning with real-world application. Our graduates are prepared for meaningful careers in government, law, policy analysis, diplomacy, law enforcement, and non-profit leadership, as well as for advanced study in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Global Security Studies, and related disciplines.
Academic Programs
Bachelor's
Bachelor's Degree
Political Science (BA)
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Program Modality: Campus
The Bachelor’s degree in Political Science is designed to enhance understanding of the moral purpose of government, and how its political influence affects the communities it serves. Political Science majors acquire a broad understanding of the political science discipline while developing transferable skills in oral, written, and technological communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and research, including both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Courses are offered in four major subfields including U.S. Government & Politics, World Politics, Political Economy & Public Policy, and Political Theory.
Master's
Master's Degree
Political Science (MA)
Master of Arts in Political Science
Program Modality: Campus
The Master's degree in Political Science provides expertise in subfields such as Governance and Policy Process, World and Borderland Politics, and the Politics of Race, Gender, and Class. Students graduate with training in subfields of political science that are uniquely relevant to the Rio Grande Valley, such as World and Borderland Politics and Governance and Policy Process.
Concentrations:
Master's Degree
Public Affairs (MPA)
Master of Public Affairs
Program Modality: Online
Program Modality: Campus
The Master's degree in Public Affairs is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with administrative concepts and competencies that can be utilized in a variety of administrative careers in public and nonprofit agencies. The program offers several concentrations.