Program(s) Available: B.A., B.A.S., B.S., Minor
Are you interested in understanding the exercise of power and governments in various settings? Do you keep up with current events? Majoring in political science may be right for you.
Earning a political science degree at Northwest prepares students for multiple employment opportunities in public service and private sectors. Career examples include: federal, state and local government, law, the criminal justice system, municipal planning, city management, urban affairs, education, nonprofit administration, campaigns and elections, public policy analysis and internal development.
The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Political Science introduce the student to the decision-making processes that guide, direct, and determine a society’s behavior. Courses focus on the politics and administration of government and factors involved in the competition for political power.
This noncomprehensive major allows students to combine their interests in other fields through their minor with a degree that will allow for additional specialization while working in the public or private sector.
An emphasis in American institutions provides an understanding of legislatures, police prosecutors, public offenders, courts and corrections.
The global affairs emphasis focuses on global trends and events while enhancing intercultural understanding.
The public administration emphasis centers on the decision-making process and explores job opportunities in public organizations and local, state, federal and international agencies.
Earn your bachelor’s degree on a schedule that works for you. Online political science programs are available in:
For transfer students the Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) is a flexible, individually tailored degree for students pursuing a vocational, technical or associate degree. Coursework for these degrees build on workplace skills and practical career training provided by an associate degree. Students may find a B.A.S. appealing for the following reasons:
Please note this program is not a traditional four-year program. It is structured for transfer students. Check out more on the benefits of our B.A.S. programs.
Two minors are also available. A minor in political sciences teaches students the fundamentals of American government and politics, comparative politics and international relations, public administration and law and courts. Students also learn about early and modern Western political thought.
A minor in public administration examines public policy and analyzes the American federal system and public policy in terms of personnel and budget administration.
Check out the catelog for more details.
Wed, Sept. 24, 2025
(criminology, political science, and pre-law)
Wed, Sept. 24, 2025
(history, geography and EDM)
Dr. Brian Hesse
Professor
660.562.1290
bhesse@nwmissouri.edu
“The professors I interacted with were absolutely wonderful. They seemed to really care about student success and were very helpful to me in understanding the campus community at Northwest.” — Lucas Fansler
In the Mock Trial Team, students compete in trial simulations at invitational and American Mock Trial Association-sanctioned regional and national tournaments and Bearcat Invitational hosted annually at Northwest.
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