BA Political Science at University of Missouri-Columbia

Programme overview

Political science is concerned with government, politics and public policies. In political science students learn how government operates and how to analyze and evaluate public policies and political ideas. This training can help students be more effective as active citizens, as political leaders and as government administrators.

Faculty: College of Arts and Science | Department: Political Science | Location: Columbia, MO, United States

What you will study

In addition to University , general education , and College of Arts and Science requirements, students must also meet the following major program requirements. All major requirements in the College of Arts and Science must be completed with grades of C- or higher unless otherwise indicated.

Career pathways

Political Science graduates pursue many careers, some related to politics, but many others pursue other paths in a wide variety of areas such as: law, business and finance, consulting, government, public relations, media, advertising, lobbying, and international relations. Our graduates are equipped for military and civilian careers, particularly positions in government agencies, think tanks, and industries related to international security.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is through University of Missouri undergraduate admissions (university-level; no major-specific admission requirement in the catalogue entry).

Domestic applicants: USD 14,906 a year (2026-27). Missouri resident tuition for the 2026-27 academic year (fall and spring, 12-18 credit hours per term flat rate), Tuition Tier 1; the tier is assigned by major in the Cashiers Office tuition calculator (cashiers.missouri.edu/tuition-and-fees/undergraduate Source

International applicants: USD 38,068 a year (2026-27). Non-Missouri resident tuition for the 2026-27 academic year (fall and spring, 12-18 credit hours per term flat rate), Tuition Tier 1; the tier is assigned by major in the Cashiers Office tuition calculator. Excludes the $1,256 mandatory fees, housing and Source

Freshman applicants can apply for the Fall term; the Mizzou application and Common Application open on Aug. 1 for the following academic year. Transfer students can begin in the Fall, Spring or Summer term.

Transfer applications are listed for Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 entry.

Freshman applications open Aug. 1; the priority deadline for admission and scholarship consideration is Dec. 1 and the application deadline is July 1. Admission decisions are released from Oct. 1 on a rolling basis. Honors College applications open Sept. 15 and close Feb. 1.

Transfer applications for Spring 2027 opened May 1, 2026 and for Fall 2027 open Aug. 1, 2026; the FAFSA deadline is Feb. 1, 2027 and the deadline for general, competitive and departmental scholarships for Fall 2027 transfers is Feb. 1, 2027.

Freshman applicants apply through the Mizzou Application or the Common Application, pay a $55 application fee, and may apply with ACT or SAT scores or through the test-optional review (homeschooled students and students from non-accredited schools must submit a test score).

International undergraduate applicants have no application deadline (applying 6-12 months before the start term is recommended), pay a $65 application fee, and are not required to submit SAT/ACT scores; an English proficiency exam score is required.

Graduate programmes apply through the Graduate School online application for admission, which requires a qualifying bachelor degree and at least a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of baccalaureate coursework; School of Law, School of Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Occupational Therapy Doctorate have their own application processes.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.missouri.edu/apply/

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