Methodist University’s Political Science program focuses on more than theories and debates; it prepares students to effect real change in their communities.
Methodist University’s Political Science program focuses on more than theories and debates; it prepares students to effect real change in their communities.
Take recent graduate Urbina Ulloa ’19 for example. During her time as a student at Methodist University, the program was able to help her set up an internship with Legal Aid of North Carolina – a non-profit that provides free legal services in civil matters to low-income people.
“I was able to perform administrative duties such as assisting attorneys with client interviews and preparation for trials, hearings, and depositions,” said Ulloa. “It allowed me to find an interest in housing and urban development regulations and discrimination and later, I was given research opportunities in those areas.”
Fast forward five years, Ulloa now has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Methodist University, a Juris Doctor from Campbell University, and is currently studying for a Master of Education in Higher Education at University of North Carolina at Wilmington with intentions of pursuing a Doctor of Education. She also completed multiple internships with Legal Aid of North Carolina and the Blanchard Community Law Clinic in Raleigh.
As Ulloa hopes to become a Dean of Students at an educational institution in the future, she knows it all would not have been possible without her roots at MU’s Political Science program.
“The foundation I had from Methodist University’s Political Science program made legal concepts easier to understand and apply in law school and beyond. The leadership of the MU faculty helped me realize and develop my passion for helping others,” Ulloa added.
A Program for Everyone
Methodist University’s on-campus Political Science program is offered as a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, and minor with International Relations and Public Administration as possible concentrations.
“There’s two basic lenses in which we view political science,” said Dr. Christopher Cronin, head of the Social Sciences Division and professor of Political Science. “The first is, ‘Who has the power?’ Whether you’re at the DMV, the grocery store, or voting booth, who has the power and how is that power decided? The second is justice. Individual morality is easy to understand, but at a group level, it is much more challenging. Who should come up with what is right and what is wrong?”
Those are two of the concepts that drive the program, which allow students from all backgrounds and political beliefs to excel.
“We’re unique in that we teach the middle of the road, and our students are all over the place politically,” Cronin added. “Some programs of our kind are very progressive or very conservative, but we’re not slanted, and I think there’s a lot of value in that.”
Careers & Internships
Cronin mentioned the program prepares graduates for careers in a variety of spaces with recent alumni going onto big-scale jobs like the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), London Stock Exchange, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund (IMF) along with local government jobs with the Town of Davidson, Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and dozens of others. He said MU graduates typically have an upper hand on jobs following graduation since all Political Science majors concentrating in Public Administration are required to complete an internship, which program faculty help set up, as part of the curriculum.
“Internships are good for any student, but it’s especially advantageous since students typically have to start with a job tangential to politics as their first job – like working in banking,” said Cronin. “The internship is their chance to get hands-on experience with the area they are directly interested in for their future career.”
Faculty, Experiences Shine
The Political Science program’s faculty is also a shining star for the program, with current student Heba Mansaf pointing to their expertise and dedication.
“What sets this program apart is how it instills a passion for curiosity and encourages students to take ownership for their education and career paths,” said Mansef, the Political Science major concentrating in International Relations and minoring in Legal Studies and History.
One of the most exciting projects offered by the program is the joint simulation exercise each spring. Students from the International Relations class and Congress and the Presidency class to simulate various political events with students playing the role of different countries and U.S. committee members.
“We do four different rounds and discuss what we think would happen in each crisis simulation,” said Cronin. “We dress up, put tablecloths on the tables, play ‘House of Cards’ music, and talk about the different possibilities. It’s a lot of fun for students.”
The combination of learning and enjoyment does not stop there for students. The Political Science program also takes students on regular trips to enhance their learning with a recent spring semester trip to Charlotte to visit with Town of Davidson officials and local political party leaders (while also getting a chance to watch the Charlotte Hornets in action). Next spring, the program will take some students on a trip to France as a joint trip with MU’s study abroad program.
The program even offers various clubs and organizations to students who like to get involved like the North Carolina Political Science Association and Pi Sigma Alpha.
“The program does a spectacular job at molding you into a more well-rounded student – a term that’s subjective, sure, but nonetheless essential,” said Heba, who is set to graduate in May 2026. “The program touches on economics, sociology, history, and so much more. It’s this broad reach that makes it indispensable for anyone trying to make sense of the world we move through daily.”
Apply Today
For the recent alumna Ulloa, who is seeing success only a few years following her graduation, now is the perfect time to become a Monarch.
“I highly recommend the Political Science program at Methodist University for any civil servant heart seeking to elevate their understanding of government systems or have any desire to shape public policy. The knowledge gained can be broadly applied across many career fields.”
To apply to Methodist University’s Political Science program, visit the program webpage.