Political Science & Public Administration

UNCP's Political Science and Public Administration department offers a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science that prepares students for careers in government, law, nonprofit leadership and more. With small class sizes, expert faculty and flexible options — including a fully online Master of Public Administration and a BA to MPA accelerated option — our programs combine academic rigor with real-world relevance.

Understand Systems. Lead with Purpose.

Political Science and Public Administration explore how decisions are made, how policies are implemented and how governments and organizations serve communities. At UNCP, our programs give students the tools to analyze systems, lead in public service and create meaningful change at every level.

Grounded in the liberal arts, these degrees prepare you to think critically, solve real-world problems and lead with purpose. Whether you're pursuing a career in law, government, public administration, foreign service, nonprofits, journalism or education, a degree from UNCP opens the door to endless possibilities.

Model United Nations

The Model United Nations program at UNCP offers students opportunities to get real-world experience at the Southern Regional Model United Nations (SRMUN) and Southern Regional Model Arab League (SRMAL) conferences. These conferences give students a hands-on opportunity to engage in diplomacy, negotiation and international affairs.

In these conferences, students assume the roles of diplomats representing various countries and debate global issues, working with student delegates from other universities to reach a consensus on critical international issues. Delegates are placed in committees that simulate the United Nations and Arab League committees, such as the Security Council and the General Assembly. In these committees, students draft resolutions, engage in formal debates and negotiate with one another to develop policy solutions to real-world problems.

Our students prepare for the conference by researching their assigned country’s policies, positions, and key issues. Each delegate must have a deep understanding of their nation’s diplomatic stance to successfully represent that country in the conference. This preparation helps in the students’ development of research and analytical skills which are vital for any career in diplomacy, international relations, law or public service.

Our team of students at UNC Pembroke has performed successfully throughout the years at both the Southern Regional Model United Nations (SRMUN) and the Southern Regional Model Arab League (SRMAL) conferences. Recent awards that our students won include three Outstanding Position Paper Awards and one Honorable Delegate Award at SRMUN Atlanta 2023. Our amazing team went on to secure the Honorable Delegation Award and Outstanding Chair Award at SRMUN Charlotte 2024. Additionally, our Model Arab League team won the Honorable Delegate Award at SRMAL 2024 and the Distinguished Delegation award at SRMAL 2023.

The Model United Nations conferences are a transformative experience for our students. Participation in these conferences builds an understanding of global governance, enhances critical life skills, and encourages students to have a deep commitment to resolving international conflicts through diplomacy and dialogue. For students aspiring to be future leaders in international affairs, politics, or law, these conferences are a vital stepping-stone toward a successful career.

(To participate in these conferences, students must take the Model UN or Model Arab League classes at least once. The class can be repeated for credit.)
*The class code for Model United Nations is PLS 2060
* The class code for Model Arab League is PLS 2070 *

Pi Sigma Alpha Political Honor Society

Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, is the only honor society for college and university students of political science in the United States. Its purpose is to recognize and promote high academic achievement in the field of political science. Please contact Dr. Melissa Buice for additional information.

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Pre-Law Society

UNCP supports aspiring lawyers through our active Pembroke Pre‑Law Society, offering hands‑on preparation and professional growth. Members represent UNCP at events like the North Carolina State Law School Fair, where they connect with law school representatives from across the country. This student group helps you explore legal careers, build networks and sharpen skills through mock trials, LSAT prep, guest speakers and community-focused events. For students considering law school or a career in public service, the Pre‑Law Society is a hub for collegial support and transformative opportunity.

Professional Associations

Professional associations are an important element of developing a successful career path. The department encourages students to join professional associations related to their career interests.

Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration - NASPAA
MyAPSA (for members of APSA's Departmental Service Program)
American Society for Public Administration -ASPA
Thinking about law school? LSAC
North Carolina Political Science Association -NCPSA
North Carolina City & County Management Association- NCCCMA
North Carolina Local Government Budget Association-NCLGBA
North Carolina Emergency Management Association -NCEMA

Beyond Graduation

We are the architects of our lives and the lenses we see it through, it is all up to us.

Magally Ortiz-Rojas

Political Science, 2024-2025 Student Body President

Common Careers

A degree in political science or public administration from UNC Pembroke prepares you to understand how decisions are made, how policies are implemented and how institutions serve communities. You’ll develop strong skills in critical thinking, communication and analysis—foundations for careers in law, government, nonprofit leadership, public service, business and more.