Theoretical creativity, empirical research
Jackson State University's Department of Political Science helps students combine theoretical creativity and empirical research. Among the department's areas of strength are American politics, comparative politics (particularly African politics), international relations, and public law.
The department's faculty uses diverse analytic perspectives, but their research programs share a common concern for the role of citizenship in government, political processes, and institutions.
- Department
- Political Science
- College
- College of Liberal Arts
- Degrees
- B.A. · M.A.
- Concentrations
- General · Legal Studies · Paralegal Studies
- Location
- Liberal Arts Building, 3rd Floor
- Phone
- (601) 979-1501 · (601) 979-2135
- P.O. Box
- 18420, Jackson, MS 39217
Four areas of departmental excellence
The department's research and teaching strengths span the major subfields of political science:
American Politics
Comparative Politics — particularly African Politics
International Relations
Public Law
African politics is a distinctive comparative politics specialization, reflecting the department's commitment to political analysis across the African diaspora.
Bachelor's & Master's programs
Three undergraduate concentrations
Tailor your political science degree to align with your career goals:
Jackson is a rich learning laboratory
The Department encourages students to participate in research activities and experiential learning. Mississippi's capital city, Jackson, is a rich learning laboratory that provides our students with internships in:
- State and local government — legislative offices, agencies, and municipal departments
- The court system — judicial clerkships and court administration
- Law firms — legal research, paralegal work, and pre-law practical experience
- Political campaigns — field organizing, communications, and policy research
Fannie Lou Hamer National Institute
Fannie Lou Hamer National Institute
of Advocacy & Social Action
The Fannie Lou Hamer National Institute of Advocacy & Social Action, cosponsored by the department, conducts summer seminars on the civil rights movement as a model of participatory democracy.
Named for the legendary Mississippi civil rights leader, the institute connects JSU Political Science to the living legacy of civic struggle, voter rights, and grassroots organizing that shaped modern American democracy.
Visit the Institute ↗International exchanges & travel
International exchanges and travel are available to faculty and students via two key partnerships:
- The Jackson State University Office of International Programs
- The Mississippi Consortium for International Development
These programs broaden the department's research and teaching reach well beyond Mississippi, supporting the comparative politics focus on African politics and the international relations specialization.
“Challenging Minds, Changing Lives.”
Jackson State University Political ScienceEight career paths for Political Science majors
Political Science majors have a plethora of career options across government, law, communications, and intelligence:
Policy Analyst
Legislative Assistant
Public Relations Specialist
Social Media Manager
Marketing Research Analyst
Political Consultant
Attorney
Intelligence Analyst
Ready to join?
For more information, please contact us at (601) 979-2135. We look forward to meeting with you and seeing how our program can help you achieve your goals.
Contact Political Science
Jackson State University
1400 John R. Lynch Street
P.O. Box 18420
Jackson, MS 39217
Visit us on social media
Follow the JSU Political Science Department across all major platforms at @JSUPoliSciDept:
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