Working in partnership, students and faculty in Jackson State University’s M.A. program in Political Science enter the public square and observe, debate, and analyze the appropriate and effective uses of power in a democratic society and in the larger global community. The graduate program serves the public interest by preparing leaders for service in institutions of public life and contributes to the development and understanding of the discipline of political science. Our urban location in the capital city allows us to utilize a rich laboratory for applied research, as well as, observation of and participation in politics.

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.

International exchanges and travel are available to faculty and students via the Jackson State University Office of International Programs and the Mississippi Consortium for International Development.