A photo of students in Maine's State House

Political Science

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Political science examines the nature of politics from diverse perspectives. Study in political science teaches students to think critically about the fundamental theories, principles, institutions and practices of politics in their social and historical contexts.

  • Our students have been accepted in prestigious graduate schools including MIT, University of Texas, Harvard University, Columbia University and Boston College Law School
  • Palmer State Legislative Internship Program in Augusta, Maine Public Policy Scholars program, Maine Attorney General and numerous other internship opportunities
  • Opportunity to work closely with faculty to pursue research and coauthor published work
  • The department offers several merit-based scholarships and inducts its best students into Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society
  • Opportunities for students, including internships and field study, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical professional experience

The Political Science Department provides students with the intellectual framework to understand the complexities of political affairs and the analytical and practical skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Students are immersed in the four primary areas of the discipline: American politics, international relations, comparative politics and political theory They interact with an award-winning teaching faculty. Students acquire the knowledge and skills for further study in graduate or law school, or will be prepared for careers in public service and related fields.

Students also have the opportunity to work with UMaine’s International Affairs Program, the Leadership Studies minor, the Legal Studies minor, the Cohen Institute for Leadership and Public Service, the Honors College, and the School of Policy and International Affairs.
The department is recognized for its outstanding instruction and scholarship. Political science faculty members have received the University of Maine Distinguished Professor Award, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Outstanding Faculty Award for teaching and advising and the University of Maine Trustee Professorship. Faculty members’ articles are frequently published in the top journals and books in the discipline, and many faculty regularly present their work at regional, national and international forums. Political Science faculty are frequent contributors in local, state, national, and international media, and faculty research informs a wide range of public issues.

The department fosters an open and stimulating intellectual atmosphere, and recognizes the necessity of free exchange of ideas and the intrinsic worth of the individual student.

Faculty members employ a variety of teaching styles, approaches and tools. There are a few large lecture courses; most lecture courses enroll about 40 or fewer students. A range of small- enrollment, participatory seminar courses is also offered. Many political science graduates enter directly into careers into government service, campaigns and elections, and advocacy and policy making. Others continue their education at some of the best law schools and masters and doctoral programs in the nation. Still others find that their political science education leaves them well prepared to enter into careers in public relations, business, or other pursuits.

Mark Brewer

Professor and Acting Chair

Boudreau Hall, Room 113A
 207.581.1863 | mark.brewer@maine.edu

Political Science

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Boudreau Hall, Room 229
207.581.1871