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About the Department

In McMurry’s Department of History and Political Science students explore how people, governments, institutions, ideas, and historical events shape the world. The combined academic experience helps students understand civic life, legal systems, public policy, global issues, cultural change, and the lessons of history.

Students strengthen analytical reading, research, reasoning, writing, public speaking, and critical thinking. These skills support careers in law, government, education, diplomacy, public service, museums, archives, journalism, nonprofit leadership, and business.

Areas of Study

Choose a path focused on politics, law, global affairs, historical inquiry, teaching, public service, or cultural understanding.

History gives students a deeper understanding of humanity, culture, society, conflict, leadership, and change over time. Students study classical traditions and distinctive topics that connect the past to today’s most pressing issues.
History
Political Science explores power, government, policy, political behavior, law, diplomacy, security, international relations, and political ideas. Students build a foundation for careers in law, government, business, media, public service, nonprofit leadership, and graduate study.
Political Science

Student Opportunities

Gain applied experience through simulations, internships, research, honors, scholarships, publications, and global learning.

Model United Nations provides hands-on learning in diplomacy, international relations, research, public speaking, negotiation, and leadership through simulations and conference experiences.
Model United Nations Program
Students preparing for law school build strength in reading comprehension, writing, spoken communication, reasoning, critical thinking, legal history, legal philosophy, and understanding of criminal justice systems.
Pre-Professional Programs
Political science students can pursue internship and volunteer opportunities with off-campus organizations. History students build experience through research, work-study opportunities, publications, and conference presentations.
Opportunities include the Honors Program, Vernie Newman Award, Holland Hunter History Endowed Scholarship, and Rhoades or Evans Scholarships for outstanding history or political science majors.
Honors Program
Scholarships
The Global Learning Endorsement documents academic achievement in global and international studies on the student transcript.
Learn More

Beyond McMurry

Graduates leave prepared for public leadership, legal study, research, teaching, public history, advocacy, and global service.

Career Paths

Political Science and History prepare students for a wide range of career options and advanced degrees.
  • Archeologist
  • Archivist
  • Campaign Management
  • Civil Service
  • Community Service
  • Education Administration
  • Government Work
  • Historian
  • Intelligence Analysis
  • International Relations
  • Journalism
  • Judiciary
  • Law
  • Law Enforcement
  • Lobbying
  • Market Research
  • Media Strategy
  • Museum or Gallery Curator
  • National Security
  • Nonprofit Leadership
  • Policy Analysis
  • Political Consulting
  • Public Relations
  • Teaching

Alumni Outcomes

Graduates pursue law school, graduate school, public service, local politics, legal practice, campaigns, law enforcement, defense, intelligence, education, public history, and related fields.

Resources

The Old Main Chronicle highlights faculty, student, alumni, and academic work across Humanities, Religion, and Social Sciences.
Old Main Chronicle

Faculty and Staff

Dr.
Tina Bertrand Department Chair / Director, Model United Nations Academic Program / Professor of Political Science
Mr.
Kyler Burd Assistant Registrar and Adjunct History Instructor
Registrar's Office