Our mission is to advance human understanding of the nature and forms of political action while also creating theoretical frameworks for the analysis of politically significant phenomena. The topic of study focuses on the conventional spheres of public national life, including democracy, legislatures, politicians, elections and the executive branch of government.
Program Overview
Political science prepares students for careers in law, government, academia, business, journalism and community service. While most of our graduates apply for law school, an increasing number pursue graduate degrees in political science, public policy and global studies.
Our curriculum offers students three concentrations: (1) Theory and Prelaw, (2) Civic Engagement and Public Policy and (3) Global Politics. Our courses are taught by full-time faculty possessing doctorate degrees. Our faculty engage in scholarship and bring into the classroom the most current knowledge in their respective subfields. We teach students how power is organized from the local level to the global arena, and we also teach students how to empower the powerless to achieve justice and self-determination for themselves and members of their community.
Enrollment Growth
Regionally Ranked Program among HBCUs
LSAT Score Average
Build your foundation. Expand your opportunities. The Department of Political Science offers undergraduate programs designed to prepare students for careers and advanced study in government, law, public service, and related fields. Explore our B.A. in Political Science, Legal Studies minor, accelerated 3+2 B.A./M.P.A. and 3+3 B.A./J.D. pathways, and Foreign Service Training certificate. Students also gain hands-on experience through POLS 4800: Decoding Democracy, our senior capstone connecting political science concepts with research, civic engagement, and real-world issues.
Our department serves more than 265 undergraduate students alongside 11 faculty members, including 7 tenured or tenure-track faculty. Our faculty brings expertise in political economy, public policy, global politics, gender and patriarchy, the African diaspora, constitutional law, and race and politics. The Department offers a dynamic academic community where students engage with our faculty to bring varied perspectives and research interests into the classroom.
The Department of Political Science research focus is primarily in the following areas: race and gender, comparative politics, public policy, civic engagement, migration and diaspora studies, political economy, international law, and democracy and governance.
Beatrice Beaubrun is a nonprofit executive, communications strategist, and educator whose career spans civic engagement, public policy, and organizational leadership.
The B.A. in Political Science prepares students to understand government, policy, power, and political systems while building the research, analytical, and communication skills needed to pursue careers in law, government, public service, advocacy, and beyond.
The 3+3 Program allows students to begin working toward an advanced degree while completing their undergraduate education. Students who plan to enroll must complete 90 academic credit hours, have a minimum GPA of 3.5, and earn an LSAT score of 147.
The 3+2 Program is an accelerated pathway that allows students to combine undergraduate study with graduate preparation in Public Administration. They must have completed 90 academic credit hours and a minimum GPA OF 3.0; GRE is not required.
The 21-credit-hour Legal Studies minor provides an interdisciplinary foundation in law, constitutional law, criminal justice, and legal research and writing. Designed for students pursuing law school, legal careers, or related fields, it develops critical thinking and research skills.
Prepare for careers in international affairs, diplomacy, and global public service through specialized training in the U.S. Foreign Service. Housed in Political Science, this proposed 12-credit-hour certificate is open to all majors, including STEM students.
Explore professional associations, organizations, and resources that can help you connect your political science education to opportunities beyond the classroom. Discover organizations related to political science, government, public service, law, international affairs, and more.
Make your education more affordable by exploring scholarship opportunities available to NCCU students. Search available awards, review eligibility requirements, and find opportunities that may help support your academic journey. NCCU’s scholarship portal allows students to complete a general application and explore scholarships for which they may be eligible.
Dr. Gladys Mitchell-Walthour is the Dan Blue Endowed Chair of Political Science at North Carolina Central University. Dr. Mitchell-Walthour studies racial politics in Brazil, affirmative action, and the intersection of social welfare, race, and gender. Her research has found that a sense of Black group identity has a positive relationship with voting for Black politicians and supporting affirmative action.
Meet North Carolina Central University's Political Science faculty and staff.
Hall, Jarvis A
Associate Professor
Political Science
Imo, Jimmy
Adjunct Professor
Political Science
Joseph, Tennyson D
Associate Professor
Political Science
Mitchell-Walthour, Gladys L
Endowed Chair
Political Science
Stanberry, Artemesia F
Associate Professor
Political Science
Valentin, Steve
Adjunct Professor
Political Science
Washington, LaTrice
Associate Professor
Political Science
Apply now for an undergraduate or graduate degree in the Department of Political Science.
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