The University of Maine at Farmington Political Science program provides you with opportunities to connect with national, statewide and regional political leaders as well as community organizations.
The Political Science program at the University of Maine at Farmington helps you understand the processes of governance, politics, and power and the methods and philosophy of social science.
It provides you with an understanding and respect for diverse perspectives about political and cultural issues and a capacity to critically assess and think about issues and ideas involving politics and society.
In the process, we aim to produce citizen scholars — dynamic independent thinkers who are motivated to act and respectful of other people and different opinions.
UMF Political Science students are active campus leaders: organizing on-campus political events, attending academic conferences, traveling on educational trips to Washington, D.C., and more.
Political Science at Farmington is a close-knit major in which faculty members take a keen interest in each student’s individual aspirations. They work with students individually to plan the best route to their desired future, rejecting a cookie-cutter approach to education in favor of one built around each student’s interests, strengths, and long-term goals.
Save more than $5,500 per year in tuition. This University of Maine at Farmington program qualifies for the NEBHE Tuition Break.
Through the NEBHE Tuition Break program, students from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont receive a $5,670 tuition discount on all UMF degree programs.
What can I do with a degree in Political Science?
Data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources. Median Salaries for positions in Maine typically fall below those of other New England states.
What Sets the UMF Political Science Program Apart?
There are a number of things that make the University of Maine at Farmington Political Science program special.
Political Discussions the Way They Should Be
Our students build lasting friendships across partisan lines because our faculty encourages civility and our students practice it. Our professors don’t push their personal political agenda — they teach you how to think for yourself, not what to think.
Guest Lecturers
We regularly have guests come to our Political Science classes to guest-lecture, interact with our students in a meaningful way, and make personal connections.
The guests who come to our Political Science classes range from State legislators and local officials to noted attorneys, to U.S. Senators and Congresspeople — from across the political spectrum.
You’ll get to meet these public servants, ask probing questions and make great contacts.
These useful connections have helped our students go on to run for school boards, state legislature, and other offices.
Internship & Research Opportunities
At UMF you can find out, first-hand, what it’s like to work in the Political Science field while you learn valuable career skills and develop a strong network of professional contacts.
Many of our Political Science students have had political party, state government, and congressional internships that helped them make lasting connections. A recent student worked as an intern for the Maine GOP and he now works in a high-level data analysis position for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Two others got jobs in the White House after graduating from UMF and both have excellent positions now.
Here’s where some of our students have recently interned:
- U.S. Sen. Angus King, Washington DC
- U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, Washington DC
- American Bar Assoc, Washington, DC: Civil Rights & Social Justice section
- Maine GOP Headquarters, Bangor
- Maine Indigent Defense Center, Portland
- 7 Lakes Alliance, Belgrade Lakes
- Sanders, Hanstein, Carey & Perry Law Office, Farmington
- MaineHealth, Portland
- The Borgen Project, Tacom, WA
- Maine People’s Alliance, Portland
- Ranked Choice Voting Resource Center, NC
- Town of Union, Maine
I had the pleasure to intern in the office of U.S. Senator Angus King this spring. Working with constituents, being a part of crafting legislation, and having the opportunity to work alongside Senator King was an amazing experience. I was brought onto the Senator’s healthcare team and learned so many valuable skills which I’ll continue to benefit from throughout my journey.
— Tiana James
Political Science major
Law School and Beyond
Graduates of our Political Science program often go on to attend some of the finest law schools in the country. Many others go on to graduate school in fields such as government, political science, international relations, and economics.
Students who major in Political Science at Farmington are job-ready for a range of careers. Some pursue a career in politics, working in Augusta or Washington, D.C. in government or for elected officials. Some have gone on to become elected officials, themselves. Others become journalists, work for non-governmental organizations or choose a career in business or with non-profit organizations.
An example of what a UMF Political Science graduate can accomplish is Mana Abdi, a 2018 UMF Political Science graduate. Mana was recently elected as the first Somali-American lawmaker in Maine, representing District 95 in the Maine Legislature. She also works at Bates College in the Office of Intercultural Education and prior to that worked for Disability Rights Maine in Augusta. As a junior at UMF, Mana interned in the Farmington District Attorney’s office, just a short walk from campus.
Annual U.S. Supreme Court Review Presentation
Each fall in observance of U.S. Constitution Day, UMF Professor of Political Science James Melcher presents his Annual Supreme Court Preview and Review where he reviews recent and upcoming Supreme Court decisions. The event is well attended and Political Science students, Pre-Law students, and others. For many, it’s a Political Science and Pre-Law highlight of the semester.
Contact Us
Office of Admissions
University of Maine at Farmington
246 Main Street
Farmington, Maine USA 04938-1994
tel 207-778-7050
fax 207-778-8182
TYY (via Maine Relay Service) dial 711
umfadmit@maine.edu
