Find your
fearless
Redhawks Awarded 2025-2026 OVC Commissioner's Cup
Southeast Missouri State Redhawks win back-to-back Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner's Cup. This award is given each year for athletic excellence across all sports. Congratulations to our student-athletes, coaches, and the entire SEMO community!
Determined. Committed. Fearless.
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Will was full of small-town pride and came to SEMO to gain the skills needed to continue making an impact in his community.
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Pairing the grit that comes from maintaining the legacy of his family’s business with the guidance of the faculty here, Will has become a trusted alderman in his hometown.
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Will’s classes gave him the confidence to be a leader. SEMO’s bachelor’s in political science is designed to help students solve real problems in the community today.
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Experience putting his coursework into action has been the best educator for Will. SEMO ensures major-specific events, clubs, or internships are available from day one.
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Whether you’re planting deep roots now or strengthening the ones you already have, the Department of Anthropology, History and Political Science will prepare you, just as they have Will.
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Check out Will’s story to see how a BS in political science from SEMO can launch your fearless future.
Future Focused. You Focused.
Academics
Where Ambition Meets Action
Being a voice for the people takes not only grit and determination, but a skilled approach fostered through academics, faculty mentorship and student support. At SEMO a Bachelor of Science in political science prepares you to think critically and become a strong advocate for the community. Students in the Department of Anthropology, History, and Political Science get experience on how to serve locally, statewide or nationwide through student organizations and internships. Take your leadership to the next level with SEMO’s accelerated bachelor’s to master’s degree in public administration. Or, if you’re considering pre-law studies, SEMO offers a 3+3 program with Mizzou Law School. Don’t waste your potential, explore our academic programs, and prepare to make an impact.
Dr. Laura Hatcher
Outcomes
“I hope students are excited to know that they're going to understand something about the world that will actually help them navigate the world when they're out there.”
Meet Dr. Laura Hatcher
Visit with Dr. Hatcher
Student Experience
Active Learning
Experience That Starts Now
At SEMO, students in the Department of Anthropology, History, and Political Science get experience preparing for a career in public service through a variety of student organizations and events. Honing your writing, speech, and debate skills are invaluable for a career in policy making or advocacy.
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SEMO offers two political science degree options: the Bachelor of Science, which focuses on statistics and quantitative analysis, and the Bachelor of Arts, which focuses on language and communication skills. -
100%
100% of SEMO’s political science students who apply to law school are accepted, and this includes acceptance into Harvard, Washington University, and University of Missouri.
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6
Students at SEMO can complete three years in their major and begin law school at Mizzou their senior year, putting them on track to complete their bachelor's and law degree in a total of six years.
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98%
Within six months of graduation, 98% of SEMO students are employed or continuing their education.
Experiences Beyond the Classroom
Imagine learning in the places where policies are made. Our students get to experience problem-solving discussions at the local, state, and federal level. SEMO ensures students have a first-hand understanding of what their career could be like after graduation.
Admissions & Aid
According to data published by U.S. News and World Report, SEMO ranks among the most affordable universities in the nation, earning a spot in the top 40 for Best Value among other recognitions. SEMO students understand the value of a degree, and we work to remove barriers so you can reach your academic goals.
Deeply Connected
Community
From the Classroom to the Frontlines
At SEMO, students are immersed in experiences with the community by organizing forums, working on service projects, and attending Model United Nations and the Model Constitutional Convention. Students pursing a degree in political science or related field, know the value of having these opportunities with the community before graduation.
Caleb Fjone
In-Demand Alumni
“I wouldn’t be sitting behind this desk without my status as a Redhawk.” As Executive Director of Gage Development Coalition, Caleb knows he would not be where he is today without his experience at SEMO.
Career and Alumni Success
Outcomes
Where Passion Becomes Purpose
With 100% of our pre-law students gaining acceptance into law school and all programs in the Department of History, Anthropology, and Political Science offering outside-the-classroom experience, SEMO students are prepared to fearlessly make an impact.
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$1.3b
In FY 2023-24, SEMO alumni generated $1.3 billion in added income for the state economy, which is equivalent to supporting 12,859 jobs.
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$90.2m
SEMO’s operations spending, including the University’s payroll and the in-state spending of the University and its employees, added $90.2 million in income to the state or the equivalent of 1,075 jobs.
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$31k
The average bachelor's degree graduate from SEMO will see an increase in earnings of $31,000 each year compared to someone with a high school diploma working in Missouri.
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Learn More
If one of our career-focused programs sounds like a fit — and you’re ready to turn grit into greatness — we’d love to tell you more about Southeast Missouri State University. Complete this brief form, and someone will be in touch real soon.