Welcome Statement from the Dept Chair

On behalf of the faculty and staff of the UTPA Political Science Department, I am happy to welcome you to our website. 

Formed in 1973, the Department of Political Science prides itself on being one of UTPA’s most student-oriented departments.  The Student Political Science Association was the first of its kind on campus and the department developed the “Student Bill of Rights,” ultimately adopted campus-wide under the title, “Faculty Classroom Responsibilities” (see HOP 7.4.3).  The department houses the university’s pre-law program and department faculty sponsor several student organizations.

The department faculty members have received nine Outstanding Faculty Awards for teaching, research and service, and two UTPA Alumni Association Distinguished Faculty Awards.

MISSION STATEMENT:

The University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) serves the higher education needs of a rapidly growing, international, multicultural population in the South Texas Region.  The University preserves, transmits and creates knowledge to serve the cultural, civic,  and economic advancement of the region and the state. The University provides  students advanced instruction in academic programs offered through innovative delivery systems that lead to professional certification, and baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. Through teaching, research, creative activity and public service, UTPA prepares students for lifelong learning and leadership roles in the state, nation and world community.

The department offers courses in the many sub-fields of Political Science, including:

American Government & Politics
Comparative Government & Politics
International Relations
Political Theory
Public Administration
Racial, Ethnic & Gender Politics
Research Methodology

In addition, the department offers such special topics courses as Opera & Politics, Movies & Politics, and The Impact of the Vietnam War.

POLS majors regularly go to graduate school and law school.  Although POLS is an academic degree, government is the largest employer in the nation and our majors frequently work in national, state and local governments.

Please come by and visit our office (SBS 208).  Feel free to contact me with any questions. 

May you enjoy your stay at UTPA whatever your major and successfully pursue your chosen academic career. 

James P. Wenzel,
Chair / Associate Professor
Department of Political Science
956 381 3393
wenzel@utpa.edu