Graduate Student Alumni Spotlight

Political Science MA

Melissa SalgadoStudent Name: Melissa Salgado

Program: Political Science

Hometown: Tyler, TX

Undergraduate Institution: UT Tyler

Graduation Year: 2016

Why did you choose to attend UT Tyler?

As a first-generation college student, I initially chose UT Tyler for my bachelor’s because it was the option that made myself and my family most comfortable. None of us had a lot of knowledge on the college process, so staying close to home was the best option at the time. I decided to continue at UT Tyler for my master’s because UT Tyler had provided me with so many great opportunities like the Global Awareness Through Education Program (GATE) and Model United Nations. I also had great professors who encouraged me to continue my education, and who helped my growth as a student and a future professional as well.

What are your career goals and how does your graduate program support them?

My future career goals are to eventually pursue a Ph.D. in political science and to work for a human rights organization. As a graduate student in the political science program I was offered the chance to become the Assistant Director to the Model United Nations Program. Through the program, as a delegate and as the assistant director, I have improved my public speaking as well as my research and writing skills. These are all attributes that are going to be vital in a future Ph.D. program and the political science program has helped me develop these needed skills. I was also recently selected to be an Archer Fellow for the Summer Graduate Public Policy program. This has awarded me the opportunity to study and intern in Washington D.C for the Summer of 2018.

What do you like most about UT Tyler?

I would have to say the professors in the Political Science Department and the Model United Nations Program. The professors have continuously encouraged me to excel in my studies and have pushed me to become a better student. I have learned a great deal from them in and out of the classroom. With Model UN, I have had the opportunity to travel to the Czech Republic, Japan, and New York City where I attended Model UN conferences. These conferences gave me experience on how to be diplomatic in tense situations, and has provided me with great opportunities to learn and travel.

Find out more about our Master of Political Science

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