Political Science, B.A.

Political Science

Thinking creatively and devising solutions to problems are among the abilities most needed in today’s society. The student majoring in Political Science engages in these activities and acquires the capability to be an independent and original thinker. The breadth of the program provides the opportunity to study political theory, national and international politics, and specific area studies. A wide variety of career options is available for students who choose to major in  Political Science, including jobs in federal, state, and/or local government as well as positions in nonprofit groups, business areas, journalism, political campaigns, various sectors of public service, intelligence analysis, and potential employment in foreign countries. Preparation for Secondary Teacher Certification in Social Studies can also be achieved through the Political Science major. This major also provides an academic foundation for students to pursue graduate study in either law or related academic fields.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the graduate will earn a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Political Science and will be able to:

• Communicate effectively in both oral and written formats.
• Apply creative and critical thinking skills to current political issues.
• Apply problem-solving skills to current political issues.
• Describe (and compare) the social, economic, and political institutions that comprise our political process at the national and international levels. 
• Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations, development, and impacts of the principles of major foreign and domestic policy actions.

Admission Criteria

Candidates for admission to the Political Science major are required to:

• Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 at the time of formal application to the major.
• Achieve a grade of “C” or higher in every major course requirement.
• If seeking Secondary Teacher Certification, achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 at the time of formal application to the major. Please refer to the Secondary Teacher Certification sections of this catalog for more details.
• Make formal application to the major in the Fall semester of the sophomore year.

Progression Criteria/Degree Requirements

Progression in the Political Science major leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree requires students to:

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00; a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required for the Secondary Education program.
• Receive a minimum grade of “C” in every major course requirement; and a minimum grade of “B” in every required Education course, if seeking Secondary Education Certification.
• Receive approval from the Dean of the Division of Education and Human Services for the educational component of the Secondary Teacher Certification program.
• Complete a minimum of 122 credits.
• Complete a minimum of 135 credits, if seeking Secondary Teacher Certification in Social Studies.

Cooperative Education Requirement

Students in the major are required to complete a minimum of three (3) credits of Cooperative Education in settings related to political science. See POLSC 394-396 , POLSC 494-496  in the Course Descriptions section of this catalog for specific details. The Student Teaching Practicum (EDU 497 ) fulfills the Cooperative Education Requirement for Secondary Education students.

Course Requirements

Suggested Four-Year Curriculum: 122 Credits