The study of politics is, at the base, the study of how social values are defined and distributed. Who can vote? Who makes policy decisions? Will we go to war? Have universal health coverage? Subsidize loans for college students? These are all distributional, and hence political, questions. As Harold Laswell put it, politics is about "Who gets what, when and how?" Political science focuses on both institutions and behaviors to explain how social power is distributed, and how that power is used to distribute other goods.
The study of political science is vital to a liberal arts education. Through a critical encounter with political structures and processes, we learn to think critically, develop and evaluate arguments and remain open to new ideas. Through reflection on significant events, ideas, movements and passions that have shaped the political world, we come to understand better our own values, to refine our beliefs.
Majoring in political science prepares students for careers in public administration, politics, journalism, education, non-governmental organizations, public relations and business. It is an excellent major for those considering law school.
The political science program offers students a well-rounded undergraduate education within the discipline. Courses are offered in all the major subfields of the discipline: U.S. government, international relations, comparative politics and political philosophy. Students gain practical experience and professional skills to complement their coursework through a required internship.
Admission
For admission as a Political Science major in one of the programs, a student must have completed at least six (6) credit hours in the intended major with a grade-point average of 2.5. The student must also have an overall grade-point average of 2.5. Interested students should apply for admission to the division director. Once admitted, students will be assigned an advisor with whom they should consult each semester about their course of study. Majors and minors must earn a grade of C or better in all major courses, all general education courses and all professional education courses. Courses in which a student earns a grade of D will not count toward the fulfillment of program requirements except by written permission from the division director.
Requirements
Program Requirements (30 credit hours)
*NOTE: three (3) credit hours count toward University general education requirements in social sciences.
Required Courses (18 credit hours)
- POLSC 101: Intro. to U.S. Government
- POLSC 102: World Politics
- POLSC 103: Comparative Politics
- POLSC 250: Scope and Methods (Pre-requisite: 6 credit hours in political science)
- POLSC 350: Senior Seminar (Pre-requisite: POLSC 250 and one 300-level political science)
- POLSC 370: Field Experience
Elective Courses with the Following Distribution (15 credit hours)
*NOTE: At least two (2) electives must be taken at the 300 level.
- One of POLSC 240, 241, 242
- POLSC Four additional courses in political science
Explanations and Recommendations
- Select POLSC courses may count towards satisfying the University General Education requirements in foreign cultures, diversity or global studies. Students should consult course-type information on Self-Service.
- Students are encouraged to take their University elective courses in related fields such as economics, history or sociology. Students are encouraged to consider a minor program to enrich their major.
- Internship opportunities are also available to majors.