Political Science (BA)

The BA program in Political Science provides the opportunity to pursue the problem of community order within the broad scope of liberal arts. Political scientists inquire how government can best fulfill the diverse needs of humanity as individuals, as well as in various groups. The study of politics deals with the ways in which humanity shares and distributes such fundamental values as security and prosperity and seeks self-determination. In the tradition of the liberal arts, this program prepares students to make sound decisions and creates a foundation for lifetime intellectual and spiritual growth. This includes such specific skills as the collection and evaluation of valid data, the systematic analysis of problems, and the clarification of values.

Course Title Credits
Major Requirements
PO 1025American Government4
PO 1035World Politics (GACO)4
PO 2025Public Administration (DICO)4
PO 3060Political Analysis and Policy (WRCO)4
PO 3125Political Parties, Elections, and Interest Groups (TECO)4
PO 3815Political Thought4
PO3000/4000 level Political Science electives (not PODI)12
American Politics
Complete one course from the following:4
The Presidency and Congress
Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties
American Foreign Policy
International Relations/Comparative Politics
Complete one course from the following:4
Comparative Politics and Government
Model United Nations (GACO,INCO,INCP)
Latin American Politics (GACO,WRCO)
Women in World Politics
Politics and Conflict in the Middle East (GACO,INCO,INCP)
Quantitative Reasoning in the Discipline Connection
MA 2300Statistics I (QRCO)3-4
or SS 3705 Social Statistics (QRCO)
General Education
EN 1400Composition4
IS 1115Tackling a Wicked Problem4
MAMathematics Foundations3-4
CTDICreative Thought Direction3-4
PPDIPast and Present Direction3-4
SIDIScientific Inquiry Direction3-4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI) 14-8
INCPIntegrated Capstone3-4
WECOWellness Connection3-4
GACOForeign Language 26-8
Electives31-34
Total Credits120
1

Directions should total 16-17 credits because SSDI is waived for BA Political Science.

2

The foreign language requirement for all BA degrees calls for 0-8 credits: one year of one language (6-8 credits); or one 3000/4000 level world language course (3 credits); or being a native speaker of a language other than English (zero credit). American Sign Language I and II fulfill this requirement; however, American Sign Language does not satisfy the Global Awareness Connection.

A 2.50 grade point average in PO courses taken for the degree is required.

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.

To complete the bachelor’s degree in 4 years, you must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits each semester or have a plan to make up credits over the course of the 4 years.  For example, if you take 14 credits one semester, you need to take 16 credits in another semester.  Credits completed must count toward your program requirements (major, option, minor, certificate, general education or free electives).

Plan of Study Grid
Year OneCredits
EN 1400 Composition 4
IS 1115 Tackling a Wicked Problem 4
MAMathematics Foundations 3-4
PO 1025 American Government 4
PO 1035 World Politics (GACO) 4
CTDICreative Thought Direction 3-4
GACOForeign Language 6
Elective 1-3
 Credits29-33
Year Two
PO 2025 Public Administration (DICO) 4
PPDIPast and Present Direction 3-4
SIDIScientific Inquiry Direction 3-4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI) 1 4-8
Quantitative Reasoning in the Discipline Connection Course:
MA 2300
Statistics I (QRCO)
or Social Statistics (QRCO)
3-4
WECOWellness Connection 3-4
Electives 6
 Credits26-34
Year Three
Complete one American Politics Course from the following: 4
The Presidency and Congress
Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties
American Foreign Policy
Complete one International Relations/Comparative Politics Course from the following: 4
Comparative Politics and Government
Model United Nations (GACO,INCO,INCP)
Latin American Politics (GACO,WRCO)
Women in World Politics
Politics and Conflict in the Middle East (GACO,INCO,INCP)
PO 3060 Political Analysis and Policy (WRCO) 4
PO 3125 Political Parties, Elections, and Interest Groups (TECO) 4
PO 3815 Political Thought 4
Electives 10
 Credits30
Year Four
PO3000/4000 level Political Science electives (not PODI) 12
INCPIntegrated Capstone 3-4
Electives 14-15
 Credits29-31
 Total Credits120
1

Directions should total 16-17 credits because SSDI is waived for BA Political Science.

  • Communicate effectively and clearly
  • Cultural sensitivity and civic engagement
  • Conduct Research using PO Methodology
  • Understand/apply political philosophies, theories and concepts
  • Understand political institutions, patterns and processes
  • Understand/apply emerging technologies to political science

Government Employee, Campaign Manager/Political Consultant, Intelligence Analyst, Police Officer, Public Relations, Law, Academia, Community Organizing, Diplomatic Service, Law Clerk, Lobbying, Market Research, Program Administration, Teaching