Political Science (BS)
The Political Science program provides students with the critical thinking, research, and communication skills necessary to understand and engage with politics, institutions, ideas and values at the local, national, and global level. Through course work in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy, students gain a strong foundation for a wide range of career pathways. Common career paths include service in public administration, the law, international organizations, policy research, advocacy, journalism, and education. However, the critical thinking and problem-solving skills instilled in this program are highly valued in both the public and private sectors. The program also prepares students who pursue graduate education for the advanced study of political science, law, public administration, international affairs, and related fields.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| PO 1025 | American Government | 4 |
| PO 1035 | World Politics (GACO) | 4 |
| PO 1060 | PO 1060: Politics in Action | 4 |
| PO 2025 | Public Administration (DICO) | 4 |
| PO 3065 | Political Analysis and Policy (TECO,WRCO) | 4 |
| PO 3815 | Political Thought | 4 |
| PO 3000/4000 level Political Science electives (not PODI) | 12 | |
| American Politics | ||
| Complete one course from the following: | 4 | |
| The Presidency and Congress | ||
| Political Parties, Elections, and Interest Groups (TECO) | ||
| Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties | ||
| American Foreign Policy | ||
| International Relations/Comparative Politics | ||
| Complete one course from the following: | 4 | |
| Comparative Politics and Government | ||
| Politics and Conflict in the Middle East (GACO) | ||
| Model United Nations (GACO) | ||
| Latin American Politics (GACO,WRCO) | ||
| War and Conflict | ||
| Quantitative Reasoning in the Discipline Connection | ||
| MA 2300 | Statistics I (QRCO) | 3 |
| or SS 3705 | Social Statistics (QRCO) | |
| General Education | ||
| EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
| IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
| MA | Mathematics Foundations | 3-4 |
| CTDI | Creative Thought Direction | 3-4 |
| PPDI | Past and Present Direction | 3-4 |
| SSDI | Self and Society Direction | 3-4 |
| Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI) 1 | 4-8 | |
| INCP | Integrated Capstone | 3-4 |
| WECO | Wellness Connection | 3-4 |
| Electives | 31-34 | |
| GACO | Global Awareness Connection | 3-4 |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
Directions should total 16-17 credits because SSDI is waived for BA Political Science.
A 2.50 grade point average in PO courses taken for the degree is require.
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).
| Year One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
| IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
| MA | Mathematics Foundations | 3-4 |
| PO 1025 | American Government | 4 |
| PO 1035 | World Politics (GACO) | 4 |
| PO 1060 | PO 1060: Politics in Action | 4 |
| CTDI | Creative Thought Direction | 3-4 |
| GACO | Foreign Language | 6 |
| Elective | 3-5 | |
| Credits | 35-39 | |
| Year Two | ||
| PO 2025 | Public Administration (DICO) | 4 |
| PPDI | Past and Present Direction | 3-4 |
| SIDI | Scientific Inquiry Direction | 3-4 |
| Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI) 1 | 4-8 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning in the Discipline Connection Course: | ||
| MA 2300 or SS 3705 |
Statistics I (QRCO) or Social Statistics (QRCO) |
3-4 |
| WECO | Wellness Connection | 3-4 |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Credits | 26-34 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Complete one American Politics Course from the following: | 4 | |
| The Presidency and Congress | ||
| Political Parties, Elections, and Interest Groups (TECO) | ||
| Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties | ||
| American Foreign Policy | ||
| Complete one International Relations/Comparative Politics Course from the following: | 4 | |
| Comparative Politics and Government | ||
| Politics and Conflict in the Middle East (GACO) | ||
| Political Analysis and Policy (TECO,WRCO) | ||
| Model United Nations (GACO) | ||
| Latin American Politics (GACO,WRCO) | ||
| War and Conflict | ||
| Political Thought | ||
| Electives | 14 | |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Year Four | ||
| PO | 3000/4000 level Political Science electives (not PODI) | 12 |
| INCP | Integrated Capstone | 3-4 |
| Electives | 14-15 | |
| Credits | 29-31 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |