Political Science, B.A.

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Political Science Mission Statement

Political science is devoted to the study of the theory and practice of government and politics. The political science program complements a student’s liberal arts education with an emphasis on understanding the theoretical and practical aspects of political philosophy, public administration, law, international relations, and American government and policy. Vocational alternatives for political science majors include teaching, public management, law, and foreign service.

General Education Core (32-35 Credits)

See General Education

Core Course Requirements 12-13 credits
Knowledge Area Requirements 20-22 credits

Experiential Education University Requirement - EDGE Program (3 Credits)

NOTE: As of 7/12/2019, students pursuing this bachelor’s degree are no longer required to complete the EDGE courses for graduation.

See Experiential Education .

BA Degree Requirements (16 Credits)

BA Degree - Foreign Language Requirement (16 credits or proficiency test)

Political Science Curriculum Summary

Core Requirements (36 credits)

Political Science is a designated major. No grade below a “C-” will be accepted for credit toward the major. No more than 15 credits of lower division political science courses may be counted toward the credits requirement for the major. Up to 6 credits of POLS 4830 - Readings & Conference may be used as track-specific electives with approval.

POLS 1100 - American National Government 3 credits
* POLS 2100 - Introduction to International Relations 3 credits
OR
* POLS 2200 - Introduction to Comparative Politics 3 credits
POLS 2300 - Introduction to Political Thought 3 credits
POLS 3000 - Research Methods in Political Science 3 credits
POLS 4890 - Internship 1 to 12 credits (3 credits must be obtained to meet degree requirements)
POLS 4990 - Capstone Seminar in Political Science 3 credits

Select One of the Following Tracks

American Politics Track (18 Credits)

Required Courses (6 Credits)

POLS 3110 - American Presidency: Executive Process 3 credits
POLS 3120 - Courts 3 credits
POLS 3130 - American Legislative Process & Behavior 3 credits
Please note, the remaining course not selected for the required 6 credits may be used as an elective

Choose 12 credits from the following Electives

POLS 3010 - Current Political Issues 3 credits
POLS 3030 - State & Local Government 3 credits
POLS 3100 - Parties, Elections, & Voting Behavior 3 credits
POLS 3410 - Public Administration 3 credits
POLS 3500 - Identity Politics 3 credits
POLS 3510 - Constitutional Law 3 credits
POLS 3520 - Civil Rights and Liberties 3 credits
POLS 3620 - National Security Policy 3 credits
POLS 4100 - Special Topics in American Politics & Policy 3 credits
POLS 4210 - History of Political Thought 3 credits
POLS 4330 - Special Topics in Comparative Politics 3 credits
POLS 4510 - Politics and Religion 3 credits
POLS 4660 - American Foreign Policy 3 credits

Pre-Law Track (18 Credits)

Required

PLGL 1100 - Introduction to Law 3 credits

Choose 15 Credits from the following Electives

POLS 3120 - Courts 3 credits
POLS 3510 - Constitutional Law 3 credits
POLS 3520 - Civil Rights and Liberties 3 credits
POLS 4210 - History of Political Thought 3 credits
POLS 4320 - Special Topics in Law 3 credits (only 3 credits may be used to meet the Track requirements)
POLS 4610 - International Law & Organization 3 credits
Up to 6 of the 15 credits may be from the following list:
PLGL 1500 - Family Law 3 credits
PLGL 1700 - Torts 3 credits
PLGL 1900 - Civil Procedure 3 credits
PLGL 2100 - Estate Planning & Probate Law 3 credits
PLGL 2400 - Real Estate & Property Law 3 credits
PLGL 2600 - Business & Corporate Law 3 credits

International Politics Track (18 Credits)

Required Courses (6 Credits)

POLS 2100 - Introduction to International Relations 3 credits
POLS 2200 - Introduction to Comparative Politics 3 credits

Choose 15 credits from the following Electives

POLS 3010 - Current Political Issues 3 credits
POLS 3100 - Parties, Elections, & Voting Behavior 3 credits
POLS 3410 - Public Administration 3 credits
POLS 3440 - Introduction to the Middle East 3 credits
POLS 3500 - Identity Politics 3 credits
POLS 3620 - National Security Policy 3 credits
POLS 3670 - Comparative Public Policy 3 credits
POLS 4300 - Special Topics in World Affairs 3 credits (repeatable for credit)
POLS 4330 - Special Topics in Comparative Politics 3 credits (repeatable for credit)
POLS 4600 - Theories of International Relations 3 credits
POLS 4610 - International Law & Organization 3 credits
POLS 4660 - American Foreign Policy 3 credits
POLS 4700 - International Conflict 3 credits

Other Electives

Free Electives may be taken (to complete BA/BS requirements, recommended free electives from the Department, etc.) as required to reach 120 total credits.

Political Science, B.A.

Political Science Mission Statement

General Education Core (32-35 Credits)

Experiential Education University Requirement - EDGE Program (3 Credits)

BA Degree Requirements (16 Credits)

Political Science Curriculum Summary

Core Requirements (36 credits)

Select One of the Following Tracks

American Politics Track (18 Credits)

Required Courses (6 Credits)

Choose 12 credits from the following Electives

Pre-Law Track (18 Credits)

Required

Choose 15 Credits from the following Electives

International Politics Track (18 Credits)

Required Courses (6 Credits)

Choose 15 credits from the following Electives

Other Electives

Total Credits, B.A. or B.S. degree: 120