Political Science
Political Science Major
The major in political science examines the study of politics from several perspectives and encourages students to take course work from its several concentrations. The student may select one of several options for career preparation in public service, the non-profit sector, the private sector, public policy, pre-law, graduate work, and related professions. Internships in public service and law related organizations are offered to upper division students in the local area and in Washington, D.C. These programs form a valuable link between college and career and are an important part of the undergraduate experience in
political science.
The major in political science is designed to:
- Provide a liberal, career-oriented education for students seeking employment in business, government, and the independent sector
- Provide preparation for the study of law
- Provide preparation for entry-level career positions or graduate study in public policy or political science
- Integrate the study of politics with the techniques required for a career in journalism.
Students majoring in Political Science select one of three concentrations: general/pre-law, American politics, or public policy. In addition, students can gain breadth of knowledge by taking courses in the other concentrations.
Major Program Core requirements of all concentrations: (Minimum 15 semester hours)
Required Courses:
| POLI 103 | Introduction to World Politics | 3 |
| POLI 105 | American National Government | 3 |
| MATH 105 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| POLI 333 | Scope and Methods in Political Science | 3 |
One course from the following:
| POLI 497 | Senior Thesis | 3 |
| POLI 498 | Washington Internship | 3-15 |
| POLI 499 | Internship | 3-15 |
Group requirements of all concentrations
Three courses are required: one course from each group (9 semester hours total):
Group l: American Politics
| POLI 205 | Contemporary Political and Social Justice Issues | 3 |
| POLI 220 | Public Administration | 3 |
| POLI 221 | State and Local Politics | 3 |
| POLI 225 | Politics, Parties, and Pressure Groups | 3 |
| POLI 325 | The United States Since 1945 | 3 |
| POLI 345 | Constitutional Law: American Community | 3 |
| POLI 346 | Constitutional Law: Bill of Rights | 3 |
| POLI 350 | Legal Process/Mock Trial | 3 |
| POLI 355 | The Presidency | 3 |
| POLI 365 | The Congress | 3 |
| POLI 370 | Social Reform and the Welfare State | 3 |
| POLI 375 | American Public Policy | 3 |
| POLI 498 | Washington Internship Program | 3 |
Group II: Political Theory
| POLI 201 | American Political Thought | 3 |
| POLI 321 | Western Political Philosophy | 3 |
Group III: International Relations/Foreign and Comparative Politics
| POLI 208 | Comparative Political Analysis | 3 |
| POLI 283 | The Middle East in World Affairs | 3 |
| POLI 308 | Politics of Eastern Europe and Russia | 3 |
| POLI 328 | The United States in World Affairs | 3 |
| POLI 493 | Directed Foreign Travel | 3 |
Concentration Requirements:
Concentration in General/Pre-law (Minimum of 18 additional semester hours)
Additional Required Courses: Six courses from the Political Science curriculum.
Concentration in American Politics: (Minimum of 18 additional semester hours)
Additional Required Courses: (Six courses from the following)
| POLI 201 | American Political Thought | 3 |
| POLI 205 | Contemporary Political and Social Justice Issues | 3 |
| POLI 225 | Politics, Parties, and Pressure Groups | 3 |
| POLI 230 | Political Communication | 3 |
| POLI 325 | The United States Since 1945 | 3 |
| POLI 328 | The United States in World Affairs | 3 |
| POLI 345 | Constitutional Law: American Community | 3 |
| POLI 346 | Constitutional Law: Bill of Rights | 3 |
| POLI 355 | The Presidency | 3 |
| POLI 365 | The Congress | 3 |
| POLI 375 | American Public Policy | 3 |
Concentration in Public Policy (Minimum of 30 additional semester hours)
Additional Required Courses:
| BSAD 101 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| BSAD 102 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| BSAD 125 | Financial Accounting | 3 |
| BSAD 150 | Management and Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| POLI 220 | Public Administration | 3 |
| POLI 375 | American Public Policy | 3 |
Four courses from the following:
| POLI 205 | Contemporary Political and Social Justice Issues | 3 |
| POLI 221 | State and Local Politics | 3 |
| POLI 320 | Policy Analysis, Implementation and Evaluation | 3 |
| POLI 328 | The United States in World Affairs | 3 |
| POLI 400 | Policy Topics | 3 |
| Grad Course in Health Policy with permission | 4 | |
Four courses drawn from the subfields within political science as defined above
and any additional course in political science.
*Information and Courses subject to change.