Political Science Major, B.A.
Course Overview
Political Science is the study of government, politics, and public policy in the United States and other countries, and of the relations among nations and states in the world community. The Political Science curriculum is designed to provide students with factual knowledge of these subjects and with the ability to analyze and evaluate different governmental systems, ideologies, political practices, and policy proposals. The Political Science major prepares students to be informed and engaged citizens and to pursue careers in government, law, public administration, education, journalism, international institutions, and political organizations.
Course Structure
Total Requirements for Political Science Major: 36 credits
Political Science Major Core Requirements: 12 credits
PSCI 1110 - Introduction to Political Science (3 credits)
PSCI 1120 - Introduction to American Government (3 credits)
PSCI 2210 - Introduction to Comparative Politics (3 credits)
or
PSCI 2220 - Introduction to World Politics (3 credits)
PSCI 3440 - Research Methods (3 credits)
Choose one (1) course from each of the following five (5) sub-fields: 15 credits
American Politics (AP)
PSCI 3030 - American Political Parties (3 credits)
PSCI 3050 - Interest Groups in American Politics (3 credits)
PSCI 3060 - Southern Politics (3 credits)
PSCI 3500 - The President and Congress (3 credits)
PSCI 3710 - State and Local Government (3 credits)
PSCI 4730 - American Public Policy (3 credits)
PSCI 4950 - Senior Seminar (1-3 credits)
Comparative Politics (CP)
PSCI 3010 - Chinese Politics (3 credits)
PSCI 3800 - European Politics (3 credits)
PSCI 3830 - Government and Politics of Latin America (3 credits)
PSCI 3850 - Politics of the Middle East (3 credits)
PSCI 3900 - Government and Politics of Russia and East Europe (3 credits)
PSCI 4820 - Politics of Development and Change (3 credits)
International Relations (IR)
PSCI 3000 - Peace, Security, and Development (3 credits)
PSCI 3310 - International Relations (3 credits)
PSCI 3350 - International Political Economy (3 credits)
PSCI 3750 - International Law and Organizations (3 credits)
PSCI 4300 - International Politics (3 credits)
PSCI 4330 - American Foreign Policy (3 credits)
Political Theory (PT)
PSCI 3130 - American Political Thought (3 credits)
PSCI 3150 - Democratic Theory (3 credits)
PSCI 4030 - Black American Political Thought (3 credits)
PSCI 4100 - Classical Political Philosophy (3 credits)
PSCI 4120 - Modern Political Philosophy (3 credits)
Public Law (PL)
PSCI 3200 - Law and Judicial Process (3 credits)
PSCI 3205 - Constitution and Civil Liberties (3 credits)
PSCI 3210 - Due Process and Adjudication (3 credits)
PSCI 3220 - The Supreme Court (3 credits)
PSCI 3230 - American Constitutional Law (3 credits)
PSCI Electives: 9 credits
Three (3) courses to be selected freely from the Political Science, International Affairs, and Public Administration Department’s offerings.
Minor: 18-24 credits
Free Electives: 14-23 credits
Entry Requirement
| Admission Requirements | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Entry Requirements | For first-time freshman applicants, official high school transcripts are required. Transfer applicants must send transcripts from every post-secondary institution that has been attended. Specific GPA requirements can be found below (based on a 4.0 scale) Freshmen GPA Requirements
|
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| Language Requirement | |
|---|---|
| TOEFL-IBT Score (Minimum) | The minimum requirement is 61. |
| IELTS Score (Minimum) | The minimum requirement is 5.5. |
Career Opportunities
- Political Scientists
- Postsecondary Teachers
- Managers, All Other
- Secondary School Teachers, Except for Special and Career/Technical Education
- Social Science Research Assistants