Political Science, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Political Science is the study of power, conflict, and war, and of the human endeavor to maintain peace, order, and cooperation, and of the principles and ethics that guide that effort. It is the study of governments, in the United States and in other countries, and of the making and carrying out of laws and policies, by Presidents and governors, legislatures, courts, and the administrative agencies and civil service they oversee, and of the media and journalists who observe them and inform us of their actions. It is the study of cities and counties, and of their efforts to maintain and develop communities, politically, socially, and economically. It is the study of public agencies and services, and the special ways they must be organized and managed. It is the study of human values and beliefs, how they are formed and expressed in the public arena, in voting and elections, in political parties, and in the activities of organized interests, both self-seeking and public-spirited. The ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle, said that politics is “the master science” because it influences how all other knowledge is used in society.

The objective of the political science program is to develop graduates who understand political institutions and behavior, and who in the process become able writers, speakers, thinkers, and informed students of human conflict, organization, and governance. With such knowledge and skills, graduates are well prepared for a variety of careers. Professions to which such abilities are obviously relevant include public service in government and non-profit service agencies, law, education, journalism, and military command. But political science graduates have succeeded as well in careers in a variety of different areas of business, including banking, investment management, extractive and manufacturing industries, insurance, and sales. And political science is a natural minor to accompany other majors in which such knowledge and skills are important, including social work, public health and health administration, parks and recreation, business management, and all the other social sciences.

Program Requirements

Program Requirements

CIP Code: 45.1001

Major

¹

No more than six hours of POL courses numbered 300 or above may be taken prior to completing POL 280 Research and Writing in Political Science.

Key:

E

Course satisfies an Essential Education element.

*

Course must be taken in semester indicated.

Upper division courses: All students are required to have a minimum of 39 hrs. upper division (300-level or above) courses distributed throughout Major/Supporting/Essential Ed/Free Electives categories.

Political Science B.A.