Political Science (B.S.)
The study of political science explores the nature of politics, including its purposes, limitations, and significance in human life; promotes an understanding of American politics and government; analyzes and seeks comprehension of international politics and organizations; and develops a capacity for intelligent evaluations of public policies and a sensitive awareness of opposing points of view in the political conflicts of our time.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science prepares students for careers in a wide choice of fields, including the practice of law, various types of government service, the business world, and teaching on the secondary level. Students are also well prepared to enter graduate study in the fields of law, international relations, or political science.
Learning Goals and Objectives
Learning goals in political science support and complement the university’s mission as described in the institution’s mission statement. The major encourages the acquisition of knowledge in order to develop specific skills and competencies including the following:
- selection and analysis of information in the discipline
- understanding of the universality of politics in the human experience
- critical thinking
- research methodology
- an understanding of political theory
- analytical and persuasive writing skills
Graduation Requirements
- Earn a minimum grade of C in all major and minor courses
- Complete POS 487 as an integrating capstone experience
- Complete a departmental exit exam
Bachelor of Science (120 credits)
Students who complete a single major without a minor must complete 42 credits in political science
Students who complete a single major in political science combined with another major or minor must complete 33 credits
Distribution/General Education Requirements
Required courses
| POS-201 | AMERICAN GOVERNMENT | 3 |
| POS-209 | COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS | 3 |
| POS-311 | SCOPE AND METHODS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE | 3 |
| POS-325 | INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS | 3 |
| POS-425 | POLITICAL THEORY I | 3 |
| POS-426 | POLITICAL THEORY II | 3 |
| POS-487 | SENIOR SEMINAR | 3 |
| GEO-301 | WORLD ENVIRONMENTS, PEOPLE AND PLACES | 3 |
| MAT-152 | ELEMENTARY PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS | 3 |