Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
What is Political Science?
Political Science is the science of the principles, organization, and methods of government. Our program includes the study of theories of government as well as examinations of such topics as governance, parties, public opinion, interest groups, campaigns, elections, civil and political rights, and the various institutions of government.
Our faculty are trained and have practical experience in various aspects of the science. They have utilized their training to the benefit of various professions and endeavors in and out of government. They personify the belief that a degree in political science can and does assist individuals in fields as diverse as education, social service agencies, insurance, charities, law, and business.
Majors are encouraged to develop analytical skills and research competency that include using the latest technological advances in computers, electronic retrieval, and communications systems. Our courses are designed to give students theoretical background as well as practical and realistic experiences.
Our graduates are engaged in occupations in academics, government, and business throughout the world. Many started on their career paths with internship positions chosen while enrolled as students in the program.
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| PSC 130: Introduction to U.S. Government | 3 hours |
| PSC 250: Comparative Politics | 3 hours |
| PSC 270: International Relations | 3 hours |
| PSC 310 (W) or CJ 310 (W): Research Methods | 3 hours |
| PSC 492 (W): Capstone Seminar in Political Science | 3 hours |
| 300/400 Level PSC Electives | 21 hours |
| Total Credit Hours for the PSC Major | 36 hours |
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| PSC130 - Introduction to US Government | 3 hours |
|
PSC 250 - Comparative Politics OR PSC 270 - International Relations |
3 hours |
| 300/400 level PSC electives | 12 hours |
| Total Credit Hours for the PSC Minor | 18 hours |
| Elective |
|---|
| Note that PSC 130 is a prerequisite for most upper level PSC courses, and a grade of C or better in PSC 130 is required. |
| PSC 301 Public Policy |
| PSC/PHL 311 Classical Political Thought |
| PSC/PHL 312 Renaissance Political Thought |
| PSC/PHL 313 (W) Modern Political Thought |
| PSC/CJ 330 Judicial Process |
| PSC/CJ/PHL 331 Constitutional Law |
| PSC/CJ 332 Criminal Law |
| PSC/CJ/PHL 336 The Law and Legal Theory |
| PSC/CJ/PHL 337 Liability and Punishment |
| PSC 340 Race, Gender, and Politics |
| PSC 345 Women and Politics |
| PSC 347 Public Opinion and Political Participation |
| PSC/CA 354 Media and Politics |
| PSC 360 Politics of Europe |
| PSC/CJ 363 Crime and Politics in Latin America |
| PSC 365 Politics of the Middle East |
| PSC 368 (W) Politics of South Asia |
| PSC 372 American Foreign Policy |
| PSC 390 Special Topics |
| PSC 401/501 Public Administration |
| PSC/CJ 411/511 Criminal Justice Administration |
| PSC/PHL 418 American Political Thought |
| PSC/CJ 430 (W) Criminal Procedure |
| PSC 432 State and Local Government |
| PSC 436 Politics of Urban Government |
| PSC 437/537 US Congress and Policymaking |
| PSC 438 US Presidency |
| PSC 440 Advanced Topics in Public Policy |
| PSC 450 Advanced Studies in Comparative Politics |
| PSC 452 Politics of the Muslim World |
| PSC/CA 453 Campaign and Election Communication |
| PSC/CA 456 Social Media and Politics |
| PSC/CJ 469 Criminal Justice Policies |
| PSC 470 Advanced Studies in International Relations |
| PSC/CJ 473 International Law |
| PSC 481/581 Public Policy and Aging |
| PSC 484/584 Healthcare Around the World |
| PSC/CJ 488 Armed Conflict |
| PSC 489/589 Leadership and World Leaders |
| PSC 490 Special Topics |
| PSC/CJ 491 Seminar on Terrorism |
| PSC 493 Study Abroad |
| PSC 494 Directed Studies |
| PSC 496 Internship |
| PSC 499 (W) Honors Thesis |
|
/ Indicates Cross-Listed Course 500 Numbers Indicates Cross-Listed with Graduate Course CJ = Criminal Justice PHL = Philosophy CA = Communication |
