BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
Political science has its origins in Greek and Roman discussions on governance and the creation of a just and harmonious social order. The contemporary field of political science builds upon these ideas by examining the theories that shape our perspectives on government and how political leaders exercise authority on local, national, and international levels. Political scientists explore concepts such as ideology and power to explain the decision-making processes, rules, and laws that characterize the relationships between political institutions and their citizens.
Using the methods of scientific investigation, the Political Science program enables you to analyze the foundations and frameworks of governmental systems and the various ways political forces have shaped our world. Topics such as civil liberties, globalization, human rights, American foreign policy, international relations, and terrorism all feature prominently in our coursework.
Our program provides you with considerable flexibility in creating an interdisciplinary course of study that is tailored to your specific interests. Yet whichever direction you choose to take, you will become more knowledgeable about our political structures and systems and a more critical analyst of political events and activities. To appreciate government “in action,” you may also choose to participate in an internship related to political advocacy. In the process, you will begin to clarify your own political philosophy and acquire the tools to help you become a more informed and engaged citizen.
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
A course of study within the Political Science program will provide students the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge through a core set of program objectives. Students will:
Understand the structures and process of American government commensurate with citizenship duties and an effective civil society
Recognize the use and abuse of political power and authority
Assess various perspectives with respect to their political philosophies
Value politics from a global perspective
REQUIRED COURSES IN MAJOR | ||
|---|---|---|
COURSE NUMBER | COURSE NAME | CREDITS |
EN 341 | Advanced Writing | 3 |
HI 288 | World History and Geography I | 3 |
HI 289 | World History and Geography II | 3 |
PS 101 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 |
PS 102 | American Government | 3 |
PS 224 | State and Local Government | 3 |
MAJOR ELECTIVES | ||
COURSE NUMBER | COURSE NAME | CREDITS |
PS *** | 300 or 400 Level Elective | 3 |
PS *** | 300 or 400 Level Elective | 3 |
PS *** | 300 or 400 Level Elective | 3 |
PS *** | 300 or 400 Level Elective | 3 |
PS *** | 300 or 400 Level Elective | 3 |
PS *** | Any Level Elective | 3 |
PS *** | Any Level Elective | 3 |
PS *** | Any Level Elective | 3 |
PS *** | Any Level Elective | 3 |
BLUEPRINT REQUIREMENTS | ||
COURSE NUMBER | COURSE NAME | CREDITS |
BLU 101 | Foundations Seminar | 3 |
BLU 151 | Public Speaking | 3 |
BLU 201 | Service Learning and Civic Engagement | 3 |
BLU 301 | Junior Symposium | 3 |
EN 101 | College Writing | 3 |
EN 102 | Unveiling Literary Treasures | 3 |
RS *** | Religious Studies Elective | 3 |
GENERAL EDUCATION CORE MODULES | ||
COURSE NUMBER | COURSE NAME | CREDITS |
American History/Western Civilization | Approved Elective | 3 |
Art | Approved Elective | 3 |
Foreign Culture and Language | Approved Elective | 3 |
Humanities | Approved Elective | 3 |
Natural Science | Approved Elective | 3 |
Math | Approved Elective | 3 |
General Education | Approved Elective | 3 |
GENERAL ELECTIVES | ||
COURSE NUMBER | COURSE NAME | CREDITS |
Liberal Arts Elective | 300 or 400 Level Course | 3 |
Liberal Arts Elective | 300 or 400 Level Course | 3 |
Liberal Arts Elective | 300 or 400 Level Course | 3 |
All College Elective | 300 or 400 Level Course | 3 |
All College Elective | 300 or 400 Level Course | 3 |
All College Elective | 300 or 400 Level Course | 3 |
All College Elective | 300 or 400 Level Course | 3 |
All College Elective | 300 or 400 Level Course | 3 |
All College Elective | Any Course | 3 |
All College Elective | Any Course | 3 |
All College Elective | Any Course | 3 |
A total of five All College, Liberal Arts and Political Science electives may be used for semester-length internships.
FIVE YEAR - COMBINED BS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE AND MPA- MASTER’S IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
The new and innovative combined BS/MPA program allows you to finish your BS in political science and simultaneously work on a master’s in public administration. Students can begin taking graduate courses during their final two semesters as an undergraduate student. Graduate courses will count toward both the BS and the MPA degrees.
Admissions to the graduate school occurs during your junior year, without the need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). As a result of beginning graduate courses during your undergraduate program, you will complete the master’s degree more quickly. The combined program should allow you to finish both degrees in a 4 + 1 format (5 years), saving the student up to two semesters of graduate school.