2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]


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Political Science (B.A./B.S.)



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Program Coordinator/Contact

William Prigge, Department Head
Department of History, Political Science, Philosophy, and Religion
West Hall Room 109

Program Information

The study of Political Science examines politics, governments, and political processes. The Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science prepare graduates for work in government agencies, party headquarters, political consulting firms, advocacy organizations, business, or non-profit agencies. The flexibility of the major also positions students for law school and other professional or graduate degree programs.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students with a major in Political Science will:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of concepts, theories and methods of political science, political systems bdyond the United States, and political issues facing traditionally underrepresented communities.
  • Develop a disciplined, skeptical stand and outlook on the world that demands evidence and a sophisticated use of information.
  • Assess multiple - and often countervailing - theoretical perspectives, displaying an awareness that knowledge is often incomplete or imperfect, and thus multiple alternatives must be considered and conclusions are subject to change.
  • Recognize the difference between strong and weak arguments based on evidence, use of proper citations and peer review.
  • Generate arguments that are reasoned and based on evidence selected, arranged and analyze.
  • Understand international perspectives, a necessary prerequisite to becoming an active and responsible global citizens.
  • Frame a scholarly question and develop research strategies to address it, identify and summarize the arguments of other scholars.
  • Critically evaluate the media and news sources.
  • Express themselves effectively through oral and written communication.

Academic Requirements

No grade below a “C” in political science courses may be used to fulfill major or minor requirements.

Course Delivery Format

The program provides courses online and face to face on campus and at various off-campus attendance centers.

Requirements for Political Science Major: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

System General Education Requirements


College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements


  • One declared minor outside of the major prefix OR a second major OR a teaching specialization. The minor may be a traditional minor within one department or it may be interdisciplinary involving more than one department. The minor can be in a different college. The minor must be declared no later than the student’s third semester of enrollment.
  • Capstone course in the major discipline
  • Upper division coursework Credits: 33

Bachelor of Arts Requirements: 9+

Bachelor of Science Requirements: 13+

System General Education and/or major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements. Consult program advisor for details. See the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences  for additional information about Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science specifications.

Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120


Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

System General Education Requirements 30 Credit Hours
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements* 9+ Credit Hours
Major Requirements 36 Credit Hours
Electives** 45 Credit Hours

Bachelor of Science in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

System General Education Requirements 30 Credit Hours
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements* 13+ Credit Hours
Major Requirements 36 Credit Hours
Electives** 47 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements, Major Requirements, and Supporting Coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements.  
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet


The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.

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