Political Science, BA

Political Science (36-hour major; 18-hour minor)

A major in political science requires GOVT 3300  and GOVT 4399  and an additional 30 hours of advanced political science or public administration coursework with at least 24 hours at the 3000 level or higher. GOVT 2301  and GOVT 2302  do not count toward the major or minor. Students with a major in political science may choose the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science. A minor in political science consists of 18 hours of political science coursework at the 2000 level or higher, including at least 12 hours at the 3000 level or higher. Students may elect to pursue one of the following areas of emphasis:

Major in political science with an American politics and public service emphasis (36 hours)

This major emphasis prepares students who are interested in careers in politics, public service or graduate programs specializing in American politics or public administration.

This emphasis requires:

• GOVT 2300 - Introduction to Politics Credit(s): 3

• or

• GOVT 2311 - Introduction to Pre-Law Credit(s): 3

•  

• GOVT 3300 - Political Science Methods Credit(s): 3
• GOVT 3347 - The U.S Congress Credit(s): 3
• GOVT 3348 - The American Presidency Credit(s): 3
• GOVT 4399 - Senior Seminar Credit(s): 3

Major in political science with national security emphasis (36 hours)

This major emphasis examines global security issues, both traditional (e.g., war and peace) and non-traditional (e.g., environmental issues, mass migration and nonstate actors).

This emphasis requires:

• GOVT 2340 - World Politics: Power and Money Credit(s): 3
• GOVT 3300 - Political Science Methods Credit(s): 3
• GOVT 3332 - International Politics Credit(s): 3
• GOVT 4399 - Senior Seminar Credit(s): 3

Major in political science with international development emphasis (36 hours)

This major emphasis examines the necessary and sufficient conditions attendant to economic, social and sustainable development.

This emphasis requires:

• GOVT 2340 - World Politics: Power and Money Credit(s): 3
• GOVT 3300 - Political Science Methods Credit(s): 3
• GOVT 3332 - International Politics Credit(s): 3
• GOVT 3333 - International Political Economy Credit(s): 3
• GOVT 4334 - International Human Rights Credit(s): 3
• GOVT 4399 - Senior Seminar Credit(s): 3

Major in political science with pre-law emphasis (36 hours)

This major emphasis prepares students for the demands of law school and careers in the legal profession by exposing students to the foundations of legal writing, analysis and research. It also prepares students to understand how law influences politics, social institutions and ethics in America.

This emphasis requires:

• GOVT 2311 - Introduction to Pre-Law Credit(s): 3
• GOVT 3300 - Political Science Methods Credit(s): 3
• GOVT 4305 - Appellate Advocacy Credit(s): 3
• GOVT 4303 - American Constitutional Law I Credit(s): 3
• GOVT 4304 - American Constitutional Law II Credit(s): 3
• GOVT 4399 - Senior Seminar Credit(s): 3

Degree Map

The following is the recommended sequence of course completion for this degree.