Political Science, B.A. (POSC)
The Department of History & Political Science offers a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Arts in political science. Majors will develop knowledge of U.S. and comparative politics, international relations, and the policy process, as well as develop skills to prepare for graduate school and careers in law, government, non-governmental organizations, political and public policy research, advocacy, business, journalism, and education. Additionally, students have the opportunity to tailor their coursework, advising, and internships to their career goals by completing an optional pre-law major concentration.
Students graduating with a major in Political Science will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding in each of the following areas of political science: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and research methods;
- Demonstrate proficiency in identifying, locating, and evaluating scholarly political science and policy analysis resources and in using them responsibly to formulate effective arguments;
- Demonstrate the capacity to conduct original research using one or more methodologies in political science (i.e., quantitative, qualitative, etc.);
- Demonstrate competence in presenting research and analysis via written and oral communication;
- Demonstrate the application of skills and knowledge from the Political Science program in program-relevant internships.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements | ||
| POSC 101 | United States Government | 3 |
| POSC 102 | Comparative Government | 3 |
| POSC 110 | Introduction to Political Science Major Seminar | 1 |
| POSC 210 | Political Science Research and Methods | 4 |
| POSC 215 | Topics in Political Science | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Modern World Civilization | ||
| United States History to 1877 | ||
| United States History after 1877 | ||
| Upper Level Requirements | ||
| POSC 450 | Career Readiness Workshop | 1 |
| POSC 400-level Elective | 6 | |
| POSC 540 | Internship in Political Science | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select 15 credits from the following: | 15 | |
| Politics & the News Media | ||
| Campaigns and Elections: | ||
or POSC 302H | Honors: Campaigns and Elections | |
| Constitutional Law | ||
| State and Local Politics | ||
| Women and Politics | ||
| American Political Institutions | ||
| Topics in United States Political Science | ||
| Topics in Global Political Science | ||
| Political Psychology | ||
| Latin American Politics and Society | ||
| The Politics of War and Conflict | ||
| Inequality and Social Policy | ||
or SOWK 340 | Inequality and Social Policy | |
| Political Economy | ||
| Model United Nations | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Teaching Assistant in Political Science | ||
| Internship in Political Science (in addition to required three credit internship) | ||
| Total Hours | 42 | |