Political Science, B.A.

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Description and Learning Outcomes

Requirements

44 Credits

Core Courses

PO 1110 - U.S. Politics (4 Credits)
PO 1510 - International Politics (4 Credits)
PO 2040 - Research Methods (2 Credits)
PO 4980 - Thesis (4 Credits)

United States Institutions

Select one course from the following:

PO 2110 - State and Local Government and Politics (4 Credits)
PO 3110 - The Presidency and the Executive Branch (4 Credits)
PO 3120 - Congress and the Legislative Process (4 Credits)
PO 4310 (CJ 4310) - Constitutional Law (4 Credits)

Research

Select one course from the following:

PO 2080 - Qualitative Methods (2 Credits)
PO 2070 - Quantitative Methods (2 Credits)

Comparative Politics/International Relations

Select one course from the following:

PO 3220 (HSS 3220) - International Security (4 credits)
PO 3470 - Comparative Politics (4 Credits)
PO 3460 - Comparative Public Policy (4 Credits)
PO 4460 - International Organizations (4 Credits)

Internship/Practicum

A 4 credit internship is required. Additional credits can count towards general electives but not towards the PO major.

PO 4910 - Internship in Political Science (Variable Credit: 1-16)
PO 4920 - Practicum in Political Science

Political Science Electives

Select 16 credits from the following:

PO 2910 - Public Policy Analysis (4 Credits)
PO 3210 - Global Issues (4 Credits)
PO 3140 - Campaigns and Elections (4 Credits)
PO 3260 - Politics, Law and Culture of the Internet (4 Credits)
PO 3440 - Network Analysis (2 Credits)
PO 3450 - U.S. Foreign Policy (4 Credits)
PO 3910 (CJ 3910) - Terrorism (4 Credits)
PO 3990 - Topics in Political Science (4 Credits)
PO 4080 - Advanced Quantitative Analysis (4 Credits)
PO 4110 - Regional Politics (4 Credits)
PO 4520 - Political Social Movements (4 Credits)
PO 4810 - Directed Study in Politics Variable credit. (1‐ 4)
PO 4820 - Individually Designed Learning Plan Variable credit (2‐16)

Note:

*An internship of 4‐12 credits is required for the Political Science major. All of those credits will count toward the 120 required for the BA, however only 4 credits will apply toward the major.

Signature Immersion Experience

Each student is asked to undertake an independent learning experience where they will immerse themselves in research and writing on a specific topic of their choosing. Faculty works with the student on topic selection and making sure they meet deliverable milestones and provide support through faculty and library staff. The student completes a writing intensive project which can be the traditional thesis or a project designed in consultation with a member of the political science faculty.

The student constructs a committee (with representatives across departments) that advises through the process. Additionally, the senior capstone seminar class involves significant feedback from fellow students. At the end of process the student does a “defense” which includes a public presentation with comments and feedback from the faculty on the committee.

Liberal Arts & Sciences Core Curriculum, Bachelor’s Degree

LAS 1000 - Bridges to Learning (2 Credits)
WR 1010 - Composition (4 Credits) or approved LAS Writing Course.
MT 1100 - Quantitative Reasoning (4 Credits) or higher
LAS 1 (LAS 1110) - The Natural Environment - Understanding Our Place in the Natural World (4 Credits)
LAS 2 (LAS 1120) - The Civic Environment - Democratic Values (4 Credits)
LAS 3 (LAS 2110) - Creative Arts (4 Credits)
LAS 4 (LAS 2120) - Social Sciences (4 Credits)
LAS 5 (LAS 2130) - Natural and Biological Sciences (4 Credits)
LAS 6 (LAS 2140) - Humanities (4 Credits)
LAS 7 (LAS 3110) - Global Perspectives (4 Credits)
LAS Elective (4 Credits) One additional course that meets any LAS requirement or combination of two 2-credit approved electives.

Electives

Select additional electives to reach 120 credits for a Bachelor’s degree.