Department of Political Science

The study of political science gives the student an understanding of politics, government, as well as national and international affairs. Political science graduates develop a coherent and reasoned knowledge respecting government law, governance, political behavior, and public administration. In additions, they are prepared to be part of an informed national and global citizenry. Political science provides an excellent academic background for students preparing for careers in law, public service, journalism, teaching, as well as many private sector jobs. The department has a prelaw advisor and a collection of current law school catalogues and offers the opportunity of prelaw internships to qualified students. In addition to classroom work, the political science program encourages students to gain practical experience through its legislative and public affairs intern program. The intern program gives students the opportunity to earn university credit for on-the-job experience with state and local government agencies, law firms, the Congress, state legislatures, and with public policy groups. In order to graduate, all students are expected to successfully complete the five political science foundation courses (POLS 206, 208, 214, 241, 251 and, POLS 460-a senior capstone research experience). Junior or senior standing is required for many upper division courses; students should read course descriptions carefully for prerequisites.

Students select the Analysis and Policy option or the International Relations option and complete the requisite courses.

The Analysis and Policy Option places emphasis on public policy analysis, American political institutions, and political theory. Students who select this option will complete the required 15 credits of foundational courses, 33 credits of advanced political science courses, Economics 101 or 102 (101 will satisfy the Inquiry Social Science core requirement) and, the Research and Creativity Capstone (also a core requirement). In addition, they will also complete two upper division courses (6 credits) in one of the following areas: Economics, Sociology, History, Philosophy, Geography, or as approved by an advisor.

The International Relations option is for students with an interest in international relations who wish to acquire a sound background in the fundamentals of IR theory, international institutions, international policy, and international political economy. Completion of the IR option requires 15 credits of foundational courses, 18 credits of advanced political science subfield courses, 12 credits in advanced International Relations courses, Economics 101 or 102 (101 will satisfy the Inquiry Social Science core requirement) and, the Research and Creativity Capstone (also a core requirement). An additional 12 credits of additional upper level courses dealing with international politics, and competency in a foreign language to the intermediate level are also required.

Curriculum in Political Science

• Analysis and Policy Option
• International Relations Option

ANALYSIS AND POLICY OPTION

International Relations Option

*IR students must take four additional courses in international relations from the following list or as approved by the IR advisor: ECON 314, ECON 317, SOC 365, History 368, 374, 413, 415, 457

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above. No political science course may be counted in more than one upper division subfield requirement.  Political science majors must fulfill social science Inquiry and Diversity University Core requirements outside of the POLS rubric. Before a political science major may enroll in any upper division political science course, the student must have achieved a grade of "C" or better in all courses required for the political science major. To be credited toward graduation, a student must not earn less than a "C" in any upper division political science course being counted toward graduation requirements in the discipline.  In addition to being required for the major, POLS 460 may also be used to fulfill the Research and Creative Experience core requirement.

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