Courses in the department introduce the student to fundamental issues in the governmental process, social conditions that create need for government, structure and procedures of governments, control of governments and enforcements of responsibility, and relationships among governments. The goals of the department are to prepare students to assume the duties and obligations of citizenship, to provide special knowledge and skills useful in public service, and to lay foundations for scholarly study of government and politics.

Associate of Arts with a Concentration in Political Science

(All courses are 3 cr. hours unless otherwise designated.)

Concentration Requirements (15 cr.)

Political science courses with no more than 6 credit hours at the 100-level. Include at least one course in each of the sub-areas:

American Government
Political Theory
Comparative or International Politics

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

(All courses are 3 cr. hours unless otherwise designated.)

Course Requirements (30 cr.)

No more than 9 credit hours of 100-level courses may be included in the 30 credit hours. Students must complete at least one course in each of the following sub-areas:

American Government
Political Theory
Comparative or International Politics

POLS Y490 Senior Seminar in Political Science is also required of all majors.

Students wishing to earn a major in political science must consult an advisor in the department.

Minor in Political Science

(All courses are 3 cr. hours unless otherwise designated.)

Students wishing to earn a minor in political science should consult with an advisor in the department. They must complete 15 credit hours in political science courses, of which no more than 6 credit hours may be at the 100-level. Generally, the department recommends that students complete at least one course in each of the following sub-areas: American government, political theory, and international or comparative politics.

Recommended Courses

Students who are considering graduate work in political science are strongly urged to take ECON E270 Introduction to Statistical Theory in Economics and Business, or MATH K300 Statistical Techniques for Health Professions.