Political Science (BA)

*Only three credits of internship are required to fulfill the requirement. Further internship credits will not be substituted for electives vis-à-vis completion of the political science major.

No grade less than C- will be counted towards the major. Double-counting is managed with your advisor.

Upon completing a major in political science, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate reasonable competence vis-a-vis political science concepts/theories/systems and use that competence to complete their capstone experience. (Perception)
2. Use critical thinking skills, analyze information or data, construct valid, sound, and meaningful conclusions, and employ those skills in their capstone experience. (Analyze)
3. Employ effective, persuasive, and professional communication in person, on paper, and online readying them for employment and careers. (Communication)

The Political Science program offers an undergraduate degree for students preparing for careers in government service, public policy, non-governmental and international organizations, diplomacy, business, finance, education, journalism, and other fields that require strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills. The degree also provides excellent preparation for graduate study in political science and related disciplines, as well as professional programs such as law, public administration, and business.  

Students may explore the major subfields of political science, including political institutions and governance, comparative politics, international relations, public policy, and research methods. 

Political Science is the study of power, governance, and how human beings organize their public life. Political Science majors develop valuable skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis, written and oral communication, critical thinking, and problem solving. Graduates pursue careers in government service, public policy, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, business, finance, education, and law, while others continue their studies in graduate and professional programs. Whatever path they choose, political science students graduate prepared to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to their communities and to a rapidly changing world. 

Politics embraces more than the activities of governments or elected officials. It involves the collective decisions that shape life in our communities, nations, and the international system. Politics influences how societies address conflict, allocate resources, pursue justice, and respond to shared challenges. Through political institutions and processes, people seek to build order, peace, and prosperity while balancing competing interests, values, and visions of the common good. 

Political science addresses enduring questions such as: “Who gets what?” “What is a just political order?” and “Why do some political systems succeed while others fail?” The discipline employs a wide range of methods, from statistical analysis and survey research to historical comparison and philosophical inquiry. Students examine topics such as international cooperation on issues like climate change, the causes and consequences of poverty and economic development, the role of women, indigenous peoples, and minority communities in political decision making, the causes of conflict and peace, and the challenges of governance in an increasingly interconnected world. Political science students also engage important ethical questions and explore how ideas, institutions, and leaders shape political outcomes across cultures and societies. 

Because we are all influenced by the institutions and communities in which we live, political science helps us understand not only the world around us but also our own responsibilities within it. Political engagement is not limited to public office or activism; it includes the everyday choices through which citizens contribute to stronger communities and more effective societies. By understanding politics, individuals are better equipped to participate constructively in shaping a better future.