Political Science Department

The Department of Political Science offers undergraduate programs leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Bachelor of Science in Public Administration, a minor in Political Science and a minor in Public Administration. Students in both majors will learn to describe, analyze, draw conclusions, and present their findings both orally and in writing.

Political Science Features

Political science students choose between two tracks: general and international. In each track, students take a core group of courses and elect courses in applied competency subfields. The core and subfields are designed to develop student skills in written and oral communication as well as problem solving. Majors also complete two courses that emphasize experiential learning. All students are required to complete a capstone project in PLS 399 Senior Seminar .

Public Administration Features

The Public Administration major provides students with professional skills for careers in government and other public sector organizations. This major is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in public management practices and behaviors; it also exposes students to areas of specialization within the field of public administration. Public Administration students take core courses in government, policy analysis, budgeting, financial administration, and personnel administration and then select a group of electives to complete the program.

Masters of Public Administration 4+1 Program

Well-qualified students have the opportunity to complete a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) in two additional semesters and one or two summers of enrollment beyond their B.A./B.S. program. Students seeking to enroll in the program must be admitted to the graduate program and maintain a 3.0 grade point average at the time they begin their final undergraduate semester.

Internship Policy

Students in both majors have the opportunity to complete an internship with governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and law firms to complement and supplement their course work. A student can count a maximum of six internship credits toward completion of the electives within the political science or public administration majors.

Career Opportunities

Political science and public administration are appropriate majors for students who plan a career in government, business, or journalism. Majors are also prepared to pursue graduate study in political science, international relations, public administration, or law.

Pre-Law Program

Students who plan to apply to law schools may select their major from a wide range of fields depending upon their interests. The scope of law is broad and offers room for individuals of varied educational and intellectual backgrounds. The Department of Political Science offers numerous courses for majors and non-majors that will help prepare students for law school. Students interested in legal careers are encouraged to seek advice from the department’s pre-law advisor. LSAT registration forms and law school materials are available from the Political Science Department office.

Programs

Major

Minor

Courses

Political Science