Credits: 122
CIP Code: 451001

Program Description

The undergraduate program in political science is designed to help students understand how politics affect the lives of people at the local, national, and international levels. The curriculum requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree place emphasis on the political experience of African Americans in the United States, as well as African and African diaspora communities. It also seeks to develop a universal understanding of political behavior. In discussing politics, we are engaged with a broad range of questions. Such questions include:

• Why are some people more politically involved than others?
• Why do some seek and obtain tangible benefits from the political process while others settle for symbolic reassurance?
• How and to what extent has politics been used as a tool for both domination and human freedom?
• How has politics hindered or facilitated the struggle for racial equality in the United States?

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must meet the General Admissions Requirements as published in this Catalog.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a Major in Political Science will be able to:

1. Discuss major theories, concepts and empirical regularities of political institutions and political behavior.
2. Critically analyze key issues of public policy and political problems and detect fallacies and martial evidence to formulate policy argument and options.
3. Demonstrate competency with basic tools underlying modern social science research to include statistical and qualitative analysis.
4. Write clearly and purposely on complex issues of international and domestic politics and public policy.
5. Use electronic and tradition library resources to research key local, state, national and international policy issues and present results in oral and written formats.
6. Utilize contemporary social science research methods to conduct research on political phenomena.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the General Degree Requirements as published in this Catalog, students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science must earn minimum final grades of "C" in all required and cognate courses and electives.

General Education Requirements

Other University Requirements

Free Electives: 18 Credits

Note: Free Electives should be chosen in consultation with the advisor and may be used for a minor or stackable credentials.

Internship Programs

The Department of Political Science encourages students who are interested in community service, job experience, and public service, to enroll in the Political Science internship program or the Washington Internship Program. The programs provide undergraduate majors with opportunities to work part-time or full-time and receive a minimum of three (3) and maximum of twelve (12) credit hours toward their degree. Students interested in the programs should contact a political science advisor for more information.

Political Science, B.A.

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Free Electives should be chosen in consultation with the advisor and may be used for a minor or stackable credentials.

Percentage of 300 and 400 level courses beyond GED: 68.78% - 81.25%