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Political Science BA

Political Science, B.A.

Program overview

The Political Science program examines how power, institutions, and ideas shape public life at the local, national, and global levels. Through coursework in American politics, international relations, and comparative politics, students develop strong analytical, research, and communication skills while learning to evaluate complex political and social issues. The program prepares students for careers in law, government, public policy, business, international affairs, and graduate study, equipping them to become thoughtful leaders and engaged citizens.

The Political Science program offers two concentrations—American Government and Global Politics—allowing students to focus their studies on domestic political institutions and public policy or on international relations and global governance. These pathways provide depth, flexibility, and preparation for careers in law, public service, international affairs, and related fields.

The program also supports vibrant student organizations (the St. Thomas More Pre-Law Society and the Model United Nations Club) and student activities like attendance Model UN conferences. These organizations and activities offer students hands-on opportunities to build leadership, public speaking, negotiation, and civic engagement skills. By participating in these activities, students extend their learning beyond the classroom.

PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES

PLO 1: Compare how politics is organized and governments operate in different contexts.

PLO 2: Evaluate fundamental ethical and moral values when interpreting political discourses and analyzing political orders.

PLO 3: Explain political events and phenomena using the established theories and concepts of political science.

PLO 4: Assemble interdisciplinary skill sets for a political science career.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

 

Code

Title

Credits

 

General Education Requirements

48

FS

Understanding College

1

WRI1

Writing

3

OC1

Presentation

3

QR1

Mathematics

3

DL

Digital Literacy

3

IT-1001

Computer Tools

 

ALC

Arts and Literature across Cultures

6

NSS

Natural Sciences

6

EP

Ethics and Philosophy

6

SSS

Social Sciences

6

ECO-1201

Principles of Macroeconomics

 

ECO-2202

Principles of Microeconomics

 

HGP

Historical and Global Perspectives

6

 

Choose one HGP course

 

HIS-1201

US History 1896 to Present 

 

FH

Personal Wellness

2

RS

Religion

3

 

Major Requirements

60

 

Select one of the following (Foreign Language, IT, or Quantitative)

3

 

1000-level FRE, SPA, or ITA (1101 or 1102)

 

 

1000-level IT (1102, 1103, 1105, or 1106)

 

 

1000-level MAT (1101, 1103, 1104, or 1105)

 

 

History Elective Group – Select ONE

3

HIS-1101

Survey of Western Civilization to 1500

 

HIS/PSC-1200

Understanding Human Rights

 

HIS-1302

Survey of World History Since 1500

 

 

Social Sciences Elective Group – Select ONE

3

CJ-1020

Introduction to Criminal Justice

 

PSY-1000

Foundation in Information Literacy & Research

 

SOC-1000

Principles of Sociology

 

PSC-1000

Introduction to Political Science

3

PSC-1100

American National Government

3

PSC-2000

Comparative Government

3

PSC-2100

International Relations

3

PSC-2200

Public Policy

3

 

American Institution Elective – Select ONE

3

PSC-3101

United States Congress

 

PSC-3102

The American Presidency

 

PSC-3103

Law and American Judicial Process

 

 

Regional/Global Elective – Select ONE

3

PSC-3001

Politics of Latin America

 

PSC-3002

Politics of Africa

 

PSC-3003

Politics of Asia

 

PSC-3004

Politics of the Middle East

 

PSC-3005

The United Nations

 

 

One PSC 3000–3100 course

3

PSC-3997

Political Science Research Methods

3

PSC-4998

Political Science Seminar

3

 

Choose seven courses from the following:

21

PSC/HIS-1200

Understanding the Human Rights

 

PSC-2401

Brazil: Economy, Politics, and Business

 

PSC-2402

Metropolitan Government and Politics  

 

PSC-2403

Campaigns and Electoral Behavior

 

PSC-2203

International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

 

PSC-2501

Women and Politics

 

PSC-2502

Government and Business

 

PSC-3401

Constitutional Law I: Government Structures

 

PSC-3402

Constitutional Law II: Civil Liberties

 

PSC-3500

Political Theory

 

PSC-3501

Political Themes in Media

 

PSC-4990

Internship

 

PSC-4995

Independent Study

 

 

General Electives

12

 

Total Credits

120

CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS

· 48 General Education credits

The General Education program provides Political Science majors with a broad intellectual foundation in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. This interdisciplinary preparation

strengthens students’ ability to think critically, analyze complex political issues, and understand the social, economic, and cultural contexts in which politics operates.


· Six core PSC courses

The core political science courses introduce students to the fundamental ideas, institutions, and methods that define the discipline. Together, they provide a comprehensive intellectual foundation for understanding political systems, political behavior, and the theories and analytical tools used to study politics.


· Six PSC Electives

Elective courses allow students to deepen their knowledge in specific areas of political science and explore topics aligned with their interests and career goals. These courses provide opportunities to engage more closely with specialized themes, regions, and contemporary political challenges.


· 12 Liberal Art Electives

Liberal arts electives allow Political Science majors to broaden their intellectual horizons by engaging with diverse fields across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. This interdisciplinary exposure deepens their understanding of the social, cultural, and economic forces that shape political life.


· 15 General Electives

General electives provide students with the flexibility to pursue additional academic interests beyond the major. These courses allow students to develop an intellectual background in another field, pursue a minor, or work toward a double major.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

⚖️ Law and Legal Careers: Preparation for law school and careers as attorneys, legal analysts, compliance officers, and policy advocates.

🏛️ Government and Public Service: Roles in federal, state, and local government, civil service, legislative offices, public administration, and policy analysis.

📊 Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs: Careers in think tanks, advocacy organizations, and regulatory agencies analyzing and shaping public policy.

🌍 International Affairs and Diplomacy: Opportunities in foreign service, international organizations, global NGOs, and multinational institutions.

💼 Business and Corporate Strategy: Positions in government relations, corporate compliance, political risk analysis, consulting, and public affairs.

🤝 Nonprofit and Community Leadership: Work in nonprofit management, social justice advocacy, community development, and humanitarian organizations.

📰 Journalism and Media: Political reporting, research analysis, communications, and strategic messaging.

🎓 Graduate and Professional Study: Advanced degrees in law, public administration (MPA), public policy (MPP), international relations, business (MBA), and political science.

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