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 REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Understanding College
Writing
Presentation
Mathematics
Digital Literacy
Computer Tools
Arts and Literature across Cultures
Natural Sciences
Ethics and Philosophy
Social Sciences
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Historical and Global Perspectives
US History 1896 to Present
Personal Wellness
Religion
Political Science Major
Select Combination from One of the Following
Foreign Language Courses
Information Technology Courses
Statistics
Complete One of the Following
Survey of Western Civilization to 1500
Understanding Human Rights
Survey of World History Since 1500
Introduction to Political Science
American National Government
Comparative Government
International Relations
Complete One Regional/Global Elective Course
Politics of Latin America
Politics of Africa
Politics of Asia
Politics of the Middle East
The United Nations
Political Science Research Methods
Political Science Seminar
Liberal Arts Electives
General Electives
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
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.
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
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
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.