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
Code | Title | Credits |
| General Education Program | 48 |
FS | Understanding College | 1 |
WRI 1 & OC 1 | Writing & Presentation | 6 |
QR 1 | Mathematics | 3-4 |
ITML | Information Literacy, Media,and Research | 3 |
IT-1001 | Computer Tools | 3 |
HCE | Creative Voices across Cultures | 6 |
NPW | Science at Work | 6-10 |
PEM | Ethics, Reality, and Logic | 6 |
SEH | Individual and Societies | 6 |
ECO-1201 | Principles of Macroeconomics |
|
ECO-2202 | Principles of Microeconomics |
|
WHG | Our World, Past and Present | 6 |
HIS-1201 | US History 1896 to Present |
|
FH | Personal Wellness | 2-3 |
RS | Religion and Culture | 3 |
| Political Science Major | 45 |
| Select ONE of the following (Foreign Language, IT, or Quantitative) |
|
| 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 |
|
PSC-3101 | United States Congress |
|
PSC-3102 | The American Presidency |
|
PSC-3103 | Law and American Judicial Process |
|
| Regional/Global Elective – Select ONE |
|
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 |
|
PSC-3997 | Political Science Research Methods | 3 |
PSC-4998 | Political Science Seminar | 3 |
PSC-4990 | Internship |
|
PSC-4995 | Independent Study |
|
| Liberal Arts Electives |
|
| General Electives | 12-15 |
Total credits |
| 120-126 |
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.