Political Science (Concentration in Global Politics), B.A.
Program overview:
The Political Science program offers concentration in Global Politics. This concentration enables Political Science majors to develop a deeper understanding of political dynamics beyond national borders. Through advanced coursework, students examine international relations, global governance, regional political systems, and the political, economic, and cultural forces shaping contemporary global affairs. This concentration equips students with the analytical tools needed to understand international cooperation and conflict, preparing them for careers in international organizations, diplomacy, global business, non-governmental organizations, and policy analysis, as well as for graduate study in political science, international relations, and related fields.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Code | Title | Credits |
| General Education Program, including: | 48 |
IT-1001 | Computer Tools |
|
ECO-1201 | Principles of Macroeconomics |
|
ECO-1202 | Principles of Microeconomics |
|
HIS-1201 | History of the United States 1896-Present |
|
| Political Science Major | 45 |
| Foreign Language, IT, or Quantitative Skill Set Category | 6 |
| Select two of the following groups: |
|
| one 1000-level Foreign Language course (FRE, SPA, or ITA 1101 or 1102 or any higher language level accepted from any institution) |
|
| one 1000-level Information Technology course (IT 1102, 1103, 1105 or 1106) |
|
| one 1000-level data/quantitative (MAT 1101 or any of MAT 1103, 1104, 1105) |
|
| History Elective Group- select one | 3 |
HIS-1101 | Survey of Western Civilization to 1500
|
|
HIS-1302 | World History Since 1500 |
|
HIS/PSC-1200 | Understanding Human Rights (previously 1203) |
|
PSC-1000 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 |
PSC-1100 | American National Government | 3 |
PSC-2000 | Comparative Government | 3 |
PSC-2100 | International Relations | 3 |
| Regional/Global Elective Group |
|
| Select 1 PSC 3000-3100 course | 3 |
PSC-3001 | Politics of Latin America |
|
PSC-3003 | Politics of Asia |
|
PSC-3004 | Politics of the Middle East |
|
PSC-3005 | The United Nations |
|
PSC-3997 | Political Science Research Methods |
|
PSC-4998 | Political Science Seminar |
|
| Global Politics Concentration |
|
| Select five courses: | 15 |
PSC/HIS-1200 | Understanding Human Rights |
|
PSC-2501 | Women and Politics |
|
PSC-2502 | Government and Business |
|
PSC-2503 | International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law |
|
PSC-3001 | Politics of Latin America |
|
PSC-3003 | Politics of Asia |
|
PSC-3004 | Politics of the Middle East |
|
PSC-3005 | The United Nations |
|
| Liberal Arts Electives | 12 |
| General Electives | 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.
PLO 5: Examine international politics and its economic, cultural, historical, and institutional contexts. (Specific to the Global Politics Concentration)
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. With the requirement of at least four of these electives to be related to international relations and comparative politics, the Global Politics Concentration provides opportunities to engage more closely with specialized themes, regions, and contemporary global 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.