BACHELOR OF ARTS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE | B.A.

Program Information:

Political Science is the study of government—the most important decision-making part of society—and of the social, economic, and other institutions and practices that influence this decision-making process. On the one hand, it is a discipline that can trace its roots to the ancient Greek political community, the polis; but it is also a modern social science, which uses techniques such as content analysis, public opinion surveys, and statistical analysis to create and evaluate generalizations about how government and people behave.

As a liberal arts discipline, the Political Science department is dedicated to developing analytical skills and promoting critical thinking. Students are encouraged to reflect not simply on their career goals, but also on what type of persons they want to become, and on their rights and duties as citizens.

Internship

The department offers students the opportunity to earn up to six credit hours in an internship program in which students gain practical experience by working for various federal, state, local, or nonprofit agencies. Under the direction of a faculty member, the student expands and applies concepts and skills gained through academic study.

Career Opportunities

Majoring in political science can qualify you for many different careers in private for-profit and nonprofit organizations, as well as public sector organizations, including careers in business, law, consulting, state, local, and federal government, journalism and communications, international organization, finance, political campaigns, interest groups, community service and non-governmental organizations, and pre-college and college teaching.

Political science training also provides valuable preparation for participating in community organizations, electoral politics, movements on behalf of specific policies, and especially for seeking elective or appointive positions in government.