COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor’s in Political Science at the University at Albany is designed to provide a structured yet flexible understanding of political systems, institutions, and behavior across local, national, and global contexts. The program begins with three foundational gateway courses in American Politics, Comparative and International Politics, and Political Theory, which establish a broad framework for analyzing how governments operate and how political ideas shape public life. Students then build on this foundation by progressing into more advanced coursework tailored to their chosen area of interest.A key feature of the program is its emphasis on analytical methods used in political science, including historical and institutional analysis, interpretive approaches, and quantitative techniques such as hypothesis testing and modeling. These tools help students critically evaluate political issues and develop a deeper understanding of how policies, governments, and political actors function in real-world contexts.Students are required to complete at least 36 credits in political science, including the core gateway courses, a 400-level writing-intensive course, 12 credits in a chosen concentration, and 15 credits of additional political science electives. The concentration structure allows students to specialize in areas such as American politics, global politics, political theory, law and institutions, political economy, public law, or security studies, depending on their academic and career interests.The program also offers valuable experiential learning opportunities, including internships with the New York State Assembly, the New York State Senate, and participation in the Semester in Washington Program. These experiences allow students to engage directly with political institutions and gain practical insight into governance and policymaking.Overall, the program prepares students for careers in government, law, public policy, international affairs, advocacy, and graduate study by combining strong theoretical foundations with applied political experience.