COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science combines a broad University Core Curriculum with specialized political science coursework to provide students with a strong understanding of political systems, public policy, law, international affairs, and government institutions. The program’s Tier 1 University Core Curriculum develops essential skills in academic writing, communication, mathematics, scientific reasoning, critical thinking, historical analysis, creative arts, and political science foundations. Students also complete Tier 2 competency courses that allow flexibility in selecting interdisciplinary subjects that complement their academic and career interests. Political science majors may apply up to six political science credits toward University Core requirements, encouraging a balanced educational experience across multiple disciplines. The major requirements focus on modern political analysis, experiential learning, comparative politics, and American politics, helping students understand political behavior, governance, and policy development at local, national, and global levels. Students complete advanced coursework such as Modern Political Analysis and a Senior Seminar or Washington Internship experience, both of which strengthen research, analytical, leadership, and professional skills. The program places strong emphasis on experiential learning through internships, campaign management opportunities, investigative political science methods, Model United Nations participation, legal and public affairs experiences, and direct exposure to government and policy-making environments. Comparative politics electives allow students to study political systems and globalization across regions such as Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa while exploring international law and global organizations. American politics electives examine public policy, constitutional law, foreign policy, political parties, legislative processes, public opinion, and presidential leadership. Through these diverse courses and hands-on experiences, students gain the ability to critically evaluate political institutions, analyze political events and public behavior, conduct research, and propose solutions to contemporary political and social challenges. The curriculum prepares graduates for careers in government, law, diplomacy, international relations, public administration, nonprofit organizations, political consulting, public affairs, journalism, advocacy, and policy analysis. Overall, the program develops informed, analytical, and professionally prepared graduates capable of understanding and influencing complex political systems in both domestic and global contexts.