COURSE CURRICULUM

Wichita State University’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science is a 120-credit program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of government, politics, public policy, international affairs, and political behavior. In addition to completing General Education requirements and Liberal Arts and Sciences competency courses, students complete a 33-credit-hour political science major consisting of five core courses and six upper-division political science electives. The required curriculum includes American Politics, Introduction to International Relations, Comparative Politics, Political Data Analysis, and a Senior Thesis, ensuring students gain knowledge of U.S. government, global political systems, international issues, and quantitative research methods. The Political Data Analysis course develops valuable skills in research design, statistical analysis, and interpretation of political information, while the Senior Thesis provides a capstone research experience that strengthens analytical, writing, and problem-solving abilities. Students also select six advanced political science electives at the 300 level or above, allowing them to explore specialized topics such as public policy, constitutional law, political theory, public administration, international conflict, global governance, elections, political communication, and comparative government. Wichita State’s applied-learning focus gives students opportunities to engage in research, internships, community projects, public service activities, and faculty mentorship, helping them gain practical experience before graduation. The program is highly flexible and works well with double majors or minors in areas such as pre-law, criminal justice, business, journalism, economics, history, philosophy, and public administration. Graduates develop strong critical-thinking, research, leadership, communication, and data-analysis skills that are valued in both public and private sectors. Career opportunities include government service, legislative staff positions, public policy analysis, political consulting, nonprofit management, international organizations, public relations, campaign management, journalism, advocacy work, and community leadership. The degree also provides excellent preparation for law school and graduate studies in political science, public administration, international relations, public policy, and related fields. This program is ideal for students interested in politics, governance, public affairs, law, and leadership while seeking a versatile degree with broad career opportunities.