Political Science

The political science department seeks to provide the student with knowledge of political life, research abilities, and the ability to confront problems of political significance. The department seeks to develop graduates who are wellprepared to proceed to the next level of academic training or employment in areas where a knowledge of politics is considered both necessary and desirable.

The department has two components. Plan I, the general Political Science component, emphasizes law and graduate school preparation. Plan II, the Public Administration component, emphasizes preparation for work in both the public and private sectors of society.

Majors have a variety of potential career paths, including careers in government, foreign service, international civil service, research, and teaching. Political science majors also will be eligible for administrative careers in policy planning and implementation. In addition, study in the discipline will provide a basic course concentration for pre-law and for graduate and professional programs leading to the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees.

Department Seeks To:

1. Provide students with a broad knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of political life as it is manifested in the various institutional and behavioral forms;
2. Provide students with the capacity for empirical research and analysis in both the public and private sectors of society;
3. Provide students with the ability to seek solutions to problems of global and domestic political significance;
4. Acquaint the students with the need to create new knowledge through research and scholarly activity;
5. Equip and prepare students for employment in the public and private sectors of society; and
6. Equip and prepare students for graduate and professional schools.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the political science major, the student will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the CORE principles and values of the major fields and/or sub-fields of Political Science.
2. Describe citizenship as it relates to local, state, national and global communities.
3. Analyze the role of government and the way that individuals, groups and institutions can promote or undermine its impact.
4. Apply quantitative and qualitative research, critical thinking and written/oral communication skills relevant to the field of Political Science.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary political issues.