Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Political Science, BA (CIP 45.1001)


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Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will be able to utilize skills in critical thinking, research and communication to conduct a political science research project.
  2. Students will be able to demonstrate political literacy in performing civic engagement activities.
  3. Students will be able to integrate concepts and theories of political science into their own world-views.

The political science major includes 15 credit hours to explore each of the major areas in the discipline..  Students must choose at least one course from each of the groups listed below.  An additional 12 credit hours of coursework is unrestricted by group, but must still come from this list.  Finally, there are 18 hours of free electives that can be used for any course on campus.  We encourage you to use these to complete a minor that will enhance your political science training and experiences.

Political Theory

  • Political Ideologies
  • Classic Political Theory 
  • Black Electoral Politics
  • Black Political Theory and Behavior


American Institutions (AmInst)

  • American National Government
  • American State and Local Government
  • American Executive Process
  • American Legislative Process
  • American Judicial Process
  • Constitutional Law

Upper Electives

  • Civil Rights/Race Politics
  • Black Leadership, Organization, and Movements
  • Quantitative Applications 
  • Special Topics in Political Science

International Relations (IR)

  • Comparative Politics
  • Government of Developing States
  • International Relations

Public Policy (PPS)

  • Introduction to Public Policy
  • Administration & Management of the Public Enterprise
  • Race and Gender in American Politics
  • Policy Analysis
  • Health Disparities in America:  Public Policy Implications
  • Public Policy

    

Outline


The following outline of courses details requirements for the Bachelor Arts in Political Science. Meeting graduation requirements is the responsibility of the student. Refer to the catalog for curricular specifics and a complete listing of required and elective courses and descriptions.  

Plan of Study


The Plan of Study includes Major Requirements (Core Requirements, Supporting Courses, and Electives) and the University General Education Program Requirements.

Major Requirements (69)


Includes Major Core Requirements, Supporting Courses, and Electives. Students must earn a “C” or higher in ALL courses in the major.

Core Requirements (42)

Free Electives (27)

  • Free elective hours may be used for a concentration or a minor.

Degree Totals


  Required  
Major Requirements 69  
University GEP 52  
     

Total Degree Hours: 121


General Education Program Requirements 52 - 58 Credit Hours


University GEP Core Requirements: Minimum of fifty-two (52) hours is required. Students who enter as a first-time freshman must take an entrance assessment.  A minimum grade of “C” is required in English (ENGL 131, ENGL 132, ENGL 150, LIS 150) and Mathematics (MATH 131 & MATH 132).  Students that have course requirements waived must satisfy the MINIMUM required hours of 120 in order to graduate.

 

First Year Experience - 4 credits


Freshmen are required to complete the First Year Experience classes in their first two semesters.

Communication 12 - 18 credits


Written and Oral Communication Definition:

Written and Oral Communications is the ability to impart and interchange information of ideas within a meaningful context using various rhetorical modes such as descriptive, informative, analytical and argumentative writing.

All students are required to take ENGL 131 or ENGL 131L, ENGL 132, COMM 201, and one foreign language at the 132 level or higher. Some students will be required to take ENGL 150 and LIS 150.

Spiritual Development - 3 credit


Critical thinking is characterized by the comprehensive exploration of issues, ideas, artifacts, and events before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion. Spiritual development is the ability to understand diverse religions and to develop positive spiritual growth.

Health and Wellness - 5 credits


Ability to understand, develop and adopt positive behaviors and life strategies that promote physical, mental, emotional, social well-being.

STEM Literacy 13-15 credits


Mathematics 6-8 credits


Students are required to take at least six credit hours of mathematics. Note 1: STEM majors are required to take MATH 135 and MATH 231. Note 2: Accounting and Business majors are required to take MATH 135 and either MATH 224 or MATH 231. All other majors can satisfy mathematics requirements by taking  MATH 131 and MATH 132 or MATH 174.  

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