Political Science - BS
The Political Science bachelor's degree program prepares students to engage with questions of power, governance, justice and injustice in American and global politics. This program provides students with a rigorous grounding in the analytical, critical and ethical thinking necessary to be an effective professional in the world of politics and public service. Political Science majors encounter the dynamic, complex world of politics through the program’s core sequence of courses that emphasizes political literacy and communication, civic and global engagement, ethical decision making, and the application of theory to politics. With priority on exploration and choice, students may pursue their educational and career goals through our program’s three major elective categories: 1) American/U.S. Politics, 2) International and Comparative Politics, and 3) Political Thought, Communication and Practice.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to:
- Analyze a diversity of political systems, movements, issues and the dynamic nature of international relations.
- Apply political theory to the practice of politics and political science.
- Demonstrate fluency in the fundamentals of political communications in a variety of professional contexts and settings.
- Effectively employ qualitative and quantitative research methods as appropriate to data demands and contexts.
- Articulate and integrate core ethical principles and standards that define public service and the professional practice of political science.
Students are encouraged to pursue a wide range of opportunities for experiential and applied learning in politics and political science, through program options such as internships, study abroad and language learning. These opportunities provide students with the critical edge needed for building a career in politics and political science, including political campaign management and leadership, political communications, policy research, constituent relations, foreign service, nonprofit organizations, international governmental organizations, transnational corporations, international trade, and government agencies operating at the local, state and federal levels, as well as graduate study. Students also have the opportunity to produce an undergraduate thesis, which prepares them for further graduate study.
Political Science
A four-year program leading to the bachelor of science degree
Credits Major Courses | ||
| PSCI1001 | Introduction to Political Science | 4.5 |
| PSCI1030 | Introduction to Political Theory | 4.5 |
| PSCI2001 | International Relations and World Politics | 4.5 |
| PSCI2050 | Political Communications | 4.5 |
| PSCI2100 | Comparative Politics and Government | 4.5 |
| PSCI3005 | Political Ideologies and the 21st Century | 4.5 |
| PSCI3050 | American Politics, Policy and Institutions | 4.5 |
| PSCI3100 | Research Methods in Political Science | 4.5 |
| PSCI3150 | Ethics in Public Life | 4.5 |
| PSCI4900 | Capstone Seminar in Political Science | 4.5 |
| Major Electives * | ||
| Choose seven of the following courses (at least four courses must have a PSCI designation): | 31.5 | |
American/U.S. Politics | ||
| U.S. History from Colonial Times to 1876 | ||
| U.S. History Since 1877 (to the Present) | ||
| A Multicultural History of America | ||
| Contemporary American History: The United States in a Global Age | ||
| American Constitutional Law | ||
| Race, Politics and Power in America | ||
| Women in American Political Life | ||
| Sustainability Policy and Planning | ||
| Social Issues in Contemporary America | ||
International Relations and Comparative Politics | ||
| Cyber Crimes | ||
| Homeland Security | ||
| Terrorism | ||
| The Global Economy in the 21st Century | ||
| Modern History | ||
| Dynamics of Contemporary Diplomacy and Statecraft | ||
| Politics of Food, Human Security and Social Justice | ||
| Comparative Study of World Religions | ||
Political Thought, Communication and Practice | ||
| Power and Leadership | ||
| Political Parties, Social Movements and Interest Groups | ||
| Issues in Political Theory: The Politics of Human Rights in Global Perspective | ||
| Psychology of Conflict Resolution | ||
| Applied/Experiential Learning | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 13.5 | |
Option 1 | ASCI4799 College of Arts & Sciences Internship ** | |
Option 2 | Study Abroad Program | |
Option 3 | Three Levels of Language Studies | |
| Related Professional Studies | ||
| CAR0010 | Career Management | 1 |
| MATH2002 | Statistics II | 4.5 |
| A&S Core Experience | ||
| Communications Foundation Courses | 13.5 | |
| English Composition | ||
| Advanced Composition and Communication | ||
| Communication Skills | ||
| Integrative Learning | 9 | |
Two ILS courses, one at the 2000 level, one at the 4000 level | ||
| Arts and Humanities | 9 | |
| American Government | ||
One course from ART, HUM‡, LIT, PHIL or REL | ||
| Mathematics | 9 | |
| A Survey of College Mathematics (or higher, based on student's placement) | ||
| Statistics | ||
| Science | 4.5 | |
| Environmental Science | ||
| Social Sciences | 9 | |
| Macroeconomics | ||
One course from ANTH°°, LEAD, PSCI, PSYC or SOC | ||
| A&S Electives | 9 | |
Two courses with an EASC attribute, at least one at 3000 level or higher. | ||
| Free Electives # | ||
| 22.5 credits selected from 1000-4999 numbered offerings within the university. | 22.5 | |
| Total Credits | 181.0 | |
| * | Students are responsible for meeting prerequisites. |
| ** | Students may schedule a 4.5-13.5 credit internship. If the internship is less than 13.5 credits, additional Arts & Sciences elective credits are required to meet the 13.5 credit requirement. |
Visit Courses by Subject Code for a listing of all campus courses.
‡HUM courses are not offered in North Miami or Online.
^BIO courses are not offered in North Miami, Charlotte or Online.
¶CAD courses are not offered Online.
±CHM courses are not offered in North Miami or Online.
°PHY courses are not offered in Charlotte.
°°ANTH courses are not offered in North Miami or Charlotte.
# In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to a number of options such as Directed Experiential Education (DEE), Internship, Minor or Study Abroad. For Accelerated Master's program students, up to 3 graduate-level courses may apply. Students are strongly encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits.
NOTE: Students must pass MATH0010 Basic Mathematics or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in required math course(s).
Students who graduate with a bachelor's degree must leave Johnson & Wales University with effective writing skills. These writing skills will be assessed at the completion of ENG1021 Advanced Composition and Communication .
In collaboration with academic colleges across all JWU campuses, JWU Study Abroad programs offer a variety of options for major, minor, Arts & Science, and elective credit at many price points for students during the academic year and summer. Financial aid is applicable and scholarships are available. Visit the study abroad website for information, program descriptions and online applications.