Political Science - B.S.
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 | 3 |
| PSCI1030 | Introduction to Political Theory | 3 |
| PSCI2001 | International Relations and World Politics | 3 |
| PSCI2050 | Political Communications | 3 |
| PSCI2100 | Comparative Politics and Government | 3 |
| PSCI3005 | Political Ideologies and the 21st Century | 3 |
| PSCI3050 | American Politics, Policy and Institutions | 3 |
| PSCI3100 | Research Methods in Political Science | 3 |
| PSCI3150 | Ethics in Public Life | 3 |
| PSCI4900 | Capstone Seminar in Political Science | 3 |
| Major Electives | ||
| Choose seven of the following courses (at least four courses must have a PSCI designation): * | 21 | |
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 | ||
| Special Topics in Political Science | ||
| 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 6 credits from the following: ** | 6 | |
| College of Arts & Sciences Internship Ic | ||
| Directed Experiential Education D | ||
| Undergraduate Research Experience | ||
| Honors Directed Academic Experience | ||
Study Abroad | ||
| Related Professional Studies | ||
| CAR0010 | Career Management | 1 |
| FYS1020 | First-Year Seminar | 1 |
| MATH2002 | Statistics II | 3 |
| A&S Core Experience | ||
| Communications Foundation Courses | 9 | |
| Rhetoric & Composition I | ||
| Rhetoric & Composition II | ||
| Communication Skills | ||
| Integrative Learning | 6 | |
Two ILS courses, one at the 2000 level, one at the 4000 level | ||
| Arts and Humanities | 6 | |
| American Government | ||
One course from ART, HUM, LIT, PHIL or REL | ||
| Mathematics | 6 | |
| A Survey of College Mathematics (or higher, based on student's placement) | ||
| Statistics I | ||
| Science | 3 | |
| Environmental Science | ||
| Social Sciences | 6 | |
| Macroeconomics | ||
One course from ANTH, GEND, LEAD, PSCI, PSYC, RES or SOC | ||
| A&S Electives | 6 | |
Two courses with an EASC attribute | ||
| Free Electives # | ||
| 18 credits selected from 1000-4999 numbered offerings within the university | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 122.0 | |
| * | Students are responsible for meeting prerequisites. |
| ** | In lieu of an internship, directed experiential education, research course, or study abroad, students may use the Applied/Experiential Learning credits towards a minor. |
IcTypically, internships require a minimum of six credits. Students interested in a 9 or 12-credit internship can apply additional experiential learning and free elective credits, if available. Students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty adviser before scheduling internship and free elective credits.
D Directed Experiential Education (DEE) opportunities are based on project availability with community partners and student eligibility. For more information, visit Experiential Education & Career Services (EE&CS).
# In addition to classes, free elective credits may be applied to a number of options such as internship, study abroad, Directed Experiential Education courses and courses in a specialization or minor as relevant. For Accelerated Master's program students, up to three graduate-level courses may apply. Students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty advisor before scheduling free elective credits.
NOTE: Students must pass MATH0010 Pre-Algebra or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in required math course(s).
Note: Students must pass ENG0001 Writing Workshop or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in ILS 2000 level courses
In collaboration with academic colleges across all JWU campuses, JWU Global Study Abroad programs offer a variety of international options for major, minor, arts and sciences, and elective credit at many affordable price points for students during the academic year, break periods, and summer. Faculty-led, exchange, affiliate, and direct-enroll programs range in duration from one week to a full semester or full year. Financial aid may be applied and scholarships are available. Visit the study abroad website for information, program descriptions and online applications. Where will you go?