Undergraduate

The Department of Political Science offers a liberal arts-oriented curriculum that leads to either a major or minor in Political Science at the bachelor's level. The goal is to provide a general rather than a highly specialized program.

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science may choose classes from any of the following six subfields:

• Political Philosophy  

  The study of fundamental concepts and analytical theories that form the foundations of diverse political regimes, public policies, and ethical values

• American Government  

  The study of American governmental institutions, procedures, and actors, including Congress, the presidency, federalism, political parties, and interest groups

• Constitutional Law  

  The study of judicial decision-making and decisions that explicate constitutional powers, civil rights and liberties, and their impact on federal, state, and local practices

• Public Policy and Methods 

  The study of the political formation, implementation, and evaluation of national, state, and local public policies 

• Comparative Politics  

  The study of political systems of diverse countries and regions, including the use of comparisons across cases of events, institutions, and processes

• International Relations  

  The study of relations between countries, the development and dynamics of international arrangements, and global politics and policies 

Minor in Political Science

The minor in Political Science is designed for students who want to improve their ability to understand the workings of government and the role of policy in the exercise of political power.