Political Science, B.A.

The B.A. in Political Science at Central offers students a comprehensive understanding of political systems, ideas, and institutions—both in the U.S. and around the world. Through the exploration of American and comparative politics and experiences such as internship placements, study abroad, and undergraduate research, students develop the tools to critically analyze the forces that shape our societies and influence global events.

Our program is designed to:

• Build a strong foundation in political theory, behavior, and institutions;
• Prepare students for careers in government, public policy, advocacy, etc;
• Equip future leaders for graduate studies in law, public affairs, or political science;
• Inspire thoughtful, informed, and engaged citizens ready to undertake the challenges in our communities.

Political Science majors complete 39 credits in the discipline and pair their studies with a minor to round out their academic experience. Whether you’re passionate about a particular policy area, justice, diplomacy, campaigning, or change-making, this program helps you turn your interests into action and opportunity.

A minor is required with this major.

Outcomes

Political Science Majors, upon graduation, will be able to: comprehend the basic structures and processes of different government systems as these operate in national and/or comparative contexts;

explain the nature of, interplay and relationship between, interests, institutions, and ideas in government and politics;

communicate arguments about significant political processes, events, and concepts using appropriate evidence; and

apply methods appropriate for accumulating and interpreting data applicable to the discipline of political science.

Requirements: (39 credits)

Core:

Students interested in U.S. politics should take PS 110, while students interested in international or comparative politics should take PS 104.

PS 104	World's Political Systems	3
	or
PS 110	American Government/Politics	3
PS 250	Approaches to Political Science	3

Five Core Areas (3 credits in each):

U.S. Government and Politics

PS 111/AFAM 111	Race/Ethnicity in US/Glob Poli	3
PS 230	American State & Local Govt	3
PS 231	U.S. Foreign Policy	3
PS 315	Internet & Media Politics	3
PS 325	Public Opinion in American Politics	3
PS 330	American Parties and Interest Groups	3
PS 401	The Politics of Sport	3
PS 430	The American Presidency	3
PS 431	The Legislative Process	3
PS 432	Urban Politics and Government	3
PS 494	Special Topics in U.S. Government and Politics	3

Political Theory

PS 334	Modern Political Thought	3
PS 335	American Political Thought	3
PS 433	Contemporary Political Thought	3
PS 131	Intro Pol Theory	3

Comparative Politics

PS 280	Religion & Politics	3
PS 336	Western European Govts	3
PS 343	Political Leadership	3
PS 380	International Cnflct/Security	3
PS 420/LAS 420	Govt & Politics of Latin Amer	3
PS 421	Govt and Politics of Africa	3
PS 425	Asian Politics	3
PS 434	Govt & Politics of Middle East	3
PS 435	Central/East Europe Politics	3
PS 493	Special Topics in Comparative Politics	3
PS 210	Int'l and US Cybersecurity Law	3
PS 370	Arab Uprisings	3
PS 300	Corruption and Scandal	3

International Relations

PS 235	International Relations	3
PS 345	Terrorism	3
PS 370	Arab Uprisings	3
PS 380	International Cnflct/Security	3
PS 439	U.S. Middle East Policy	3
PS 491	Special Topics in International Relations	3
PS 210	Int'l and US Cybersecurity Law	3

Public Policy, Law and Administration

PS 260	Public Administration	3
PS 270	Law and Politics	3
PS 331	American Constitutional Law	3
PS 332	Civil Liberties	3
PS 339	International Law	3
PS 445	Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation	3
PS 446	Power, Money, and Politics: The Public Budgeting Process	3
PS 448	Current U.S. Public Policy Issues	4
PS 450	Public Sector Ethics	3
PS 455	Environmental Politics and Policy	3
PS 495	Special Topics in Public Policy	3

Specialization

6 credits in one of the following specializations:

U.S. and state government, administration, and policy

PS 111/AFAM 111	Race/Ethnicity in US/Glob Poli	3
PS 230	American State & Local Govt	3
PS 231	U.S. Foreign Policy	3
PS 260	Public Administration	3
PS 270	Law and Politics	3
PS 325	Public Opinion in American Politics	3
PS 331	American Constitutional Law	3
PS 332	Civil Liberties	3
PS 401	The Politics of Sport	3
PS 430	The American Presidency	3
PS 431	The Legislative Process	3
PS 432	Urban Politics and Government	3
PS 439	U.S. Middle East Policy	3
PS 445	Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation	3
PS 446	Power, Money, and Politics: The Public Budgeting Process	3
PS 448	Current U.S. Public Policy Issues	4
PS 455	Environmental Politics and Policy	3
PS 494	Special Topics in U.S. Government and Politics	3
PS 495	Special Topics in Public Policy	3

Comparative and international politics

PS 210	Int'l and US Cybersecurity Law	3
PS 235	International Relations	3
PS 336	Western European Govts	3
PS 339	International Law	3
PS 345	Terrorism	3
PS 370	Arab Uprisings	3
PS 380	International Cnflct/Security	3
PS 420/LAS 420	Govt & Politics of Latin Amer	3
PS 421	Govt and Politics of Africa	3
PS 425	Asian Politics	3
PS 434	Govt & Politics of Middle East	3
PS 435	Central/East Europe Politics	3
PS 491	Special Topics in International Relations	3
PS 300	Corruption and Scandal	3

Leadership, organizations, political behavior and methods

PS 111/AFAM 111	Race/Ethnicity in US/Glob Poli	3
PS 280	Religion & Politics	3
PS 315	Internet & Media Politics	3
PS 330	American Parties and Interest Groups	3
PS 343	Political Leadership	3
PS 450	Public Sector Ethics	3
PS 410	Advanced Research Methods	4
PS 385	Pursuits, Possibilities, and Professions in Political Science	2

Political Theory

PS 334	Modern Political Thought	3
PS 335	American Political Thought	3
PS 433	Contemporary Political Thought	3
PS 131	Intro Pol Theory	3

Electives (12 credits in Political Science)

Total Credit Hours: 39

At least 21 credits for the Major must be taken at 300-400 level, at least 9 of which must be at the 400-level.