Political Science
Introduction
In antiquity, the Greeks referred to the study of politics as a “kingly art” because it was concerned with the ways of good government. While the study of political institutions remains a central focus of political science, the scope of the discipline has broadened substantially as more people are affected by centralized political authorities that wield increased power in a global economy. Political Science includes the study of values, ideologies, and legal norms, the mechanisms people use to enter the political process, whether with guns or ballots, and the consequences of a global economy.
Political Science majors acquire an understanding of the historical backgrounds and philosophical foundations of a variety of political systems in the contemporary world. They develop an ability to analyze events, issues, and global trends. In addition, they are afforded an opportunity to gain practical experiences through both individualized field research and internships in the government, not for profit, or private sector. Because of its comprehensive nature, Political Science offers a solid undergraduate major for careers in law, public administration, business, journalism and teaching. Students can also gain an overview of the American legal system by choosing a concentration in Legal Studies or a concentration in Criminal Law.