Political Science, B.S.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Political science is the study of governments, how they are organized, what they do, and how they deal with other governments. Every citizen of a democracy should know something about his/her government, and other governments, and majoring in political science also opens up many career opportunities. Political Science is an ideal major for a student intending to go to law school, and is also good preparation for government work, business, education, and other fields.

Degree Specific Requirements (6 Credit hours)

HIS 201 - American History I 3 Credit(s).
HIS 202 - American History II 3 Credit(s).

Required Courses (24 Credit Hours)

PSC 101 - American National Government and Politics 3 Credit(s).
PSC 203 - International Politics 3 Credit(s).
PSC 205 - Comparative Government 3 Credit(s).
SSC 251 - Introduction to Social Science Research 3 Credit(s).
PSC 302 - Political Geography 3 Credit(s).
IST 350 - International Relations Theory 3 Credit(s).
PSC 399 - Citizenship and Service Learning 3 Credit(s).
PSC 498 - Capstone in Political Science 3 Credit(s).

Electives (Choose 15 Credit Hours)

Theory and Methods Major Electives (Choose 3 Credit Hours from the Following List)

HUM 300 - The Holocaust: Past, Present, and Future 3 Credit(s).
PSC 304 - Modern Ideologies 3 Credit(s).
SOC 340 - Organizations, Collective Behavior and Social Movements 3 Credit(s).
PSC 402 - Policy Analysis 3 Credit(s).

Government Major Electives (Choose 6 Credit Hours from the Following List)

PSC 310 - Political Parties and Groups in the United States 3 Credit(s).
CJU 311 - Restorative Justice 3 Credit(s).
HIS 316 - Virginia History 3 Credit(s).
PSC 324 - U.S. Constitutional Law 3 Credit(s).

Other Major Electives (Choose 6 Credit Hours from the Following List)

May be any Political Science courses not used to satisfy the above requirements.

ENG 310 - Media Law and Ethics 3 Credit(s).
Any other PSC course or unused non-PSC elective course from above categories 3-6 Credit(s)