Political Science Majors & Programs

Political Science (B.S.)

Political Science is the study of governments, public policies and political processes, political ideas and values, and political behavior in the United States and in all regions and countries of the world. Political Science majors are encouraged to analyze political phenomenon from both the scientific and philosophical points of view. Political science majors gain the writing, communication, analytical, and data skills that are valued in a wide spectrum of potential careers.

Political Science Major Requirements

Political Science Minor Requirements

International Studies (B.A.)

International Studies is the study of major political, economic, social, and cultural issues that dominate the international agenda. The program is interdisciplinary in that it draws from coursework in geography, history, philosophy, and foreign relations to make sense of crucial challenges in today's world. Students choose one of our two possible tracks, Culture and Society or International Development.

Culture and Society track

The Culture and Society track emphasizes the social, cultural, and historical aspects of global politics with an emphasis on wealth and poverty, conflict and peace, and justice, democracy, and human rights. The INST/CS track majors graduate with broad and deep understandings of these challenges and with marketable skills in intercultural communication, modern languages, and creative and critical thinking.

International Development track

The International Development track emphasizes issues of wealth and poverty, social justice, and environmental sustainability around the world. Students in the ID track learn principles of participatory decision-making and tangible problem-solving and analytical skills to articulate long-term strategies to address real-world development challenges. They graduate prepared to begin careers in international development, whether in government, the nonprofit world, or private consulting, in fields like disaster relief, public health, sustainable agriculture, human rights, capacity building, project management, or grant writing and administration.

International Studies Major Requirements

Course Descriptions

Political Science and International Studies courses

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