Political Science

Grow and develop your passion for government and politics.

Overview

Political Science is an academic and research discipline that describes, analyzes, and explains the theory and practice of politics in its broadest sense. Political theory, institutional and structural analysis, individual and group participation, foreign and defense policy, and judicial behavior are included topics covered in the political curriculum.

Learning Outcomes

  • Differentiate between a democracy and an autocracy. They will be able to define democracy, to determine whether any given political system is a democracy or an autocracy, and to demonstrate what characteristics, structures, and functions indicate that it is a democracy or an autocracy.
  • Define a constitution and differentiate between a true constitution and a document, which is merely a listing of governmental structures. They will be able to distinguish between a constitutional democracy and a basic democracy.
  • Compare and contrast the political systems of sovereign states, both democratic and autocratic.
  • Have a working knowledge of international relations and of the main schools of thought in international relations and foreign policy. They will understand the principle of sovereignty and the concept of political power.
  • Analyze a court case, a legislative act, or an executive decision whether it is the actual decision or a scholarly article discussing the case, the act, or the decision

Potential Careers

  • Associate Analyst
  • Public Affairs & Campaigns
  • Agency Specialist
  • Lobbyist

Contact Admissions

Ready to get started on your degree in Political Science? Contact our admissions team to plan a visit. Here you will tour our beautiful campus, and meet with faculty and students.

Political Science Degrees

Political Science (Associate)

  • Associate's Program

Program Overview

Learning Outcomes

  • Differentiate between a democracy and an autocracy. They will be able to define democracy, to determine whether any given political system is a democracy or an autocracy, and to demonstrate what characteristics, structures, and functions indicate that it is a democracy or an autocracy.
  • Define a constitution and differentiate between a true constitution and a document, which is merely a listing of governmental structures. They will be able to distinguish between a constitutional democracy and a basic democracy.
  • Compare and contrast the political systems of sovereign states, both democratic and autocratic.
  • Have a working knowledge of international relations and of the main schools of thought in international relations and foreign policy. They will understand the principle of sovereignty and the concept of political power.
  • Analyze a court case, a legislative act, or an executive decision whether it is the actual decision or a scholarly article discussing the case, the act, or the decision
     

Sample Courses

  • POL 12103 American State Government
  • POL 11203 Intro to the Am Constitutional Law
  • POL 15103 Into to Comparative Government
  • POL 25103 Intro to International Relations

All Course Requirements 

Degree or Certificate
  • Associate of Art
Campus Location
  • Rio Grande Main Campus
College or School
  • Bunce School of Education
  • College of Arts and Sciences
Modality
Modality tells you whether this program is in-person, online, or hybrid.
  • All courses required in-person
Total Credit Hours
60

Political Science (Minor)

  • Minor

Program Overview

Sample Courses

  • POL 12103 American State Government
  • POL 31203 The American Constitutional System
  • POL 35103 Comparative Government 
  • POL 45103 International Relations/Foreign Policy

All Course Requirements 

Degree or Certificate
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Arts
Campus Location
  • Rio Grande Main Campus
College or School
  • Bunce School of Education
  • College of Arts and Sciences
Modality
Modality tells you whether this program is in-person, online, or hybrid.
  • All courses required in-person
Total Credit Hours
12
Robert S Wood Hall with fall foliage
Facilities

Robert S. Wood Hall

Political Science courses are held in Wood Hall, which opened in September 1989.