Political Science

College Democrats and POSC Majors attending the Texas Black Legislative Caucus Meeting in Austin, Texas.

College Democrats and POSC Majors attending the Texas Black Legislative Caucus Meeting in Austin, Texas.

Mission

The Political Science Program is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. The Political Science Program prepares graduates to pursue employment in a variety of public and private organizations as well as admission to graduate and professional programs. Featuring impactful scholars, who are active in research and service, the Program provides the curriculum for the B.A. degree in Political Science. Graduates in Political Science should be able to demonstrate skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and oral and written communication.

The courses offered in the Program are an integral component of the university’s core curriculum, satisfy political science major requirements, and serve as electives for students who are interested in American politics, international affairs, and public policy. Through its curricular and co-curricular activities, the Program seeks to develop global citizens committed to professional development and lifelong learning.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students can explain the terms, principles, theories, and approaches used to understand and explain phenomena in political science.
  2. Students can produce properly researched and evidence-based intellectual products on topics pertinent to political science.
  3. Students can explain and critically analyze major domestic issues pertaining to law, public policy, and public administration.
  4. Students can explain and critically analyze major theories and issues in international relations and comparative politics.

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

The Political Science Program is committed to providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand political systems so that they may succeed in their careers and become better citizens of the nation and the world. Students in our program have gone on to careers in law, campaign management, city management/planning, non-profit management, international service, business, and education.

For more information on the Political Science Program, please contact any Political Science/Government instructor or come visit Dr. Michael Nojeim in 303 Woolfolk or call (936) 261-3213 for an appointment.

For those students wishing to apply for Secondary Teacher Certification, please contact Dr. Ronald Goodwin (History/Political Science) at regoodwin@pvamu.edu or Dr. Britine Perkins (Social Studies Education) at blperkins@pvamu.edu.

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Degree Program Requirements

Core Curriculum 1 42
Foreign Language Requirements (One Language) 6
Major Requirements 2
POSC 2304 Introduction to Political Science 3
POSC 2341 Scope and Methods in Political Science 3
POSC 2342 Data Analysis in Political Science 3
Restricted Political Science Electives: 27
American Politics Electives (Choose at least one)
State and Local Government
American Constitutional Law
The Presidency
The Legislative Process
Judicial Politics
International Relations/Comparative Politics Electives (Choose at least one)
Latin American and Caribbean Politics
Comparative Politics
U.S. Foreign Policy
International Politics
African Politics
Middle East Politics
Public Administration/Public Policy Electives (Choose at least one)
Public Administration
Public Policy Analysis
Urban Government and Politics
Race, Gender and Public Policy
Political Science Electives (Choose up to six courses)
Political Parties and Elections
Legal Studies
Blacks and the American Political System
Global Issues
Modern Political Theory
Election Law and Voting Rights
Policital Studies Thru Film
Gandhi and King
Political Resistance and Social Change
Independent Study
Special Topics in Political Science
Seminar in Political Science
Independent Study
Internship in Political Science
Support Area
ECON 2301 Principles of Macroeconomics 3
ENGL 2314 Advanced Composition 3
or ENGL 2327 American Literature I
or ENGL 2328 American Literature II
or ENGL 3304 Professional Writing for Electronic Media
or ENGL 3324 Studies in American Literature
GEOG 1302 Introduction to Human Geography 3
or GEOG 1303 World Regional Geography
or GEOG 2311 Introduction to Geographic Information System
Unrestricted Electives 9
Concentration Requirement (Select one option from below) 18
Minor field of study (18 SCH) 4
With Teacher Certification Concentration (18 SCH)
Educational Foundations
Educational Psychology
Instructional Planning and Assessment
Instructional Methodology and Classroom Management
Student Teaching Secondary II
Total Hours 120
1All Political Science Core Curriculum requirements are shown in the suggested degree program. In order to fulfill the 6 SCH of Life and Physical Sciences requirements, students are advised to take a BIOL, CHEM, PHYS, or PHSC sequence.
2Students must earn a minimum grade of “C” in all classes pertaining to their major, and in those required in the support area and unrestricted electives. Furthermore, a minimum grade of “C” is required in the minor area (if applicable).
3 This course is repeatable for up to 9 semester credit hours credits when the topic differs.
4Depending on the credit hours required by the selected minor.