Political Science
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
- Students can explain the terms, principles, theories, and approaches used to understand and explain phenomena in political science.
- Students can produce properly researched and evidence-based intellectual products on topics pertinent to political science.
- Students can explain and critically analyze major domestic issues pertaining to law, public policy, and public administration.
- 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
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With Teacher Certification Concentration (18 SCH)
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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.