Political Science, BA

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The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science offers students the opportunity to examine government from theoretical and practical perspectives. As a discipline, Political Science is concerned with theoretical issues such as democracy, justice and equality, and also with such practical issues as the constitutional structure of governments and the relations between branches and levels of government. Political Science also cultivates an understanding of governmental systems in other areas of the world, the manner in which nations interact, and various modes of citizen participation.

Students are exposed to these concepts in the classroom and by enrolling in governmentally related internships. Other learning experiences are also available, including participation in the Columbia College Mock Trial Team and Model United Nations Team.

A degree in Political Science can lead to careers in government, international affairs, journalism, politics, public relations, graduate study in law, public administration, political science and other academic fields. Because of its immediacy, breadth, blend of quantitative and qualitative skill development and focus on effective communication, Political Science is highly ranked as a major that delivers the top ten skills employers seek in college graduates.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Identifies and explains key characteristics, and central issues in American political behavior and institutions.
Identifies and explains key characteristics of political institutions and behavior from a comparative and international perspective.
Conduct research that contains a coherent thesis and arguments, evaluates information from multiple sources and is clearly expressed according to the best practices of the discipline.
Identify and make use of methods appropriate to the discipline.

Program CIP: 45.1001 - Political Science and Government, General.

Program SOC: 19-3094 - Political Scientists

General Education Requirements (39-42 sem. hrs)

For a complete list of general education courses click here . For additional information on general education requirements click here .

Ethics Course Requirement (3 sem. hrs)

PHIL 130 - Thinking about Ethics 3 hours

Foreign Language Requirement (6 sem. hrs)

For information on how to fulfill the foreign language requirement click here .

Political Science Core Requirements (21 sem. hrs)

All must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Courses in the major cannot be taken Pass/Fail.

Political Science Electives (27 sem. hrs)

Any course with the POSC prefix at the 200 level or higher may be used to fulfill major electives. However, students must take a minimum of twelve hours from each of the following two emphases. A maximum of six hours may be taken as POSC 399 - Political Science Internship 1-3 hours .

American Politics Emphasis

International Studies Emphasis

Other Electives (24-27 sem. hrs)

Total: 120 (sem. hrs)

The total reflects the minimum number of hours to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Some courses listed above may fulfill more than one requirement block. Please speak to your academic advisor to plan your specific degree path.

Note (s):

Students are encouraged to use elective credits to obtain a minor in a related academic field.

POSC 495 - Senior Seminar in Political Science and Public Administration 3 hours is the culminating experience course for all students receiving the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.