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2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science does more than teach about politics – it empowers you with the skills needed to inquisitively question political systems. Questions like: How does a federal republic differ from a democracy? How does a party system affect governance? These are the types of questions that political scientists explore, but they also represent issues that require ordinary citizens to make informed judgments. Knowledge gained in this online program can be applied to the gaining and holding of elected positions, or to government and military service or other professions where strong interpersonal and communication skills are required.

Degree Program Objectives

In addition to the institutional and degree level learning objectives, graduates of this program are expected to achieve these learning outcomes:

Political Theory and Systems

  • Analyze the fundamental theories and philosophies of government, governance, economy, and civil society.
  • Compare and contrast the political elements of representative democracy and with other political systems.

The United States Political System

  • Assess the three institutions of government that create and implement federal policy.
  • Analyze the historical evolution and contemporary manifestations of the federal system.

Political Parties and Interest Groups

  • Analyze the various roles of interest groups in the United States in both historical and modern democratic processes.
  • Assess the impact of political parties on federal, state, and local government.
  • Analyze the concept of diversity in American politics, to include gender, ethnicity, and age.

Degree at a Glance

Degree Program Requirements

General Education (30 semester hours)

Major Required (27 semester hours)

Students must choose a concentration for this degree program and may select from a Concentration in American Government, Concentration in International Relations, or Concentration in Political Theory.

Concentration in American Government (15 semester hours)

Expands on the fundamental elements introduced in POLS210-American Government. Includes a more in-depth look into the American federal system, details on the U.S. judicial system and constitutional law, the operation of U.S. intelligence community, and the factors that affect political decision making in the U.S.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Analyze the interdisciplinary field of political psychology and how it relates to the study of American politics.
  • Explain the philosophical basis and functioning of the American republic.
  • Analyze threats against the United States from nation states, non-state actors, and transnational groups.
  • Identify historical events and figures that have contributed to the present-day court system in America.
  • Describe how and why the Constitution developed.
Concentration Requirements (15 semester hours)

Concentration in International Relations (15 semester hours)

Explores various international issues affecting the world today, such as human rights and the global economy. Topics include the United Nations, NATO, national and transnational justice, and international civil order. Completion of this concentration may lead to eligibility to obtain a Peace Operations Training Institute certificate.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Explain how global issues, such as globalization and human rights, affect international relations.
  • Discuss how international organizations, such as the United Nations and NATO, define collective security, particularly regarding peacekeeping operations.
  • Describe how international justice is established and enforced.
  • Examine various global development initiatives to reverse failed and failing nation-states.
Concentration Requirements (15 semester hours)

Concentration in Political Theory (15 semester hours)

This concentration includes a heavy grounding in philosophy, which is designed to help describe how political theory has evolved through the centuries. Courses cover ancient philosophers, such as Aristotle, to more modern figures like Marx, as well as major contemporary political issues like capital punishment, abortion, and freedom of thought.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Discuss the development and evolution of political theory from their origins to contemporary times.
  • Analyze and evaluate political theoretical arguments from historical to contemporary sources.
  • Apply political theoretical inquiry to contemporary events.
  • Evaluate how philosophy influences political theory over time.
  • Critique current political theories for validity.
Concentration Requirements (15 semester hours)

Final Program Requirement (3 semester hours)

Elective Requirements (45 semester hours)

  1. All literature courses require successful completion of ENGL101-Proficiency in Writing or ENGL110-Making Writing Relevant.

  2. All literature courses require successful completion of ENGL101-Proficiency in Writing or ENGL110-Making Writing Relevant.

  3. Prerequisite: Senior Standing and completion of all major courses prior to enrollment. Must be taken as the last course before graduation.

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