Program Details

Explore the Department of Political Science's program descriptions and requirements to get a feel for the coursework. Recipients of these degrees will be ready to face the world and make an impact!

Political Science Degree

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The major in Political Science leads to the Bachelor of Arts Degree. Political scientists study government at all stages in their development, the process by which political decisions are made and various matters that affect government behavior. The specific subfields of the discipline include American government and politics, comparative government and politics, international relations, political theory, public law, and public administration. Students majoring in the program have traditionally pursued careers in law, business, teaching, journalism, and government. The study of Political Science is of value in that all persons need an understanding of the political system which governs their lives. More than minimal knowledge of political systems, however, is required for those who would be employed by them. The law and public administration, for example, are creatures of government and politics. The thirty-hour course requirement in the major program permits the students the flexibility to obtain a second major or minor in the other areas of personal and professional interest. Students majoring in Political Science and Legal Assistant Studies are able to gain work experience related to their major through the VSU Co-op Program. Such experience may prove valuable in terms of career exploration, acquisition of new skills, and career development. Students seeking more information should contact their academic advisors or the Office of Cooperative Education at (229) 333-7172.

DEGREE PLANNING

To help with Degree Planning students are encouraged to review the Department’s Five-Year Course rotation.  In addition, for other questions, students can contact our advisors.  Any other questions can be directed toward the Department of Political Science at (229) 333-5771.

SELECTED OUTCOMES

Examples of desired outcomes within the major of Political Science includes the following:

1. Political Science majors will demonstrate the requisite knowledge of the US Constitution and American Political System, including an understanding of the structure and workings of the federal as well as state governments, including that of Georgia, enabling them to become informed and responsible citizens.

2. Political Science majors will exhibit an understanding of the fundamental concepts of politics, and gain significant knowledge about global political issues and interrelationships among nations.

3. Political Science majors will show competence in various methods of political analysis and become capable of conducting and presenting original, empirical political Science research. 

4. Political Science majors will demonstrate the ability to engage in critical analysis and to verbally communicate research findings to an audience.

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Course or Section

Course Descriptions

Hours Required

Core Curriculum Areas A-E

See VSU Core Curriculum

42 hours

Core Curriculum Area F

Course Name

18 hours

PHIL 2020

Principles and Logic of Argumentation               

     3 hours  

POLS 2101

Introduction to Political Science                        

   3 hours  

POLS 2401

Introduction to Global Issues                                    

 3 hours  

Foreign Language and Culture

                                                                     9 hours
Senior College Curriculum Course Name
POLS 3100 Scope and Methods of Political Science                 3 hours

POLS 4100

Capstone Course

 3 hours

POLS Courses  3000 or above

Course Name

ENGL 3030

Writing for Legal and Social Science                    

 3 hours

PHIL 3130 or 4120 or 4220

                                                                     

 3 hours
Required Political Science Courses

12 hours

Concentration Area

12 hours

Non-Concentration area in Political Science

15 hours

Minor and/or Elective Courses

Must include at least 6 hrs of courses 3000 or above in a single discipline outside of POLS

21 hours

Total Hours for the Political Science Program

120 Hours

Recommended Four-Year Program of Study for Full-Time Students

The Department assesses the extent to which the program requirements create the desired outcomes by using a variety of techniques. Examples of these assessments (and related educational outcomes) include the following:

Outcome Assessments

  1. Mastery of the material in all required and elective courses in the political science major. As each level serves as a foundation for higher levels, mastery of the core material is requisite to mastery of the major. Outcome #1 is met by successful completion of these courses.
  2. Completion of the capstone experience certifies that a major has met outcome #2, #3, and #4.
  3. An Undergraduate Political Science Major Exit Questionnaire administered to majors by their advisors at the time the majors "check out" for graduation.
  4. Information from the published surveys of students' opinions and alumni perceptions of VSU programs and services conducted by the Office of Institutional Research Planning as well as information from alumni surveys conducted by the Department of Political Science.

Tracks

MINORS

Program Description

The opportunity to explore American and World Politics is the key area for the Political Science minor. The students in this field are widely diverse. Their majors include English, Criminal Justice, Sociology, and History. Students pursuing an English major typically use this minor as a way to pursue journalism. Also, Criminal Justice majors are welcomed to study the constitutional framework which underpins the criminal justice systems. Sociology majors benefit from courses that deal with the role of citizens and groups in the political system. History majors could find out about more contemporary aspects of history that would supplement their course work.

Curriculum for Political Science Minor

POLS 2101 Introduction to Political Science or POLS 2401 Introduction to Global Issues   3 hours
3000-4000 Level Courses * 12 hours

Total Hours for Minor: 15 hours
*At least six hours must come from the 4000 level. 

Program Description

Students wanting to pursue employment with government organizations are strongly advised to pursue a degree in Public Administration. The minor offers you insight into government regulations in defense, housing, and environmental areas.

Curriculum for Public Administration Minor

POLS 3600 3 hours

12 hours from the following courses

POLS 3610
POLS 4220
POLS 4600
POLS 4610
POLS 4620
POLS 4630
POLS 4640
POLS 4650
POLS 4660
POLS 4670
POLS 4680

Hours Needed for Minor: 15 hours total

Department of Political Science