B.A. Degree in Political Science
Description
The Political Science degree provides outstanding instruction on the study of government institutions, public processes, politics and political behavior. Students will learn to embrace diplomatic approaches, acknowledge versatility in political thought and understand global perspectives through a variety of learning experiences. A Political Science degree will prepare students exceedingly well for careers in various fields, including government, business, management and international affairs. To receive the B.A. Degree in Political Science, the student must meet the minimum university requirements and specific requirements for the program. Completion of 120 credits is required for this degree which includes the Liberal Arts and Sciences Curriculum.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students demonstrate familiarity with major concepts, institutions and theories in political science.
- Students can apply knowledge of major concepts, institutions and theories in political science to political events and government policymaking.
- Students demonstrate familiarity with the basic goals, means and critiques of political science research.
- Students demonstrate effective writing skills.
Program Delivery Mode
Land plus: face-to-face where some online courses may be available or required
Core Requirements
( 21 credits )
POL 105 Making Sense of Politics (3)
POL 120 American National Government and Politics (3)
POL 160 International Relations (3)
POL 230 Introduction to the Law (3) or
POL 322 Executive/Legislative Process (3)
POL 310 Political Science Research Methods (3)
POL 340 Public Administration (3) or
POL 341 Public Policy (3)
POL 349 Great Power Politics (3) or
POL 350 Comparative Governments of Western Europe (3)
Designated Writing Intensive Course for Major
POL 349 or POL 350 (Listed in Core Requirements)
Electives
( 27 credits )
Students must take sufficient electives in Political Science courses to bring the total Political Science credits to 48.
Emphasis in Public Affairs
Program Requirements
( 12 credits )
ACCT 230 Principles of Accounting I (3)
MGMT 260 Principles of Management (3)
ECON 202 Principles of Economics I: Micro Economics (3)
ECON 204 Principles of Economics II: Macro Economics (3)
Restricted Electives
( 15 credits )
Choose 15 credits from the following list:
ACCT 321/POL 321 Employment Law (3)
ECON 302 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory (3)
ECON 304 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory (3)
ECON 315/MGMT 315 Government and Business (3)
ECON 350 Public Finance (3)
ECON 416 Labor Economics (3)
ECON 425 International Trade & Finance (3)
ECON 469 Internship (1-6)
POL 221 Minnesota State and Local Government (3)
POL 230 Introduction to the Law (3) OR POL 322 Executive & Legislative Process (3)
POL 332 Constitutional Law I: Institutional Powers & Constraints (3)
POL 340 Public Administration (3) OR POL 341 Public Policy (3)
POL 345 Environmental Politics (3)
POL 469 Internship (1-6)
*A maximum of 6 credits of internship credits will count toward fulfillment of the degree requirements.
Emphasis in Pre-Law
Program Requirements
( 12 credits )
ACCT 280 Legal Environment of Business (3)
POL 335/CJ 335 Criminal Law (3)
POL 332 Constitutional Law I: Institutional Powers & Constraints (3) OR POL 333 Constitutional Law II: Civil Rights & Liberties (3)
POL 230 Introduction to the Law (3) OR POL 322 Executive & Legislative Process (3)
Restricted Electives
( 15 credits )
Choose 15 credits from the following list:
ACCT 306 Contracts and Business Entities (3)
CJ 200 Introduction to Criminal Justice (4)
CJ 309 Law and Society (4)
POL 350 Contract Law and Drafting (3)
POL 416 Elder Law (3)
POL 221 Minnesota State and Local Government (3)
POL 332 Constitutional Law I: Institutional Powers & Constraints (3) OR POL 333 Constitutional Law II: Civil Rights & Liberties (3)
POL 340 Public Administration (3) OR POL 341 Public Policy (3)
POL 337/CJ 337 Criminal Procedure (3)
POL 469 Internship (1-6)
PHIL 110 Practical Reasoning (3) OR PHIL 340 Symbolic Logic (3)
PHIL 312 Business Ethics (3) OR PHIL 318 Professional Ethics (3)