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This is an unofficial description for this program. For official information check the Academic Catalog.
The B.A. in Political Science at Central offers students a comprehensive understanding of political systems, ideas, and institutions—both in the U.S. and around the world. Through the exploration of American and comparative politics and experiences such as internship placements, study abroad, and undergraduate research, students develop the tools to critically analyze the forces that shape our societies and influence global events.
Our program is designed to:
- Build a strong foundation in political theory, behavior, and institutions;
- Prepare students for careers in government, public policy, advocacy, etc;
- Equip future leaders for graduate studies in law, public affairs, or political science;
- Inspire thoughtful, informed, and engaged citizens ready to undertake the challenges in our communities.
Political Science majors complete 39 credits in the discipline and pair their studies with a minor to round out their academic experience. Whether you’re passionate about a particular policy area, justice, diplomacy, campaigning, or change-making, this program helps you turn your interests into action and opportunity.
A minor is required with this major.
Requirements: (39 credits)
Core:
Students interested in U.S. politics should take PS 110, while students interested in international or comparative politics should take PS 104.
Five Core Areas (3 credits in each):
U.S. Government and Politics
PS 111 Race/Ethnicity in US/Glob Poli 3 Credits
PS 230 American State & Local Govt 3 Credits
PS 231 U.S. Foreign Policy 3 Credits
PS 315 Internet & Media Politics 3 Credits
PS 325 Public Opinion in American Politics 3 Credits
PS 330 American Parties and Interest Groups 3 Credits
PS 401 The Politics of Sport 3 Credits
PS 430 The American Presidency 3 Credits
PS 431 The Legislative Process 3 Credits
PS 432 Urban Politics and Government 3 Credits
PS 494 Special Topics in U.S. Government and Politics 3 Credits
Political Theory
Comparative Politics
PS 280 Religion & Politics 3 Credits
PS 336 Western European Govts 3 Credits
PS 343 Political Leadership 3 Credits
PS 380 International Cnflct/Security 3 Credits
PS 420 Govt & Politics of Latin Amer 3 Credits
PS 421 Govt and Politics of Africa 3 Credits
PS 425 Asian Politics 3 Credits
PS 434 Govt & Politics of Middle East 3 Credits
PS 435 Central/East Europe Politics 3 Credits
PS 493 Special Topics in Comparative Politics 3 Credits
PS 210 Int'l and US Cybersecurity Law 3 Credits
International Relations
Public Policy, Law and Administration
PS 260 Public Administration 3 Credits
PS 270 Law and Politics 3 Credits
PS 331 American Constitutional Law 3 Credits
PS 332 Civil Liberties 3 Credits
PS 339 International Law 3 Credits
PS 445 Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation 3 Credits
PS 446 Power, Money, and Politics: The Public Budgeting Process 3 Credits
PS 448 Current U.S. Public Policy Issues 4 Credits
PS 450 Public Sector Ethics 3 Credits
Specialization
6 credits in one of the following specializations:
U.S. and state government, administration, and policy
PS 111 Race/Ethnicity in US/Glob Poli 3 Credits
PS 230 American State & Local Govt 3 Credits
PS 231 U.S. Foreign Policy 3 Credits
PS 260 Public Administration 3 Credits
PS 270 Law and Politics 3 Credits
PS 325 Public Opinion in American Politics 3 Credits
PS 331 American Constitutional Law 3 Credits
PS 332 Civil Liberties 3 Credits
PS 401 The Politics of Sport 3 Credits
PS 430 The American Presidency 3 Credits
PS 431 The Legislative Process 3 Credits
PS 432 Urban Politics and Government 3 Credits
PS 439 U.S. Middle East Policy 3 Credits
PS 445 Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation 3 Credits
PS 446 Power, Money, and Politics: The Public Budgeting Process 3 Credits
PS 448 Current U.S. Public Policy Issues 4 Credits
PS 455 Environmental Politics and Policy 3 Credits
PS 494 Special Topics in U.S. Government and Politics 3 Credits
Comparative and international politics
PS 210 Int'l and US Cybersecurity Law 3 Credits
PS 235 International Relations 3 Credits
PS 336 Western European Govts 3 Credits
PS 339 International Law 3 Credits
PS 370 Arab Uprisings 3 Credits
PS 380 International Cnflct/Security 3 Credits
PS 420 Govt & Politics of Latin Amer 3 Credits
PS 421 Govt and Politics of Africa 3 Credits
PS 425 Asian Politics 3 Credits
PS 434 Govt & Politics of Middle East 3 Credits
PS 435 Central/East Europe Politics 3 Credits
Leadership, organizations, political behavior and methods
PS 111 Race/Ethnicity in US/Glob Poli 3 Credits
PS 280 Religion & Politics 3 Credits
PS 315 Internet & Media Politics 3 Credits
PS 330 American Parties and Interest Groups 3 Credits
PS 343 Political Leadership 3 Credits
PS 450 Public Sector Ethics 3 Credits
PS 410 Advanced Research Methods 4 Credits
PS 385 Pursuits, Possibilities, and Professions in Political Science 2 Credits
Political Theory
Electives (12 credits in Political Science)
Total Credit Hours: 39
At least 21 credits for the Major must be taken at 300-400 level, at least 9 of which must be at the 400-level.