Department of Political Science and International Studies

The Department of Political Science and International Studies fosters the development of civically-engaged students who will become productive citizens dedicated to serving their communities, their nations, and the world. Classes in the department focus on inculcating in students a core understanding of politics, intellectual curiosity, a global consciousness, and a spirit for community activism. Students are provided with research and community service opportunities, public service internships, as well as study abroad experiences.

The degree programs in Political Science and International Studies (B.A. International Studies, B.A. Political Science, B.S. International Trade) prepare students for active citizenship by preparing them for professional careers in government, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations, business, studies in law, political science, and public policy. Graduates of the degree programs in Political Science and International Studies will become life-long learners as they become cognizant of the institutions and processes of governance and the policies and historical and current events that shape their lives.

Upon completion of the B.A. in Political Science, graduates will be able to:

Delineate the theoretical and methodological differences between the subfields of political science, i.e., American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Public Policy.
Utilize appropriate nomenclature of the various subfields in Political Science when discussing and writing.
Demonstrate an ability to distinguish between the political processes of different forms of government in both the international and domestic realm.
Recognize the underlying cultural, societal, philosophical, and political factors which have led to the policies found in the United States and different countries around the world.
Demonstrate an ability to think critically by utilizing appropriate theoretical constructs in both qualitative and quantitative research projects.
Incorporate appropriate methodologies into narratives which add to the ability to both analyze and explain political events and public policies.
Demonstrate an ability to write with both clarity and precision by utilizing key phrasing relevant to the study of political science.
Participate in discipline-specific activities which will further career goals in the graduate’s field of study.

The B.A. in International Studies is a challenging major designed to provide an undergraduate, interdisciplinary social science background for careers both inside and outside the United States. Students majoring in International Studies become highly proficient in understanding global
affairs through a variety of means:

The study of the culture, history, and political economy of regions outside the United States;
The acquisition of a high level of proficiency in a second language; and
Direct experience of another culture by studying or working abroad

The B.S. International Trade is a professional degree designed to provide an interdisciplinary business background for careers outside the United States or in international businesses and agencies within the U.S. The degree requires completion of a prescribed course of study and an internship overseas or with a business or institution having an international component in the United States. The purpose of this internship is to immerse the student in the professional practices within the culture and in the language which has been studied for the required foreign language minor.

Programs

Undergraduate Program(s)

Undergraduate Minor(s)

Undergraduate Certificate(s)

Paralegal Certificate Program

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