Political Science (B.A.)

Location(s): Campus

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Major Courses

GEO 331 - China, India, and Japan Credit Hours: 3
HIS 334 - The Middle East Credit Hours: 3
HIS 481 - Research and Design Credit Hours: 3
POL 213 - American National Government Credit Hours: 3 (see General Education below)
POL 214 - State and Local Government Credit Hours: 3
POL 315 - Political Economy Credit Hours: 3
POL 316 - Western Political Thought Credit Hours: 3
POL 385 - Practicum Credit Hours: Variable up to 12
Approved ECN, HIS, POL, or ethics elective. Credit Hours: 3
Choose one of the following
POL 412 - Constitutional Law Credit Hours: 3
CRJ 320 - Justice and the Constitution Credit Hours: 3

Political Science Major Credit Hours 30

General Education

Community of Learners Core Courses

COR 100 - Life In Community Credit Hours: 2 +
COR 200 - Christ, Culture, and Diversity Credit Hours: 2 +
COR 374 - Preparing for Cross Cultural Studies Credit Hours: 1 +
COR 375 - Cross Cultural Studies Credit Hours: 3 +
COR 300 - Christian Faith and Community Credit Hours: 2
COR 400 - Christian Life and Vocation Credit Hours: 2

Biblical Studies Courses

BIB 217 - Survey of the Old Testament Credit Hours: 3 +
BIB 218 - Survey of the New Testament Credit Hours: 3 +

Liberal Arts Skills Courses

ENG 104 - College Writing Credit Hours: 3 ^*
ENG 304 - Writing and Research Credit Hours: 3 ^*#
HPR 101 - Personal Fitness and Wellness Credit Hours: 2
Speech See General Education Section for approved courses Credit Hours: 2 ^

Liberal Arts Pathways Courses

Art Pathway - See General Education Requirements - Main Campus 2 Credit Hours
History Pathway - See General Education Requirements - Main Campus 3 Credit Hours
Literature Pathway - See General Education Requirements - Main Campus 3 Credit Hours
Mathematics Pathway - See General Education Requirements - Main Campus 3 Credit Hours
Music Pathway - See General Education Requirements - Main Campus 2 Credit Hours
Philosophy Pathway - See General Education Requirements - Main Campus 3 Credit Hours
Science with Lab Pathway - See General Education Requirements - Main Campus 4 Credit Hours
Social Science Pathway - POL 213 - American National Government (see Major courses)

General Education Credit Hours 48

Elective Credit Hours 42

B.A. in Political Science Total Credit Hours 120

Symbol Key

^ Grade of “C” or better required.
* This course has a prerequisite.
# Possible waiver by exam.
π A major course that meets General Education requirements.
+ Possible waiver with a specified number of transfer credits upon first-time admission.

Political Science Learning Outcomes

Students in the political science major will articulate basic theories and practices of the political world. Students will apply political concepts to political action. Students will evaluate political forces in the global environment. Students will be prepared to enter careers in government, international relations, business, or law or to embark in graduate studies.

Upper-level Course Requirements

Depending on which courses students choose in the major, they may not acquire 36 upper-level credit hours (numbered 300-499) in their major coursework. However, students are required to complete 36 credit hours of upper-level courses in order to graduate. Students in the political economy major should include upper-level coursework in their electives to ensure they will meet graduation requirements.

Complementary Study

A background in other disciplines such as geography, history, or sociology, and/or a study of French, German, and/or Spanish are strongly recommended as complementary to the political economy major.

Study Abroad

Political economy majors are encouraged to consider a semester off campus at one of the many programs described in the off-campus section of the catalog. Many of the semester abroad programs will benefit the political economy major academic goals and may fulfill the CCS requirement.

Program Oversight

The political economy major is overseen by the Department of History, Geography and Politics. Courses with the HIS, GEO, POL, and SST numbers are administered by this department. Questions about the major should be directed to the department chair.