Political Science (B.S.)
Political science historically has been one of the most popular undergraduate majors in America. While many political science majors do go on to careers in Washington or state and local government, it is a degree that provides a foundation for many career options. A deep understanding of how politics and government works can be of value in many jobs, including those in business, journalism and public relations, law, non-profits, among other possibilities.
The political science degree program at Middle Georgia State University reflects the increasing demand in our society for college graduates who can think critically, collect and analyze data and other evidence, and synthesize and present their findings to others, marrying theory and application. The research and writing skills students gain in this program enable them to help find solutions for many of the challenges of our world, nation, state, and region face in an increasingly complex world.
Given the many career pathways available for students majoring in political science, we offer a very flexible curriculum allowing students to choose either a more traditional or "academic" concentration or a concentration focusing on the skills necessary in governmental and non-profit service outside the human services sector. This flexibility also allows students to find connections with other fields of study through a minor or certificate programs, allowing them to tailor their coursework to their workforce aspirations and life goals.
In addition, the political science degree, particularly in combination with a minor in the humanities or another social science field, is also an ideal foundation for teacher certification at the middle school and high school levels via the Master of Arts in Teaching program offered by Middle Georgia State University.
Note: Students must earn a grade of "C" or higher in MATH 1401, POLS 1101, Area F, and all Major Area coursework in the degree program.
Curriculum For The Bachelor of Science In Political Science
Core Curriculum (Credit: 42 Hours)
See
listing of requirements.
Area D: Students may fulfill either the option for non-science majors or science majors.
Area F: Lower Division Major Requirements (Credit: 18 Hours)
Political Science Foundation Courses Credit 6 Hours
| POLS 2101 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 credits |
| POLS 2401 | Introduction to Global Issues | 3 credits |
Domestic Politics Foundation Credit 3 Hours
Choose one of the following three courses in domestic politics:
| POLS 2201 | State and Local Government | 3 credits |
| POLS 2501 | Introduction to Domestic Issues | 3 credits |
| POLS 2601 | Introduction to Public Administration | 3 credits |
Statistics Credit 3 Hours
All political science majors must take the following course. Students may optionally count
MATH 1401 in Area D and may instead select an additional course (3 hours) from the listing under "Area F Electives" below.
Area F Electives Credit 6 Hours
Choose two courses at the 1000 or 2000 level from the following course prefixes approved in Areas C, D, E, or F of the core curriculum: ANTH, ECON, GEOG, HIST, HUMN, ITEC, MATH, PHIL, PSYC, or SOCI; foreign language courses at the 1000 or 2000 level approved in Area C are also acceptable. Additional hours earned in these courses beyond 6 hours may be applied in the Electives section of the major.
| Foreign (Modern) Language (Any) | 3 credits |
Upper Level Courses Credit 60 Hours
Major Area Courses Common Curriculum Credit 15 Hours
Experiential Learning Credit 3 Hours
Choose one of the following two experiential learning courses
| POLS 1101 | American Government | 3 credits |
| OR | |
| POLS 2101 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 credits |
Major Area Courses Concentration
Choose one of the following two tracks: Public Administration and Policy or Applied Politics.
Applied Politics Track Credit 24 Hours
Required Courses Credit 6 Hours
Public Administration and Policy Track Credit 24 Hours
Major Electives credit 3
Required Courses credit 18 hours
Complete the following six courses:
| POLS 2601 | Introduction to Public Administration | 3 credits |
| POLS 2401 | Introduction to Global Issues | 3 credits |