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 another humanities or social science field, is also an ideal foundation for teacher certification at the middle school and high school levels via the Masters of Arts in Teaching program offered by Middle Georgia State University.
Note: Students must earn a grade of "C" or higher in MATH 1200, POLS 1101, Area F, and all Major Area coursework in the degree program.
Curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Political Science
Area F: Lower Division Major Requirements (Credit: 18 hours)
Foundation Courses (Credit: 9 hours)
| POLS 2101 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 credits |
| POLS 2401 | Introduction to Global Issues | 3 credits |
Domestic Politics (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: 0-3 hours)
All political science majors must take the following course, either in Area D or F:
Area F Electives (Credit: 6-9 hours)
Choose two (or, if MATH 1401 was used in Area D, three) courses from the following:
Upper-Level Courses (Credit: 60 hours)
Major Area Courses - Common Curriculum (Credit: 15 hours)
| POLS 3000 | Research Methods in Political Science | 3 credits |
| POLS 3030 | Introduction to Public Policy | 3 credits |
| POLS 3045 | Public Opinion and Political Behavior | 3 credits |
| POLS 4900 | Capstone Seminar in Political Science | 3 credits |
Experiential Learning (Credit: 3 hours)
Choose one of the following two experiential learning courses:
| POLS 4895 | Internship in Political Science | 3 credits |
| OR | |
| POLS 4898 | Research Practicum in Political Science | 3 credits |
Major Area Courses - Concentration
Choose one of the following two tracks: Public Administration and Policy or Applied Politics.
Public Administration and Policy Track (Credit: 24 hours)
Required Courses (Credit: 18 hours)
Complete the following six courses:
Major Electives (Credit: 3 hours)
Choose one of the following two courses:
| POLS 3060 | Policy Implementation Topics | 3 credits |
| POLS 3944 | Environmental Politics and Policy | 3 credits |
POLS Elective (Credit: 3 hours)
Choose one additional POLS elective at the 3000 level or above.
Applied Politics Track (Credit: 24 hours)
Required Courses (Credit: 6 hours)
Complete the following two courses:
| POLS 2301 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 3 credits |
| POLS 3701 | International Relations | 3 credits |
Major Electives (Credit: 12 hours)
Choose four of the following courses:
POLS Elective (Credit: 6 hours)
Choose two additional POLS elective at the 3000 level or above.
Note
Students in either track may apply
up to two of the following European Union Studies Program courses in political science as substitutes for a POLS elective at the 3000 level or above. (Additional EURO courses may be applied as elective credits below.)
Electives (Credit: 21 hours)
21 hours of credit in any field or fields of study; at least 6 hours must be at the 3000 level or above.
Core Curriculum (Credit: 42 hours)
See listing of requirements
Area D: Students may fulfill either the options for non-science majors or science majors.
Political Science majors must complete MATH 1401 either in Area D or in Area F.
Students are strongly encouraged to complete a suitable undergraduate minor, second major, and/or an undergraduate certificate program in consultation with their academic advisor. Students may not complete both a major and a minor in political science.
Students considering graduate study in political science, public policy, or public administration should strongly consider a minor in mathematics.
Students with an interest in sustainability and the environment should consider completing a minor in sustainability policy studies.
Students considering attending law school or directly entering the workforce should consider a minor in professional writing.
Students with an interest in international politics and culture should consider completing the USG European Union Studies Certificate program or a minor in Spanish.
Suggested four-year degree plans for the above options are available from academic advisors and the Department of History and Political Science website.
Other minors of particular interest to political science majors include gender studies, information technology, U.S. history, web design and instructional technology, and world history.
Total hours: 120