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, and 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 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 focus either on more traditional "academic" topics or the skills necessary in governmental and non-profit service. 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, all Major Requirements coursework, and Political Science Electives 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: 9 hours)
| POLS 2101 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 credits |
| POLS 2201 | State and Local Government | 3 credits |
| POLS 2401 | Introduction to Global Issues | 3 credits |
Statistics (Credit: 3 hours)
All political science majors must take the following course. Students may optionally count MATH 1401 in Area A or 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, CSCI, 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 Requirements (Credit: 21 hours)
| POLS 2301 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 3 credits |
| POLS 2601 | Introduction to Public Administration | 3 credits |
| 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 3701 | International Relations | 3 credits |
| POLS 4900 | Capstone Seminar in Political Science | 3 credits |
Experiential Learning (Credit: 3 hours)
Choose one of the following three experiential learning courses:
| POLS 4895 | Internship in Political Science | 3 credits |
| OR | |
| POLS 4896 | Georgia Legislative Internship | 9 credits |
| OR | |
| POLS 4898 | Research Practicum in Political Science | 3 credits |
Only 3 credit hours of credit for POLS 4895 and POLS 4896 combined may be applied to the political science major. Additional hours may be applied as open elective credit.
Political Science Electives (Credit: 15 hours)
Choose five additional courses in political science, numbered POLS 3000 or above, EXCEPT POLS 4895 or POLS 4896.
Up to two European Union Studies courses with the EURO prefix, numbered 3000 or above, may be used to fulfill this requirement.
POLS 3999 may be counted more than once when taken with different topics.
Open Electives (Credit: 21 hours)
Students must earn 21 additional hours of credit in any field or fields of study; at least 6 of these hours must be at the 3000 level or above.
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 statistics.
Students directly entering the workforce might consider a minor in professional writing.
Students with an interest in international politics and culture might consider completing the USG European Union Studies Certificate program or a minor in African and African Diaspora Studies or Spanish.
Other minors of potential interest to political science majors include business, criminal justice, gender studies, information technology, mathematics, psychology, sociology, U.S. history, web design and instructional technology, and world history.
Total hours: 120