The pol it ical science major educates students to become thoughtful and engaged actors and students of pol it ics by developing an understanding of the nature of pol it ical behavior and governmental structures. Students are exposed to major sub-fields of the discipline, including international relations, comparative pol it ics, American government, and pol it ical philosophy. Students are taught basic techniques of research and investigation and also required to read and analyze classic texts w it hin the history of the discipline. Program majors will have an understanding of how inst it utions and individuals interact, a comparative basis for understanding the nature of good government, and a deeper understanding of the key concepts of freedom, justice, power, and commun it y, which are foundational to pol it ics. The pol it ical science major is an excellent preparation for careers in law. Students interested in attending law school after graduation receive specialized guidance through the department.

Students pursuing a major in Pol it ical Science must complete a total of 36 hours. 15 hours in the core: POL 201, 212, 301, and one of the following classes: POL 331, POL 347, POL 356, POL 357, or POL 367.  In add it ion, all majors must take POL 460 in the spring semester of their senior year.  Beyond the core, students must complete an add it ional 21 hours of coursework. To accomplish this, students may take any 7 upper-level pol it ical science courses, or take 5 courses and attend an off-campus CCCU program, or take 3 courses and participate in the Bliss Inst it ute Internship program (information available in the Office of the Department of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences).

All seniors pursuing the Pol it ical Science major are required to take senior comprehensive examinations. Information must be acquired from the Department Chair.