Political Science

major minor
Interior of the Virginia state capitol

Program at a Glance

Degree(s)

Bachelor of Arts

College(s)/School(s)

College of Social Sciences

Department(s)

Political Science

In our Political Science program, you will explore the dynamics of democracy and engage in critical analysis of global issues. Investigate human society, values, and perspectives, while examining policies between nations. Unleash your analytical thinking, becoming more conscious of the ways political forces shape our lives. Navigate complex concepts, and gain insights into the intricacies of power and governance. Broaden your perspective, become an informed citizen, and embark on a journey of political inquiry, uncovering the complexities that define our world.

Degree Requirements

Students majoring in Political Science who complete all requirements earn the degree of BA, Political Science.

Core (15 credits)

  • POLS 100 - Political Thought and Society
  • POLS 101 - Power and Politics in America
  • POLS 215 - Comparative and International Politics
  • POLS 352 - Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis
  • POLS 490W - Senior Seminar in Political Science

Electives (21 credits)

  • POLS 202 - State and Local Government
  • POLS 204 - Hate Crime Realities and Consequences
  • POLS 240 - The Supreme Court in American Politics
  • POLS 243 - Crime and Punishment in America
  • POLS 291 - Community Service Internship
  • POLS 295 - Special Topics
  • POLS 301 - Politics and Travel
  • POLS 307 - Civil Liberties
  • POLS 311W - Comparative Politics
  • POLS 316 - Constitutional Law
  • POLS 320 - Religion and Politics in America
  • POLS 320 - Religion and Politics in the United States
  • POLS 322 - Conflict and Peace Studies
  • POLS 323 - American Foreign Policy
  • POLS 327 - International Law and International Organizations
  • POLS 329 - International Human Rights
  • POLS 330 - Middle Eastern Politics
  • POLS 333 - Congress
  • POLS 338 - Politics of Weapons Proliferation
  • POLS 340 - Might and Right Among Nations
  • POLS 344 - The Presidency
  • POLS 347 - Justice, Politics and Policy
  • POLS 350 - Latin American Politics and Societies
  • POLS 351 - East and Central European Politics and Societies
  • POLS 353 - East Asian Politics
  • POLS 354 - Political Campaigns and Elections
  • POLS 357 - Classical Political Thought
  • POLS 358 - Modern Political Thought
  • POLS 359 - American Political Thought
  • POLS 363 - The Judicial Process
  • POLS 365 - Civil Liberties
  • POLS 368W - Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
  • POLS 371W - Public Administration and Policy
  • POLS 375 - Labor Law and Politics
  • POLS 380 - Terrorism
  • POLS 381 - International Political Economy
  • POLS 382 - Women and Politics
  • POLS 391 - International Environmental Politics
  • POLS 395 - Special Topics
  • POLS 402 - International Relations Theory and World Issues
  • POLS 410 - Ethnic Conflict and Nationalism
  • POLS 450 - Ethics in Government and Politics
  • POLS 454 - American Political Behavior
  • POLS 491 - Government Internship
  • POLS 495 - Special Topics
  • POLS 499 - Independent Studies in Political Science

Core (6 credits)

  • Select one:
    • POLS 100 - Political Thought and Society
    • POLS 101 - Power and Politics in America
  • POLS 215 - Comparative and International Politics

Electives (12 credits)

  • POLS 202 - State and Local Government
  • POLS 204 - Hate Crime Realities and Consequences
  • POLS 240 - The Supreme Court in American Politics
  • POLS 243 - Crime and Punishment in America
  • POLS 291 - Community Service Internship
  • POLS 295 - Special Topics
  • POLS 301 - Politics and Travel
  • POLS 307 - Civil Liberties
  • POLS 311W - Comparative Politics
  • POLS 316 - Constitutional Law
  • POLS 320 - Religion and Politics in America
  • POLS 320 - Religion and Politics in the United States
  • POLS 322 - Conflict and Peace Studies
  • POLS 323 - American Foreign Policy
  • POLS 327 - International Law & International
  • POLS 327 - International Law and International Organizations
  • POLS 329 - International Human Rights
  • POLS 330 - Middle Eastern Politics
  • POLS 333 - Legislative Politics
  • POLS 338 - Politics of Weapons Proliferation
  • POLS 340 - Might and Right Among Nations
  • POLS 344 - The Presidency
  • POLS 347 - Justice, Politics and Policy
  • POLS 350 - Latin American Politics and Societies
  • POLS 351 - East and Central European Politics and Societies
  • POLS 352 - Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis
  • POLS 353 - East Asian Politics
  • POLS 354 - Political Campaigns and Elections
  • POLS 357 - Classical Political Thought
  • POLS 358 - Modern Political Thought
  • POLS 359 - American Political Thought
  • POLS 363 - The Judicial Process
  • POLS 365 - Civil Liberties
  • POLS 368W - Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
  • POLS 371W - Public Administration and Policy
  • POLS 375 - Labor Law and Politics
  • POLS 380 - Terrorism
  • POLS 381 - International Political Economy
  • POLS 382 - Women and Politics
  • POLS 391 - International Environmental Politics
  • POLS 395 - Special Topics
  • POLS 402 - International Relations Theory and World Issues
  • POLS 410 - Ethnic Conflict and Nationalism
  • POLS 450 - Ethics in Government and Politics
  • POLS 454 - American Political Behavior
  • POLS 491 - Government Internship
  • POLS 495 - Special Topics
  • POLS 499 - Independent Studies in Political Science
Course Catalog

Career Options

  • Political Analyst
  • Policy Advisor
  • Government Relations Specialist/Lobbyist
  • Campaign Manager/Political Consultant
  • Diplomat/Foreign Service Officer
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