Apr 26, 2026  
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog

Political Science Major, BA - Public Administration Concentration


The political science discipline is broad and diverse ranging from the study of campaigns and elections to analysis of political philosophy. Political science gives attention to the theory and practice of government at all levels from local to international, as well as to the complex relationships between social values and the formulation of public policy. As a blend of the theoretical and the practical, political science has much to offer as an undergraduate major and as an elective field for the non-major. It provides a broad liberal arts background for professional careers in law, government service, foreign service, business, journalism, and public-school teaching. It offers a good foundation for those wishing to pursue post-graduate study, especially in the fields of law, political science, and public administration. For those interested in specializing in fields outside of law and government, political science courses can contribute significantly to an awareness of public issues and an appreciation of the complexity of modern society.

Continuing, returning, and transfer students may declare an interest in political science at any time. The department will then assign the student an academic advisor.

College Requirements


Arts and Sciences  

Prerequisites


Public Administration Concentration


Students majoring in political science who wish to prepare for a career in public service may select the concentration in public administration. The concentration consists of 34 hours of coursework in political science and economics.

Complete 9 hours:


  • Upper-division (300-400 level) political science courses (Note: POLS 480 - Capstone  does not count toward this requirement.)

Complete: