Political Science, Bachelor of Arts
Course Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
The major in political science encompasses an investigation of governmental institutions and political behavior at all levels from the local to the international. The political science major will take courses in American Government, Comparative Government, Constitutional Law, Political Theory, Research Methodology and International Relations. The political science major is suitable for students with career interests in teaching, law, state and local government, urban planning, federal bureaucracy, and journalism. The political science major must complete 48 semester hour courses beginning at the 2000 level.
- Complete a maximum of 125 semester hours with a cumulative grade point average of 2.25 or higher. The last 30 hours must be completed at Albany State University.
- During the freshman and sophomore years, the student must complete Core IMPACTS.
- Maintain a C or higher for all classes taken in the Field of Study, Major Requirements, and General Political Science sections.
- Complete MFAT subject area exam.
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core IMPACTS | 42 | |
| Field of Study 1 | ||
| ECON 2106 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| POLS 2101 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 |
| POLS 2102 | Introduction to Law | 3 |
| SSCI 2402 | Microcomputers in Social Science | 3 |
| 2000 Level | Social Science | 3 |
| 2000 Level | Foreign Language | 3 |
| Major Requirements 1 | ||
American Politics | ||
| Select three of the following courses: | 9 | |
| State and Local Government | ||
| Urban Politics | ||
| African-American Politics | ||
| The Presidency | ||
| Political Parties/Pressure Group | ||
| Elections & Electoral Behavior | ||
| Judicial Process | ||
| American Constitutional History | ||
| Constitutional Law I | ||
| Constitutional Law II | ||
| Civil Rights & Minorities | ||
Comparative Government | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Comparative Government | ||
| Politics and Institutions in Developing Countries | ||
| Area Studies of Africa, Caribbean, Eastern Europe & Latin America | ||
| Politics & Culture of Developing World | ||
| Political Economy of African and the Caribbean | ||
Public Policy/Public Administration | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Amercan Foreign Policy | ||
| The Legislative Process | ||
| Public Administration | ||
| Legislative Internship | ||
Research Methods | ||
| POLS 4371 | Research Methods I | 3 |
| or POLS 4372 | Research Methods II | |
Political Theory | ||
| POLS 4401 | History of Political Thought | 3 |
International Relations | ||
| Select one of the following courses: | 3 | |
| Issues in Global Politics | ||
| International Relations | ||
| International Organizations | ||
| Model United Nations | ||
| International Political Economics | ||
| International Internship/Seminar | ||
| International Relations of Sub-Saharan Africa | ||
| General Political Science Courses 1 | ||
| POLS 4818 | Public Administration Internship | 3 |
| Guided Political Science Electives (Select up to 12 hours at the 3000-4000 level) | 33 | |
| First-Year and Wellness Course Requirements Outside the Core | ||
| ASU 1101 | First Year Experience: Pathways to Success | 1 |
| HEDP, WELL | Health & Wellness Requirement 2 | 2 |
| Total Semester Hours | 123 | |
- 1
Courses in the Field of Study, Major Requirements, and General Political Science sections require a grade of C or higher.
- 2
The health & wellness requirement may be fulfilled by taking one - two (2) credit hour health or wellness course OR two one (1) credit hour health or wellness activity courses.