Political Science Major (B.A.)

A minor is required.

Admission:

Students will be admitted into the Political Science or the Public Administration major after 1) successfully completing one Political Science course at SVSU with a grade of “C” or better, and 2) meeting formally with the Department Chair to plan a course of study.

The curriculum for this major reflects four traditional areas of political study: political theory and culture, political and legal institutions, public policy, and global politics. The role of law in politics is woven through all four areas.

This major’s central goal is to provide a liberal arts education that trains students to think critically about issues of equality, justice, and law as they relate to our world. In their coursework from the four areas of political study, students will receive significant practice in developing their reading, writing, and oral communication skills. And, students will gain a working understanding of disciplinary methods of inquiry, including an introduction to statistics. This training can prepare students for graduate studies in fields such as law, public policy, and political science; or for interdisciplinary studies such as the Master of Administrative Science offered by Saginaw Valley State University. Other students will use their major to gain entry to careers in government, public affairs, business, or the non-profit sectors. In combination with appropriate minors or majors, the study of political science can also prepare students for graduate work or employment in other fields. By meeting early and often with faculty advisors, each student can plan a course of study that serves his or her post-graduate goals.

At the end of their program, Political Science majors should be able to:

• Identify and assess the roles of equality, justice, and law as they relate to politics.
• Describe and apply key concepts from the major’s four areas of political study : political theory and culture, political institutions, public policy, and global politics.
• Identify and analyze diverse political perspectives.
• Identify and employ various disciplinary methods of inquiry.
• Construct written documents that feature accurate summary, logical analysis, and/or creative synthesis.
• Present information and arguments in oral form.
• Demonstrate the ability to read and analyze various kinds of texts.