Political Science (B.A.)
The major in political science local area and in Washington, D.C. These programs form a valuable link between college and career and are an important part of the undergraduate experience in political science.
The major in political science is designed to:
- Provide a liberal, career-oriented education for students seeking employment in business, government, and the independent sector
- Provide preparation for the study of law
- Provide preparation for entry-level career positions or graduate study in public policy or political science
- Integrate the study of politics with the techniques required for a career in journalism.
Students majoring in Political Science select one of three concentrations: American Politics, General/Pre-law, or Public Policy. In addition, students can gain breadth of knowledge by taking courses in the other concentrations.
Major Program (42-66 credit hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| POLI 103 | Introduction to World Politics, International Law, and Organization | 3 |
| POLI 105 | American National Government | 3 |
| MATH 105 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| POLI 333 | Scope and Methods of Political Science | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3-15 | |
| Senior Thesis (3) | ||
| Washington Internship Program (6-15) | ||
| Political Science Internship (3-15) | ||
| Select one course from each of the following groups: | 9 | |
| Group l: American Politics | ||
| Contemporary Political and Social Justice (3) | ||
| Introduction to Law (3) | ||
| Public Administration (3) | ||
| State and Local Politics (3) | ||
| Politics, Parties and Pressure Groups (3) | ||
| United States since 1945 (3) | ||
| American Constitutional Law: American Community (3) | ||
| Constitutional Law II: Bill of Rights (3) | ||
| Legal Process/ Mock Trial (3) | ||
| The Presidency (3) | ||
| The Congress (3) | ||
| Social Reform and Welfare State (3) | ||
| American Public Policy (3) | ||
| Group II: Political Theory | ||
| American Political Thought (3) | ||
| Western Political Philosophy (3) | ||
| Group III: International Relations/Foreign & Comparative Politics | ||
| Comparative Political Analysis (3) | ||
| Middle East in World Affairs (3) | ||
| Politics in Eastern Europe (3) | ||
| United States in World Affairs (3) | ||
| Directed Foreign Travel (1-6) | ||
| Select one of the following concentrations: | 18-30 | |
| Total Hours | 42-66 | |
Concentration in American Politics
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select six of the following: | 18 | |
| American Political Thought (3) | ||
| Contemporary Political and Social Justice (3) | ||
| Politics, Parties and Pressure Groups (3) | ||
| Political Communications (3) | ||
| United States since 1945 (3) | ||
| United States in World Affairs (3) | ||
| American Constitutional Law: American Community (3) | ||
| Constitutional Law II: Bill of Rights (3) | ||
| The Presidency (3) | ||
| The Congress (3) | ||
| American Public Policy (3) | ||
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Concentration in Public Policy
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| ACCT 125 | Financial Accounting | 3 |
| ECON 101 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 102 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| MGMT 150 | Management and Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| POLI 220 | Public Administration | 3 |
| POLI 375 | American Public Policy | 3 |
| Select four of the following: | 12 | |
| Contemporary Political and Social Justice (3) | ||
| State and Local Politics (3) | ||
| Policy Analysis (3) | ||
| United States in World Affairs (3) | ||
| Policy Topics (3) | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Concentration in General/Pre-law
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select six courses from the Political Science Curriculum (three must be at 300-400 level) | 18 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Students work with their advisors in selecting additional elective credits to fulfill the 120 credit hours required for graduation.
Pre-Law Notes
The pre-law handbook, published by the Association of American Law Schools and the Law School Admission Council, states that no specific major, course of studies, department, or division is preferred for all students preparing for a law career. A future law student needs to develop experience and skills in three basic areas:
- effectiveness in the comprehension and use of language
- in-depth understanding of human institutions and values
- creative power in thinking.
A particular major may be more helpful if a student has already determined what type of lawyer they want to be. For example, someone seeking a career in corporation law may find that a business administration major will give the best preparation for future work. English, history, criminal and social justice, political science, philosophy, and sociology are other areas typically chosen as pre-law majors.
Many USF students major in political science since there are a number of courses in the major associated with the field of law. For instance, the Introduction to Law course teaches students to think like lawyers and includes visits to local law schools as well as class visits by law school admission counselors. The department also offers courses in Intro to Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, and Corporate Law. Of course, students majoring in other disciplines are welcome to take these courses as well.
Academic advisors work closely with pre-law students to ensure that electives within their chosen major and general education courses all strengthen the student’s preparation for the LSAT admission exam and ultimately law school. Students are encouraged to take courses in economics, accounting, ethics, critical writing, and speech. Students preparing for the LSAT Exam are also encouraged to take the one-credit LSAT Prep class, as well as the Princeton Review or Kaplan preparation program. The pre-law advisor is a member of the Midwest Pre-Law Association and works with students on school selection, recommendation letters and personal statements as part of law school selection, application, and admission.
Internships (Legal, Washington Legislative, Governmental)
Students have the opportunity to work in a number of regional law firms or intern for judges in a legal internship. Students can also elect to spend a credit in Washington DC interning for a congressman or senator. In addition, students have interned for the White House or for Washington lobbying firms. Locally, students can intern with a state representative or senator.
Mock Trial Competition
USF also has a Mock Trial Competition University of Chicago, to name a few. The team regularly receives an invitation to the national tournament and has won trophies for team excellence as well as individual student awards. USF sponsors its own invitational tournament in the fall. Students may take POLI 350 Legal Process/ Mock Trial two times for college credit.