
Bachelor's Degree in Political Science
If you are considering a legal career, a political science degree is a great choice because it focuses on what law does in society, how laws are made, the role of the courts, and other related topics. Although you don’t have to get your BA in Political Science to apply to law school, you can get a good feel for studying law by taking the courses that come with a political science major.
- Mission and Goals
- What is a Political Science?
- Why Get a Political Science Degree?
- What Can You Do with a Political Science Degree?
- Degree Requirements for Political Science Degree
- More Information on Political Science Degree
Mission and Goals
The mission of the Political Science Degree at University of the Cumberlands is to teach political science majors the structures, policies, and controversies that surround government and policy making, preparing them for work in local, state, or national governments, among a host of other possible careers. While some political science degree graduates will choose to move into law school, whatever you choose, know that political science majors in this program strengthen their critical thinking skills, become effective and ethically responsible communicators, and obtain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the different philosophies of government and the complexities of the world.
What is Political Science?
Political science is a social science focused on governments and systems of power and the analysis of laws and political activities, thoughts, and behaviors. There are a wide range of subdisciplines, such as political economy, international relations, and public policy and administration. Political science shares methodology with other social sciences, like history, psychology, and behavioral science. This allows you to take classes in your area of interest during your political studies. Degree programs vary, but generally cover topics such as international law, government administration, and diplomacy.
Why Get a Political Science Degree?
Why a political science degree? As a political science major at Cumberlands, you will survey the major concepts, issues, and controversies in political science. Whether you are pursuing a poli sci minor or your Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, you’ll explore public policy, constitutional law, political theory, comparative government, American foreign policy, the presidency, and Congress.
At University of the Cumberlands, you can pursue a minor or a bachelor’s in political science. The experienced, caring faculty in the Department of History and Political Science will help you choose the combination of study to best meet your personal goals. With a poli-sci degree, you will be well-prepared to begin your career or to continue your political science degree studies in graduate school.
What Can You Do with a Political Science Degree?
Wondering what can you do professionally as a political science major? The answer is a lot, actually. Career opportunities for those with a political science degree are numerous. Many graduates with a political science major gain work in government as elected officials or in many other capacities, including lobbyists. Alternative career options include:
Before becoming a political science major, you might be wondering what can you do with a degree in political science? The truth is, actually a lot.
POLITICAL SCIENTIST1
You don’t have to wait for the next election cycle to put your political science degree from University of the Cumberlands to work. Reasoning, interpreting, analyzing – the skills you’ll gain are highly valued by employers in a number of industries. Food for thought when that election cycle starts – political scientists average $122,510 annually.
Maybe your bachelors in political science is just the first step … many graduates of the fine arts program go on to pursue additional certifications or degrees to explore careers in graphic design, advertising or even art therapy.
POSTSECONDARY INSTRUCTOR2
Another direction you can take is in teaching – training future generations of voters as a college or university instructor. With a median annual salary of $79,640, employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 12 percent over the next decade.
CAREERS
- Lawyer
- Journalist
- Business Owner
- Teaching
- FBI Officer
- Foreign Service Officer
- Ambassador
- Historian
- CIA Intelligence Specialist
- And many more
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of political science and government is expected to have 262,000 job openings by 2024. That’s 262,000 opportunities an undergraduate degree in political science can help you pursue.
"$122,510" Median Annual Pay for Political Scientists1
1Political Scientists
2Postsecondary Teachers
Requirements for Political Science Degree
Bachelor of Science with a Major in Political Science
REQUIREMENTS FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE WITH A MAJOR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE – 37 credit hours: 19 hours of required courses plus 18 hours following either Option I or Option II
Required courses for both options (19 hours):
- POLS 131 Introduction to Political Science
- POLS 233 American National Government
- POLS 235 Introduction to International Relations
- HIST 224 Research Mechanics
- HIST 225 Research Composition
- POLS 490 Issues in Political Science
AND
OR
15 additional hours are to be chosen from the Political Science offerings within the department.
- POLS 230 Introduction to Law and Legal Education
- POLS 233 American National Government
- HIST 224 Research Mechanics
- HIST 225 Research Composition
- HIST 337 The American Constitution
- POLS 431 Internship
Three additional hours of electives from Political Science section.
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
As a political science major, a BA in political science requires the completion of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree plus a world language through the intermediate level.
Minor in Political Science
REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE – 24 semester hours as follows: Required courses are
(12 hours):
- POLS 131 Introduction to Political Science
- POLS 233 American National Government
- POLS 235 Introduction to International Relations
AND
OR
OR
Plus 12 elective hours from the political science offerings of the department.
Pre-Law Curriculm
The Department recommends the Pre-Law students take the following courses from the History/Political Science Major (46 hours)
Required courses are (28 hours):
- HIST 137 World Civilization I
- HIST 138 World Civilization II
- HIST 224 Research Mechanics
- HIST 225 Research Composition
- HIST 231 United States History to 1877
- HIST 232 United States History since 1877
- POLS 131 Introduction to Political Science
- POLS 233 American National Government
- POLS 235 Introduction to International Relations
- POLS 490 Issues in Political Science OR HIST 490 Issues in History
18 Elective hours from the following:
- HIST 334 Early America
- HIST 335 England: 1485-1832
- HIST 337 The American Constitution
- POLS 230 Introduction to Law and Legal Education
- POLS 431 Internship
- POLS 433 Political Theory I
AND/OR
- POLS 434 Political Theory II
- POLS 437 Public Policy and Administration
- HIST 450 Origins of American Constitutionalism
Associate in Paralegal Studies
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE A.S. AND ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE A.A.S. IN PARALEGAL STUDIES - 24HRS
- ITSS 130 Application Software
- CRJS 131 Intro to Criminal Justice;
- COMM 332 Small Group Communication nbsp;
- POLS 233 American National History
- POLS 141 Legal Terminology
- POLS 239 Legal Terminology
- POLS 430 Selected Topics
More Information on Political Science Degree
TUITION
Costs for programs of study at University of the Cumberlands are competitive and affordable. Click here to view tuition rates and fees.
ACCREDITATION
Click here to view University of the Cumberlands' accreditation information.
If you’ve been looking for the perfect political science major to fit your needs, let University of the Cumberlands show you the way with an accredited bachelor’s in political science degree that will help you make a difference for your career and the lives others. Fill out the form on this page to see what you could accomplish with a BS or BA in political science. Let’s talk about our test-optional college admissions process, scholarship opportunities, and more!
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Career Path
A University of the Cumberlands degree prepares you for the rigors of the professional world. Click the button to learn more about the exciting career opportunities you can pursue with this program.