College of Behavioral and Social Sciences > Political Science and International Studies > B.A. in Political Science

B.A. in Political Science

Format: In person on the Statesboro Campus or the Armstrong Campus in Savannah
Credit Hours: 124

The political science program at Georgia Southern prepares students for active roles as citizens of the state of Georgia, the United States and the world. Studying the interplay of political institutions and the principles, organization and methods of government, political science majors gain a sound understanding of the United States government and the Georgia government and are introduced to theoretical themes and global issues. Students may select from a variety of options for individualized study.

The Department of Political Science offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Minor in Political Science. View the degree requirements for both below.

Courses and Curriculum

What can I do with a degree in Political Science?

Political science majors are in demand in fields ranging from government service to education, and nonprofit agencies to media outlets. An undergraduate degree in political science is also an excellent preparation for application to graduate programs in law or public administration.

Summer internships provide valuable real-world experience for careers or graduate study as do projects that take students out into the community to conduct surveys, interview decision-makers and observe social problems and political problem-solving.

Career Paths and Areas of Interest

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Area of Concentration, Emphasis, and Certificate

In lieu of the general degree, students may choose a concentration in Global Security Studies, an emphasis in Law and Politics and/or a Paralegal certificate. The Emphasis in Law and Politics and Paralegal Certificate may be earned concurrently.

Global Security Studies (18 credit hours)
The Global Security Studies concentration offers a comprehensive exploration of global security challenges, divided into three core areas. In the Homeland Defense & National Security category, students gain insights into state-centered approaches focusing on centralized government decision-making and defending states from external aggression. In the Homeland Security area, the emphasis shifts to people-centered protection, including safeguarding individuals from various threats and empowering governments, NGOs, and individuals. Lastly, the International Law and Peace segment focuses on individual and collective responses to global security concerns, with a keen focus on governmental, IGO, NGO, and individual roles. Through a diverse selection of courses, students acquire a well-rounded understanding of global security issues and develop the necessary skills to address contemporary security challenges effectively.

Law and Politics (15 credit hours)
The Emphasis in Law and Politics offers an exploration of the fascinating intersection between legal systems and political dynamics. Required courses include Judicial Politics and Constitutional Law, with elective options such as Moot Court, Gender and the Law, Torts, Legal Research and Writing, and Immigration Law and Policy. This 15-credit emphasis equips students to critically analyze and engage with legal and political issues.

Paralegal Certificate (15 credit hours)
Our 15-credit hour certificate opens doors to exciting career opportunities in law as a paralegal. You’ll delve into the foundations of law with Intro to the Law and courses like Legal Process or Judicial Politics, and hone valuable skills in Legal Research and Writing. Tailor your learning with a selection of Certificate Electives, choosing from Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Administrative Law, Constitutional Law, and Torts.

What will I learn in political science programs?

Students are introduced to the basic framework of the American political system with a course in American government and to contemporary political issues and problems in the introduction to political science areas.
Courses in national politics educate students about American political thought, political parties and elections, political media, the U.S. Constitution, U.S. foreign policy and the American presidency. Classes are also offered in African-American politics, gender politics, and political film.
Students interested in state and local government can learn more about public administration and research methods and take specialty seminars such as Southern politics or environmental policy.
Students can learn about international relations in classes that focus on international law, international organizations, international political economy, international terrorism and U.S. foreign policy.
In preparation for application to law school, political science majors can also take a two-part course in constitutional law and a course in judicial politics taught by experts in the field or attorneys who are practitioners in the local legal community.

Enhance your political science education at Georgia Southern

Join the Political Science Club
Join the Political Science Honor Society Pi Sigma Alpha
Become a part of Model U.N.
Complete an internship (e.g.. Eagles in D.C. Legislative Internship)
Join a study abroad program
Participate in research with a professor
Write for a campus publication
Develop skills in computers, statistics and data analysis

Career Paths and Areas of Interest for Political Science

Political Science

American Politics, International Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Theory

Employers: Federal, State and Local Government; Staff of State or National Officials; National and State Legislators; National Committees of a political party; Pubic Interest Advocacy groups; Campaigns (national, state, county or city)

Careers: CIA Agent, City Planner/Manager, Congressional Research Service, Diplomat, Environmental Policy Analyst, Federal State Agency Employee, Foreign Affairs Specialist, Foreign Service Officer, Government Relations Manager, Grassroots Organizer, Intelligence Specialist/Analyst, International Organization Advisor, Lobbyist, Political Consultant, Public Policy Analyst, Trade Policy Analyst, United Nations Liaison, White House Advisor

Journalism/Broadcast Journalism

Editing/Reporting, Research, Circulation, Sales, Production

Employers: Large circulation newspapers, local newspapers, wire services, trade newspapers, major television networks, public television stations, national radio networks, state/regional radio networks, medium/small market radio stations, independent radio syndications, bloggers/online publications

Careers: Editor, Journalist, Media Specialist

Law

Lawyer, Legal Assistant, Paralegal

Employers: Law firms, corporations, state and local government, private practice, public interest agencies

Careers: FBI Agent, Juvenile Justice Specialist, Paralegal

Business (For Profit or Nonprofit)

International/National Marketing/Sales, Human Resources, Advertising, Public Relations, Banking/Finance, Retail, Administration, Management

Employers: Business firms, nonprofit organizations, foundations, professional associations, interest groups, charities

Careers: Budget Analyst, Corporate Social Policy, Development Director, Event Planner, Information Technology Officer, International Business Analyst, Multinational Corporate Advisor, Nonprofit Employee, Non-Governmental Organization Advisor, Public Affairs Specialist, Public Relations

Education

Employers: Public schools, private schools, colleges and universities

Careers: Education Policy Analyst, Peace Corps Worker

Program Outcomes

Degree Assessment

I. MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) program in Political Science at Georgia Southern University is to foster the development of civically-engaged students who will become productive citizens dedicated to serving their communities, their nations, and the world. The BA in Political Science prepares students for active citizenship by preparing them for professional careers in government, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations, business, studies in law, political science, and public policy. Graduates of the BA program in Political Science will become life-long learners as they become cognizant of the institutions and processes of governance and the policies and historical and current events which shape their lives.

II. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

POLITICAL SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAM GOALS

The goals of the degree programs in Political Science are designed to provide graduating seniors in Political Science with:

1. A knowledge of the discipline of political science in terms of its sub-fields, purposes, concepts, theories, and varieties of methodologies utilized in the discipline.

2. An ability to evaluate, analyze, and synthesize the nature of political processes and their subsequent policy formulations both in the United States and in comparison with the governments and politics of other nations.

3. An ability to think critically and utilize a variety of theoretical constructs and a variety of research methodologies to understand and explain historical and contemporary political events and public policies.

4. An ability to communicate effectively in both the written and oral form to be prepared to achieve personal goals in regard to domestic government employment and service, international or non-governmental service, private employment, and graduate or law school.

POLITICAL SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of a degree in Political Science, graduates should be able to:

1A. Delineate the theoretical and methodological differences between the subfields of political science; i.e., American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Public Policy.

1B. Utilize appropriate nomenclature of the various subfields in Political Science when discussing and writing.

2A. Demonstrate an ability to distinguish between the political processes of different forms of government in both the international and domestic realm.

2B. Recognize the underlying cultural, societal, philosophical, and political factors which have lead to the policies found in the United States and different countries around the world.

3A. Demonstrate an ability to think critically by utilizing appropriate theoretical constructs in both qualitative and quantitative research projects.

3B. Incorporate appropriate methodologies into narratives which add to the ability to both analyze and explain political events and public policies.

4A. Demonstrate an ability to write with both clarity and precision by utilizing key phrasing relevant to the study of political science.

4B. Participate in discipline-specific activities which will further career goals in the graduate’s field of study.