B.A. in Political Science
Overview
The Department of Government, Legal Studies, and Philosophy offer programs of study leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. This program of study is designed for students who seek skills and substantive knowledge necessary to better understand the causes and effects of a wide variety of governmental institutions, processes, policies, and political behavior in preparation for exciting career opportunities both within and outside government. Students get training in comparative methodology, international politics, political philosophy, research methods, and develop their own capstone project. Students seeking a Bachelor of Arts degree take a 14-unit sequence in a foreign language of their choice (students seeking a Bachelor of Science degree take an equivalent 14-unit sequence in calculus and statistics).
Jump right in
The Political Science major program offers two concentration areas of study:
- Self-Designed
- Accelerated 4+1 Bachelor’s to MPA
Designed with you in mind
The Political Science major program of study is currently offered primarily on the Stephenville campus in a face-to-face format.
Accreditations
Related Programs
Not what you were looking for? Tarleton State University offers over 100 different degrees and certifications that may be of interest to you, including:
Estimated Completion
120 Credit Hours (4 years)
Application Process
Cost
Locations Available
Department
College
Plan Your Future
Internships provide students with real-world experience and the ability to acquire valuable skills. Past students have completed internships with state political leaders and local government offices. Students who are interested should work with their academic advisor to find the correct internship opportunity.
The career opportunities available to students with a B.A. in Political Science are very versatile. A career within this field may include:
- Campaign worker
- City manager
- Business administrator
Career Services offers students a wide variety of professional development opportunities that can translate into careers. A few of these programs include:
- Handshake
- Job fairs
- Mock interviews
- Resume assistance
Program Objectives
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science is designed for students who seek skills and substantive knowledge necessary to better understand the causes and effects of a wide variety of governmental institutions, processes, policies, and political behavior in preparation for exciting career opportunities both within and outside government.
Coursework Highlights
| Class | Number | Class Name |
|---|---|---|
| POLS | 2304 | Introduction to Political Science |
| POLS | 3308 | International Politics |
| POLS | 3311 | Political Philosophy I |
| POLS | 3312 | Political Philosophy II |
| POLS | 3314 | Comparative Politics |
| POLS | 3316 | Political Science Research Methods |
| POLS | 4390 | Political Science Capstone |
For more information on courses, please refer to the university catalog.
Facilities and Features
A specialization in public history prepares students for graduate studies and a non-traditional graduate academic career. Through coursework in museum studies, archival principles, and historic preservation, students acquire practical theoretical skills in:
- Documentation of historical resources
- Preservation of artifacts
- Management of cultural resources
Phi Alpha Theta is a history honor society that was established at Tarleton in 1985. The Alpha Beta Chi Chapter is starting out this semester with great expectations and we are looking for new members who qualify for membership. To see if you qualify or for more information, contact Dr. Janet Schmelzer.
The Texan Corps of Cadets are instilled with values that are essential for the service of our nation, and are exceptionally qualified to succeed in several areas of business, government, and the military. Corps members can benefit from scholarships, corporate internships, and graduation reward opportunities, as well as with the option to minor in Leadership Studies.
The W.K. Gordon Center for Industrial History of Texas is a Tarleton State University research facility, as well as a combined museum and special collections library. Located at the site of the Thurber ghost town, its interactive exhibits explore the birth and death of a company town.