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Political Science

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Political science focuses on the structure, process, and outcomes of politics and government.

The programs include courses in the areas of American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political philosophy, methodology, public administration, public policy, and public law.

Goals and Objectives

Political science majors will:

  1. demonstrate knowledge in most of the generally-recognized areas of the discipline;
  2. demonstrate political analysis skills;
  3. demonstrate skills essential for success in careers related to political science;
  4. demonstrate effective citizenship; and
  5. demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively.

 

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Note: The information below provides convenient links to some of the courses required for this degree; however, it should not be used as a course registration guide. Please refer to the official Lander University Academic Catalog for the most accurate and up-to-date program requirements.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS1 CREDIT
HOURS
A. Core Skills

 

ENGL 101 Writing and Inquiry I 3
  ENGL 102 Writing and Inquiry II 3
  MATH 211

Statistical Methods I

3

B. Humanities and Fine Arts
(6 hours selected from 2 different disciplines)

6
C. Behavioral and Social Perspectives
(6 hours selected from 2 different disciplines)
6
D. Scientific and Mathematical Reasoning
    Approved Science or Mathematics 3
    Approved Lab Science 4
E. Founding Documents of the United States
  HIST 111R2

United States History to 1877

3
F. World Cultures 3
G. LINK 101 1
Total General Education Requirements 35

1 For approved courses see the General Education section
If you already have credit for HIST 111, do not take HIST 111R; if you already have credit for HIST 112, do not take HIST 112R; if you already have credit for POLS 101, do not take POLS 101R

 

MAJOR PROGRAM CORE REQUIREMENTS CREDIT
HOURS
POLS 101 American National Government
OR POLS 101R American National Government
3
POLS 103 Introduction to World Politics 3
POLS 200 Introduction to Political Science 3
POLS 318 Public Budgeting 3
POLS 386 State and Local Government 3
POLS 499 Capstone Senior Seminar 3

 

MAJOR PROGRAM ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS CREDIT
HOURS
American Politics (select 3)
POLS 217, POLS 271, POLS 302, POLS 307, POLS 308, POLS 311, POLS 312POLS 313, POLS 350, POLS 360, POLS 379, POLS 391, POLS 490
9

International Relations and Comparative Politics (select 2)
POLS 250, POLS 303, POLS 305, POLS 325, POLS 331, POLS 361, POLS 366POLS 390, POLS 445, POLS 490
6
 
Total Major Program Requirements 33
Additional Electives 52
TOTAL FOR BS DEGREE 120

 

  • Coursework must include at least 30 hours earned in 300 or above level courses, of which 12 hours must be in the major.
  • See the 4-year major guide for recommended order in which to take courses