Political Scientists play a crucial role in evaluating, interpreting, and understanding the impact of government and politics on the lives of billions of people around the world. Whether at the state, local, national, or international level, the political decisions made by governments have far-reaching consequences that touch our day-to-day lives. Politicians, bureaucrats, activists, and media all help determine who gets what, when, and how. Ensuring they make informed decisions is critical. The skills and knowledge acquired through the Government & Politics concentration are particularly relevant across society today. Competent graduates develop the skills necessary to ensure that both decision makers and the electorate are informed, while also the providing the expertise necessary to become decision makers themselves.
Program objectives for the B.A. in Political Science are: (a) basic understanding of political and governmental institutions and processes in the United States and other countries; (b) basic understanding of the ways in which countries interact with one another, directly or through intermediary institutions; (c) basic understanding of the development of political thought; (d) able to apply basic political science methodologies to questions of political science; (e) able to analyze and explain political and governmental processes and outcomes; (f) able to interpret political attitudes, values, and beliefs; (g) have the critical reading, writing, and thinking skills necessary for careers in government, business, law, or academia.
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