Dec 26, 2024

2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Political Science, B.A.

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Study in Political Science prepares students to be critical observers of politics and society, active citizens, and for careers in a variety of fields. Our courses provide a deeper understanding of domestic and international politics. They train you to think critically, write well, and speak with confidence. Our alumni work in settings such as federal, state, and local governments; international organizations; nonprofits; business; law and courts; and communications.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in political science are expected to:

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, about the subject matter of political science;
Apply critical-thinking abilities and disciplinary theories/frameworks to solve problems.

POLS 1100 and POLS 2900 and three additional hours at the 1000 level (POLS 2900 should be taken no later than the end of the junior year). A minimum of 24 hours of political science at the 3000-4000 level distributed among at least three areas of political science with a concentration (at least 9 hours) in one area is also required. The following areas in political science are available:

American government
Comparative government
International relations
Political theory
Public administration
Public law

POLS 3030 is recommended for any of the 3000- and 4000-level courses in public administration. The beginning student is encouraged to take the following courses before taking advanced courses in a particular area: POLS 1100 for American government, POLS 1710 for comparative politics, and POLS 1720 for international relations. While all 1000- and 2000-level coursework completed satisfactorily will count toward the hours necessary for the baccalaureate degree, no more than nine hours at the 1000-2000 level or nine hours of POLS 4960 will count toward the 33-hour major.

All students must consult with an advisor early in their pursuit of a major. Students opting for honors in political science must also take POLS 4950, Honors Seminar in Contemporary Political Science, and write a senior thesis under the direction of a faculty advisor.

BG Perspective (BGP) Requirements

Must complete at least 1 course in each of the following:

English Composition and Oral Communication
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Quantitative Literacy
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Must Complete at least 2 courses in each of the following:

Humanities and the Arts
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Natural Sciences - at least one Lab Science required
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Social and Behavioral Sciences
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Complete total required BGP credit hours by selecting courses from any of the above categories:

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University Requirements

Designated courses in Humanities and the Arts and the Social and Behavioral Sciences domains may be used to fulfill both the BGP requirement and one of the following university requirements:

Cultural Diversity in the US ____________
International Perspective ____________

Composition Requirement:
WRIT 1120

Total BGP Credits: Must be at least 36

Arts & Sciences Requirements (WLC)

World Languages and Cultures (_ yrs of HS___)

Consult the Undergraduate Catalog or the Arts and Sciences Student Handbook regarding approved course options in the different language and culture areas.
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________1020_________________   ________
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Lab Science

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Multidisciplinary Component

Select from approved offerings, in consultation with an advisor and a faculty mentor. Four courses total, each with a different subject prefix. At least two courses at 3000/4000 level. Courses applied to the Arts & Sciences MDC may not be used to fulfill other Arts and Sciences degree requirements, nor may they be used to fulfill major, minor, BGP or other program requirements.
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Major Requirements

Students take two 1000 level courses, POLS 2100 and POLS 2900 , six courses at the 3000/4000 level with 3 courses in one area and one course in at least 3 areas, and a capstone - POLS 4900 or POLS 4910 . Among the 33 hours for the degree all students must take at least one course in American Government and one course in International Relations/Comparative Government.

Introductory level courses

Introductory (1000 level) courses: choose 2 of the following (6 credits)

Required 2000 level Courses (6 credits)

POLS 2100 should be taken in the first year. POLS 2900 should be taken during the first 2 years.

3000/4000 level Area requirement

Students take 6 courses at the 3000/4000 level, including must a concentration of 3 courses in one area, and at least 1 course in 3 areas.

American Government

Political Theory

Public Administration, Public Policy, and Nonprofit Administration

Public Law

Note:

POLS 4000 , POLS 4700 , POLS 4920 , POLS 4930 and POLS 4960 count in the area appropriate to the course topic. See Political Science advisor. Only 3 hours of 4920/4930/4960 may count toward Political Science major or minor.

Capstone / Signature Work

All POLS majors must complete one of the following (3 credits)

Total Hours: 33

Minor Requirements

Up to two courses at the 1000 level plus five courses at the 2000-4000 level (21 hours)

Electives and Non-Credit Courses

For Graduation You Will Need:

122 credit hours minimum.
Minimum GPA 2.00.
At least 30 credit hours of BGSU course work.
40 credit hours at the 3000/4000 level.
Completion of all degree requirements, including the BG Perspective Core.
A major, and if required, a minor, specialization or emphasis.

Any substitution or waiver of courses required for your major or minor program must originate in the department/school offering the major or minor and must be approved by the College Office.

To ensure a timely graduation, see a College Advisor during the semester prior to your intended graduation.

Remember to complete an Application for Graduation by the end of the second week of classes during the fall semester or spring regular session, or by the end of the first week of the summer semester. For the specific dates, check your DARS. You may log onto MyBGSU to complete the online application. After the deadlines, you will need to complete an application in person in the College Office.