Political Science
Extensive opportunities in a fast-paced, competitive field
Want a dynamic career in government service, business, education, or law in an undoubtedly vibrant political climate? An Alfred University Political Science degree affords you the ability to enter the workforce in a diverse range of fields, helping to shape people's lives by engaging in community outreach, public policy, national, state and local politics, communications and journalism, and more.
Major
Double Major
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Minor
The Political Science major attracts students who want to achieve a better understanding of the political environments that shape human interaction. Majors are introduced to the dynamics of politics both domestically and globally. Along with an understanding of political processes, they acquire a theoretical background for the study of political dynamics and the basic quantitative and qualitative tools for analyzing them. In addition to helping students prepare for graduate study, the major helps to prepare students for many different career paths, including government service, legal study, non-governmental organizations (NGO’s), business, journalism, or teaching.
I. Core Courses
- POLS 110 American Politics
- POLS 150 World Politics
- POLS 230 Intro to Data Analysis and Statistics
II. Core Subject Areas
At least one course from each of the following three groups:
American Politics:
- POLS 310 Executive Branch Institutions
- POLS 313 State and Local Politics
- POLS 318 The Presidency*
- POLS 331 Parties and Elections
Political Thought:
- POLS 340 Classical Political Theory
- POLS 341 Modern Political Theory
- POLS 346 American Political Thought*
- POLS 420 Social Theory: A Survey
Comparative and International Politics:
- POLS 253 Dictatorship and Democracy
- POLS 351 European Politics
- POLS 382 Latin American Politics
III. Elective Courses
Twelve additional credit hours in Political Science from core subject area courses or the following courses:
- POLS 200 Special Topics
- POLS 214 Environment, Politics and Society
- POLS 237 Media and Politics
- POLS 242 Approaches to Law
- POLS 300 Special Topics
- POLS 304 Equality
- POLS 316 American Constitutional Law and Politics*
- POLS 321 The History of Fascism
- POLS 329 Revolution and Culture: Hegel, Marx, and Nietzsche
- POLS 332 Judicial Processes
- POLS 355 Public Policy
- POLS 356 Social Movements
- POLS 373 Terrorism and International Security
- POLS 417 Civil Liberties
- POLS/SOCI 431 Research Designs and Strategies
- POLS 450 Independent Study
- POLS 470 Field Work
*These courses have prerequisites; see course descriptions
Education Track
Students seeking to major in Political Science in preparation for a career in middle/adolescent education (grades 7-12) can combine a Political Science Education Track academic major with a minor in Education. The requirements for a Political Science Education Track major are listed below.
I. Core Courses
- POLS 110 American Politics
- POLS 150 World Politics
- POLS 230 Introduction to Data Analysis and Statistics
II. Elective Courses
At least one course from each of the following two groups:
American Politics:- POLS 310 Executive Branch Institutions
- POLS 313 State and Local Politics
- POLS 318 The Presidency*
- POLS 331 Parties and Elections
- POLS 340 Classical Political Theory
- POLS 341 Modern Political Theory
- POLS 346 American Political Thought*
- POLS 420 Social Theory: A Survey
- Eight additional credit hours in Political Science
III. Two courses in related social sciences and geography
- ECON 201 Principles of Microeconomics
- GEOL 101 This Dynamic Earth
IV. Four Courses in History
- HIST 110 The Making of Europe
- HIST 111 Modern Western History
- HIST 211 American History
- HIST 212 American History II
In addition to fulfilling the requirements of the Interdepartmental Major, as well as the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences general education requirements, you'll be required to complete the College's First Year Experience Program or Transfer Student Program.
Political Science as a double major is available to any AU student. To earn a Political Science double major, take all courses listed below, totaling 36 credits.
Learn more about Double Majors
I. Core Courses
- POLS 110 American Politics
- POLS 150 World Politics
- POLS 230 Intro to Data Analysis and Statistics
II. Core Subject Areas
At least one course from each of the following three groups:
American Politics:
- POLS 310 Executive Branch Institutions
- POLS 313 State and Local Politics
- POLS 318 The Presidency*
- POLS 331 Parties and Elections
Political Thought:
- POLS 340 Classical Political Theory
- POLS 341 Modern Political Theory
- POLS 346 American Political Thought*
- POLS 420 Social Theory: A Survey
Comparative and International Politics:
- POLS 253 Dictatorship and Democracy
- POLS 351 European Politics
- POLS 382 Latin American Politics
III. Elective Courses
Twelve additional credit hours in Political Science from core subject area courses or the following courses:
- POLS 200 Special Topics
- POLS 214 Environment, Politics and Society
- POLS 237 Media and Politics
- POLS 242 Approaches to Law
- POLS 300 Special Topics
- POLS 304 Equality
- POLS 316 American Constitutional Law and Politics*
- POLS 321 The History of Fascism
- POLS 329 Revolution and Culture: Hegel, Marx, and Nietzsche
- POLS 332 Judicial Processes
- POLS 355 Public Policy
- POLS 356 Social Movements
- POLS 373 Terrorism and International Security
- POLS 417 Civil Liberties
- POLS/SOCI 431 Research Designs and Strategies
- POLS 450 Independent Study
- POLS 470 Field Work
*These courses have prerequisites; see course descriptions
- POLS 110 American Politics
- POLS 150 World Politics
- Plus twelve additional hours in Political Science
The Political Science program develops not only reasoning and analytical skills, but also communication skills, both oral and written. Thus, the study of political science prepares a student to pursue a variety of careers that include, but are not limited to, law, policy development, public service, national and international business, communications, and education.
Recent examples include:
- Investigator - Texas Dept of Family and Protective Services
- New Business Marketing Director – Corporate Styles
- Surveillance Investigator – Benchmark International
- Benefits Specialist – PriceWaterhouseCoopers
- Compensation Specialist – Towers Perrin
- Community Development Project Manager – SEDA, Council of Governments
- Loan Officer – Mortgage Mart, Inc.
- SEO Writer - HubShout
- Environmental Analyst – Marasco Newton Group
- Regional Coordinator – Western Regional EMS
- Town Supervisor – Town of Wellsville
- Paralegal – Wilson, Elsca, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker
- Assistant Director of Development – Eureka College
- Assistant Manager – Global Equities, Inc.
- Administrative Assistant – American Physical Therapy Association
- Legal Assistant – Nixon Peabody LLP
- Marketing Coordinator – META Engineers, P.C.
Student Stories
APEX in the Nation's Capital (Political Science, Psychology, Public Law)
"My experience at this APEX internship made me surer of myself and more determined to pursue my goals."
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If you're considering an education in Political Science, you might consider double majoring or adding a minor to your plan of study.