Political Science, B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Anderson University provides students with a strong liberal arts foundation within a Christian educational environment, preparing them to think critically about power, governance, and the dynamics of political life in a complex and interconnected world. Through the study of American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and public policy, students gain a better appreciation of how political institutions and ideas shape societies and influence global events. The program emphasizes research, analytical reasoning, and effective communication, while offering flexibility to pursue individual interests and career goals. Students are encouraged to combine their studies with fields such as History, International Relations, Communications, Business, or Public Policy. Graduates are well prepared for careers in government, law, public service, advocacy, journalism, business, or for advanced study in political science, international affairs, or law.

Curriculum Summary - Political Science, B.A.

General Education Core	41 hours
Major Core	12 hours
Major Electives	21 hours
Cognate Courses	3 hours
General Electives	43 hours
Total	120 hours

Degree Requirements (120 Cr. Hrs.)

University Core Requirements (41 Cr. Hrs.)

University Core Curriculum (Traditional) Specified Course Requirements: Historical Inquiry: HIS 162 Social Inquiry: PS 101 Intercultural Inquiry: FOR LANG 112 or higher Quantitative Literacy: MAT 108

Major Core Requirements (12 Cr. Hrs.)

PS 201 - Research Methods for Political Science 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS 220 - International Relations 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS 251 - Comparative Politics 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS 497 - Political Science Senior Seminar 3 Cr. Hrs.

Major Electives (21 Cr. Hrs.)

Choose 21 Cr. Hrs. of PS 300/400 level courses. PS majors are required to take at least two upper-level classes outside of United States Politics.

PS 301 - Public Policy 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS 302 - International Political Economy 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS 303 - United States Political Institutions 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS 305 - War and Peace in World Politics 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS 306 - United States Foreign Policy 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS 307 - Introduction to Human Rights 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS 310 - Judicial Process and Policymaking 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS 314 - Environmental Policy and Law 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS 320 - Modern Schools of Diplomacy and Ethics 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS 330 - Public Diplomacy 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS 369 - Special Topics 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS 401 - Western European Politics 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS 402 - Introduction to International Law and Organization 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS 403 - Conflict Resolution 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS 410 - Civil Rights and Civil Liberties 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS 411 - Comparative Public Policy 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS 435 - Campaigns and Elections 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS 440 - Foreign Policy Analysis and Ethics 3 Cr. Hrs.

Cognate Requirements (3 Cr. Hrs.)

HIS 182 - The Modern World 3 Cr. Hrs.

General Electives (43 Cr. Hrs.)

Suggested Eight Semester Sequence

Sixth Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

CON 3** - Connections 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS Electives 6 Cr. Hrs.
Electives 6 Cr. Hrs.

Seventh Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

CTI 4** - Contemporary Issues 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS Electives 3 Cr. Hrs.
Electives 9 Cr. Hrs.

Eighth Semester (13 Cr. Hrs.)

PS 497 - Political Science Senior Seminar 3 Cr. Hrs.
PS Electives 3 Cr. Hrs.
Electives 7 Cr. Hrs.