Program Overview
Explore government, politics, law, policy, and public service with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Political Science from UNA. This undergraduate program is designed for students who want to understand political systems, public policy, international affairs, political theory, and the role of government at the local, state, national, and global levels. This program prepares students for careers in government, politics, policy, public administration, law-related fields, planning agencies, and public service, as well as future study in law, government, politics, or policy.
Why Choose This Program?
- Prepare for law, government, and policy careers. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in federal, state, and local government, municipal and private planning agencies, and related public service fields.
- Study the major fields of political science. Students explore American politics, comparative government, international relations, political theory, public administration, and public policy.
- Build a foundation for law school. Political Science is one suggested undergraduate path for students preparing for law.
Curriculum & Coursework
The BA/BS in Political Science requires 120 total credit hours. Students complete general education requirements, major core requirements, 18 hours of political science electives, a required minor or second major, and general electives as needed. A maximum of three hours of internship credit and three hours of independent study credit may be included in the major.
Sample Courses:
- PS 241 United States Government and Politics
- PS 244 Public Policy and Administration
- PS 301W Political Science Scope and Methods
- PS 302 Comparative Government and Politics
Career Paths & Outcomes
Political Science graduates are prepared for careers in government, public policy, law-related fields, advocacy, planning, public administration, nonprofit organizations, campaign work, and related public service areas. The program also supports students who plan to attend law school or pursue future study in political science, public policy, public administration, government, or related fields.
Common Career Paths:
- Government Affairs Specialist
- Policy Analyst
- Legislative Aide
- Campaign staff member
- Public administration professional
- City or municipal planning professional
- Law school or legal studies pathway
Student Experience
Political Science students study government, policy, law, political theory, comparative politics, world politics, and public administration while building skills in research, writing, analysis, and civic engagement. Students can tailor their coursework through political science electives and related minors, including Political Science, International Political Studies, Legal Studies, and Public Administration.
Opportunities Include:
- Political Science electives
- Internship option
- Independent study option
- Legal Studies pathway or minor
- International Political Studies minor
- Public Administration minor
- Online course flexibility
Meet the Faculty
Dr. N. Alexander Aguado
Associate Professor of Political Science
naaguado@una.edu
Dr. Tim Collins
Associate Professor of Political Science
jtcollins@una.edu
Dr. Leah Graham
Assistant Professor of Political Science
lgraham1@una.edu
[UNA: Please confirm faculty copy, preferred featured faculty, and whether Dr. Alex Aguado should be listed as the primary contact for this program.]
