Political Science

Facade of courthouse with blue sky and some clouds in the background

Political Science is the study of government and public policy and of the political behavior of individuals, groups and institutions.

Political Science provides an understanding of issues such as international diplomacy, environmental, economics, healthcare policy, and election campaigns.

At least 3 credits beyond the freshman level must be completed in each of the areas below.

  • Comparative Political Systems: e.g., Country-Specific Political Systems, Comparative Political Systems, Political Development

    3 credits
  • International Relations: e.g., International Relations, International Law and Organizations, Conflict and Peace Studies, Political Economy, American Foreign Policy, Comparative Foreign Policy

    3 credits
  • Political Theory: e.g., Political Thought, Political Theory, Political Philosophy

    3 credits
  • Methodology: e.g., Political Science Research Methodology, Social Science Research Methodology, Econometrics, Sociological Research

    3 credits
  • United States Government: e.g., Public Policy, Constitutional Law, Political Organization, State and Local Government

    3 credits
  • Electives: includes courses and/ or tests in any of the above mentioned areas or in related subject areas

    18 credits
  • POL 499: Capstone

    3 credits

Outcomes & Pathways

Students who graduate with a concentration in Political Science will be able to:

  • explain the role of societal values in politics and the policy making process;
  • explain the dynamics of power and politics in the domestic and global contexts;
  • demonstrate knowledge of the subspecialties of political science: International Relations, American Government, Political Theory, State and Local Government, Public Administration, Comparative Politics, Constitutional Law, Political Science Methodology, etc.;
  • analyze the links between politics, values, and policy outcomes;
  • analyze the fundamentals of politics, political processes and political problems and patterns, such as inequality, group conflict, institutional failure, war, international conflict, terrorism, etc.;
  • identify levels of analysis and actors involved in government and politics;
  • identify and evaluate relations among political, economic, and social systems; and
  • conduct research using methods appropriate to the discipline; and
  • synthesize their learning of the concentration through a research paper, project, portfolio, or practicum.

Why Charter Oak State College?