Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Program Description/Overview

This program trains individuals for careers in the public and private sectors, including federal, state and local governments; non-profit/non-governmental organizations; business; foreign policy and diplomacy; campaign management; journalism; and law. The program also prepares students for graduate education in the fields of political science, international relations, law, business and public policy. In accordance with the mission and core values of the University, we embrace a multicultural, global and interdisciplinary approach toward providing students with the knowledge and skill sets they need to work effectively within and across cultural and national boundaries and tackle local, regional and global political challenges.

This program consists of 48 units of lower division general education courses, 12 units of lower division pre-requisite courses, and 60 units of upper division program courses.

Emphasis/Concentration/Tracks

The innovative Fast Track program provides undergraduate students a direct path to various graduate degrees at Alliant International University. The program is designed for qualified undergraduate students with a 3.0 GPA or above, who are motivated to pursue a graduate degree with a professional practice edge. In the Fast Track program, upper division undergraduate studies will be blended with the graduate curriculum. At least four (12 units) bridge courses will be offered at the graduate level. If students complete the bridge courses with a B or above grade, they can transfer in those courses into their graduate program if they choose to continue their graduate education at Alliant International University.

The following Fast Tracks are available for this program:

1. Pre-Law
2. MBA

Students who choose not to pursue the fast track option can take upper division interdisciplinary or business elective courses instead.

Program Learning Outcomes/Goals

1. Students will gain substantive knowledge of the concepts and theories of political science and its major subfields.
   SLO 1 - Identify, compare and contrast different political systems.
   SLO 2 - Analyze and explain political behavior, cultures, institutions and processes using prominent theories and frameworks.
   SLO 3 - Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and processes of the international system.
   SLO 4 - Understand the complex interrelationships between political, economic, social, cultural, and historical forces at the local, national and global levels.
   SLO 5 - Apply political science knowledge to contemporary global issues and problems to identify alternative solutions.
2. Students will develop critical thinking and effective communications skills.
   SLO 6 - Develop logical and persuasive arguments political phenomena and communicate these arguments clearly and effectively in written and oral format.
   SLO 7 - Critically evaluate political claims based on careful scrutiny of the underlying argument and evidence.
   SLO 8 - Consider different sides of an issue and evaluate the basic assumptions of each side.
3. Students will acquire research skills necessary to ask and answer basic political questions.
   SLO 9 - Formulate research questions, and generate hypotheses based on political science theories and frameworks.
   SLO 10 - Understand the differences between qualitative, quantitative and mixed methodologies and be able to identify the appropriate methodology for a given research question.
   SLO 11 - Be able to design and conduct a basic research project.
   SLO 12 - Demonstrate research skills necessary to write a paper in the discipline of political science.
   SLO 13 - Identity and gather information from credible primary and secondary sources and cite them appropriately.
   SLO 14 - Be able to complete independent research projects in political science, particularly via the capstone senior project.
4. Students will develop competencies in multicultural diversity and global issues.
   SLO 15 - Demonstrate an understanding of and respect for diverse cultures, multiple worldviews and experiences.
   SLO 16 - Develop knowledge, attitudes, and skills to communicate effectively in intercultural settings.
   SLO 17 - Evaluate one’s own culture within a global and comparative context.
   SLO 18 - Understand the dynamic nature of globalization and its impact at the local and global levels.
5. Students will engage in political and civic activities at the community, national and international levels.
   SLO 19 - Apply theories, concepts and methods learned in the classroom to real-world settings through internships and community service projects.
   SLO 20 - Develop a better understanding of some of the pressing local, national and global challenges.

Training Model

The University is dedicated to providing access to an undergraduate political science program of the highest quality and relevance. This program offers students the opportunity to become members of a cadre of professionals who can successfully address local, national and global political, social and economic issues. The training students receive prepares them for positions in public, private and non-profit sectors. Courses are designed to provide an integrated and well-balanced theoretical- and practical-oriented approach to the study of politics.  Students are encouraged to develop a strong intellectual, practical and multicultural expertise in their respective fields. The curriculum is unique in that it provides students for further graduate study by allowing them to take Law or MBA courses during their senior year in the program. The program places a strong emphasis on research, professional development and practical application of knowledge through senior projects.

Program-Specific Admission Requirements

Minimum 2.0 GPA required for admission to the program.

This program is not currently accepting applications beginning January 2018.

Internship, Practicum, and/or Dissertation Information

This program has an optional internship opportunity where students can complete 100 hours of internship training in their senior year.

Credit Units

Total Credit Units: 120

Total Core Credit Units: 96

Total Elective Credit Units: 3

Total Concentration Credit Units: 21

Prerequisite Courses

The courses below are prerequisites for the major:

• COM1999 - Public Speaking and Debate (3 units)  
• IRL2020 - US Politics in a Global Context (3 units)  
• GMP2001 - Globalization and Social Justice (3 units)  
• BUS2030 - Business Law (3 units)  

Emphasis/Concentration/Track Requirements

Elective Requirements

A minimum of three elective units are required. However, the total elective units may vary depending on the chosen track option.

Curriculum Plan

Gainful Employment

For important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended this program, please visit https://www.alliant.edu/media/gainful-employment-disclosure/Bachelor_Political_Science_BA.html.