Cross Borders

Political science majors are at the forefront of global issues. Look forward to a career that gives you a window on the world. 

Lead the Future

Gain skills and knowledge that allow you to stand up and be heard for the good of those you lead. 

Gain Purpose

Make your values the fuel for your life. You can find your path with this ambitious degree that builds your sense of social and personal responsibility.

What I Can Do With a Political Science Degree

• Campaign coordinator
• Prosecuting attorney (with further education or 3+3 track)
• Policy analyst and program manager

• Political Science Major, Politics and Policy Track (40 Credit Hours)

  Required support work

  • PSCN 115 Introduction to Politics
  • MATH 140 Applied Statistics
  • ECON 206 Principles of Macroeconomics

  Politics and Policy Core

  • PSCN 205 Introduction to Political Philosophy
  • PSCN 240 Judicial Process OR PSCN 245 Introduction to American Law
  • PSCN 310 Comparative Politics OR PSCN 315 International Relations
  • PSCN 340 Congress and the Presidency
  • PSCN 400 Pre-Professional Seminar
  • PSCN 460 Constitutional Law
  • PSPA 320 State and Local Politics
  • PSPA 360 Introduction to Public Affairs

  Electives

  Complete Option A or Option B = 6 hours

  Option A

  Choose two

  • ECON 205 Principles of Microeconomics
  • PSCN 465 Civil Liberties
  • PSCN 485 Special Topics in Political Science
  • PSCN 495 Political Science Internship
  • PSPA 380 Administrative Agencies
  • One regional history course: HIST 320 History of the Middle East, HIST 360 History of China, OR HIST 362 History of Japan
  • Additional PSCN or PSPA course at the 300 level or higher not previously completed to satisfy a PSCN requirement

  Option B

  • PSCN 490 Washington Center Internship Program
• Political Science Major, Legal Studies Track (40 Credit Hours)

  Required support work

  • PSCN 110 Introduction to American Government
  • PSCN 115 Introduction to Politics
  • PHIL 130 Logic

  Legal Studies Core

  • PSCN 205 Introduction to Political Philosophy
  • PSCN 245 Introduction to American Law
  • PSCN 370 Legal Research and Writing
  • PSCN 400 Pre-Professional Seminar
  • PSCN 401 LSAT Preparation
  • PSCN 460 Constitutional Law
  • PSPA 320 State and Local Politics OR PSPA 360 Introduction to Public Affairs

  Electives

  Complete Option A, B, or C

  Option A (choose four)

  • CRIM 340 Criminal Law OR CRIM 371 Criminal Procedure
  • MGMT 315 Business Law I
  • PSCN 240 Judicial Process
  • PSCN 465 Civil Liberties
  • PSCN 485 Special Topics in Political Science
  • PSCN 495 Political Science Internship
  • PSCN or PSPA course at 300 level or higher not previously completed to satisfy a PSCN requirement

  Option B

  • PSCN 490 Washington Center Internship Program (12 hours)

  Option C

  This option is available to students in the “3+3” Accelerated Law School Entry dual degree program.

  Electives (choose two)

  • CRIM 340 Criminal Law OR CRIM 371 Criminal Procedure
  • MGMT 315 Business Law I
  • PSCN 465 Civil Liberties
  • PSCN 495 Political Science Internship
  • PSCN or PSPA course at 300 level or higher not previously completed to satisfy a PSCN requirement

  AND admission to the "3+3" Accelerated Law School Entry Program & successful completion of the first year of full-time study in partner law school's Juris Doctor program.

  Buena Vista University 3+3 partners include the University of Iowa College of Law and Creighton University
  School of Law (“partner law schools”). Eligibility for the “3+3” Accelerated Law School Entry Program is
  contingent on satisfaction of the following criteria:

  • ACT of 24 (or above) or SAT of 1110 (or above) at time of admission to BVU
  • Successful completion of:
  • A minimum of 98 credit hours
  • the Legal Studies Track – “Support Work,” “Core Courses,” and “Electives”
  • BVU Foundations of Collegiate Learning and Liberal Arts Core requirements and IDST 400
  • Favorable recommendation from BVU’s designated Pre-Law Advisor.
  • Successful admission to a partner law school.
  • Successful completion of one year of full-time study (30 semester hours) in the partner law school’s Juris Doctor program

  A full description of the dual degree program is available from BVU’s designated pre-law advisor and in the academic catalog.

• Political Science Major, Public Administration Track (37 Credit Hours)

  Required Support Work

  • PSCN 115 Introduction to Politics
  • MATH 140 Applied Statistics
  • ECON 206 Principles of Macroeconomics

  Public Management Core

  • MGMT 220 Principles of Management
  • MGMT 320 Human Resource Management
  • PSCN 245 Introduction to American Law
  • PSPA 165 Introduction to Public Administration
  • PSPA 320 State and Local Politics
  • PSPA 360 Introduction to Public Affairs
  • PSPA 400 Pre-Professional Seminar

  Electives

  Complete Option A or Option B = 6 hours

  Option A

  Complete either A1 or A2:

  • A1. Politics Emphasis: PSCN 340 Congress and the Presidency and PSCN 460 Constitutional Law
  • A2. Decision Making Emphasis: choose TWO of the following: ECON 205 Principles of Microeconomics, MGMT 302 Decision Science Foundations, and PHIL 336 Professional Ethics

  Option B

  • PSCN 490 Washington Center Internship Program
• Political Science Minor (24 Credit Hours)

  • PSCN 115 Introduction to Politics
  • PSCN 205 Introduction to Political Philosophy
  • PSCN 310 Comparative Politics OR PSCN 315 International Relations
  • PSCN 340 Congress and the Presidency
  • PSCN 460 Constitutional Law
  • PSPA 360 Introduction to Public Affairs

  2 courses from

  • PSCN or PSPA at the 300 level or higher