Political Science at SUU

Is Political Science for Me?

Are you interested in law, public policy, national or international security, or international relations? Do you want to know how the United States, other countries, and the international system function? Are you curious about how societal decisions are reached and disagreements resolved, and do you want to improve your ability to critically analyze political and social arguments? If so, you should consider a political science education. Also, if you are considering law school, political science is an excellent preparatory degree. A Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, or minor in political science is available, with emphases in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political thought. Qualified graduates may also go on to earn a Masters of Public Administration.

• Would you like to make a difference in local, national, or international policies? Influential individuals with political science backgrounds include President Woodrow Wilson, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, political commentator Bill O’Reilly, and many others.
• Would you enjoy a fascinating career in government, politics, international affairs, human development, or public administration?
• Are you considering law school?
• Would you like to analyze social and political arguments yourself, instead of relying on “experts”?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, a major or minor in political science may be a great fit for you!

Academics

Our faculty have decades of experience in teaching, political research, government, law, and international relations, and have had their research printed in a variety of scientific, policy, legal, and government publications.

Core Courses

• POLS 1100 - American National Government
• POLS 2000 - Research Methods in Political Science 
• POLS 2005 - Research Methods in POLS Lab 
• POLS 2300 - Introduction to Political Thought
• POLS 4890 - Internship
• POLS 4990 - Capstone Seminar in Political Science 

Select One of the Following:

• POLS 2100 - Introduction to International Relations
• POLS 2200 - Introduction to Comparative Politics

Other Representative Courses

• POLS 2890 - Internship
• POLS 3010 - Current Political Issues
• POLS 3030 - State & Local Government
• POLS 3100 - Parties, Elections, & Voting Behavior
• POLS 3140 - American Legislative Process & Behavior
• POLS 3410 - Public Administration
• POLS 3500 - Identity Politics
• POLS 3510 - Constitutional Law
• POLS 3520 - Civil Rights & Liberties
• POLS 4300 - Special Topics in World Affairs
• POLS 4510 - Politics & Religion
• POLS 4660 - American Foreign Policy
• POLS 4700 - International Conflict

Political Science 4-Year Academic Plan

Program-related opportunities include: the Certificate of International Relations; participation in the national political science honor society Pi Sigma Alpha, the Legal Studies Student Association, and the Intramural Mock Trial Competition; study abroad trips that emphasize comparative political systems and international relations; and opportunities to pursue legislative and policy internships in Washington D.C. and internationally.

Political Science Faculty