WSU Political Science- Courses & Program Information

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

For a list of courses with descriptions, click here. If you need to view a semester conversion table for Political Science courses, click here.

Political Science
Political Science deals with the theory and practice of politics, government, and administration. As an academic discipline it includes political theory, public law, politics and public policy, public administration and international relations, foreign policy, and comparative governments of modern and developing nations.

The primary objective of the Political Science curriculum is to prepare you for graduate studies and/or a career in government, business or education. The study of political science also provides a strong background for success in law school. This background is especially enhanced through the opportunity to acquire knowledge of legal subjects found within the public law sub-field.

In addition, Political Science courses contribute to a liberal education and other programs of the university by offering the opportunity to acquire a knowledge of your governmental system and the way in which it operates so that you will be better equipped to exercise the responsibilities of citizenship and better fulfill your professional career in social work, business, nursing, and as a paralegal.

Political Science (General Option - Option A) -Program Details-
This option enables students to obtain a broad overview of political knowledge. Political Science has become highly diversified over the years with scholars branching off into various sub-fields. Seven distinct sub-fields have been established: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, Public Law, Public Administration, and Public Policy. Option A students are required to take courses in all of these sub-fields with the expectation that they will ultimately specialize in one or more of the sub-fields (B.A.)

Political Science (International Studies Option -Option B) -Program Details-
This option enables students to gain a specialization in International Relations. Although some courses from other subfields are required, and some others can be taken on an elective basis, a core of five courses is required. The expectation is that upon graduation students will either proceed for advanced study in International Relations or pursue careers in International Law, International Organization, Foreign Service, or journalism. A degree in Political Science with an emphasis on International Relations may be combined with either a minor or a major in International Business or Economics to broaden the scope of opportunities after graduation (B.A)

Public Administration -Program Details-
The Bachelor of Science major and minor in Public Administration are designed to prepare the students for an administrative career in public and non-profit agencies. The core curriculum of this program provides students with the competency areas recommended by the National Association of Schools of Public Administration (NASPAA), while the required minor enables students to apply these competencies to an area of specialization.

This program is uniquely designed to serve students seeking employment in the traditional fields of public service, as well as those intending to pursue graduate study in the more specialized areas of policy analysis and program management. Students in this program are strongly encouraged to work closely with their advisor to select a major/minor combination that serves the student’s career goals. See the Department of Political Science and Public Administration for additional information and advising.
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