Nov 22, 2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2024-25
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2024-25

Political Science Major (B.A.)


Major code BA4201

College of Arts and Sciences
Political Science Department

Bentley Annex 266
Phone: 740.593.4373
polsba@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/cas/political-science

Maria Fanis, contact person
fanis@ohio.edu

Program Overview

Students who choose to major in political science are curious about power and influence–who has it and why. They want to know more about how governments work and why, sometimes, they don’t. They want to gain a better understanding of the relationship between governments and people in their own communities and governments and people around the world.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Change of Program Policy

No selective or limited admission requirements.

External Transfer Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Political science graduates have a large number of employment opportunities.  Some go into government service, non-profit agencies or the private sector while others manage political campaigns or seek elective office. Some go abroad to work in international organizations, diplomacy, or national security.  Many go on to law or professional school, or find a career in teaching and research after earning a graduate degree in political science.

Examples of employers who seek those with a political science degree include local, state, or national government, lobbying organizations, non-profit agencies, consulting firms, colleges and universities, news outlets, and international agencies such as the United Nations.

Browse through dozens of Internship opportunities and full-time job postings for Ohio University students and alumni on Handshake , OHIO’s key resource for researching jobs, employers, workshops, and professional development events.

Requirements

University-wide Graduation Requirements


Ohio University requires the completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours for the conferral of a bachelor’s degree. This program can be completed within that 120-hour requirement. For more information on the minimum hours requirement and other university-wide requirements, please review the  Graduation Requirements – University-wide  page.

Liberal Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirement


View the College and Liberal Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirements .

Political Sciences Hours Requirement


Complete a total of 30 semester credit hours of POLS coursework, including all the requirements below.

Political Science: Introduction


Complete only one of the following courses:(POLS 1600 is recommended)

Foundations of Political Science: Part I


Complete one of the following courses:

Foundations of Political Science: Part II


Complete one of the following courses:

Political Theory


Complete the following course:

Political Science Electives


Complete 18 hours of Political Science courses at the 3000 or 4000 level.