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)
- POLS 1010 - Introduction to US Politics Credit Hours: 3
- POLS 1500 - Themes in Global Politics Credit Hours: 3
- POLS 1600 - Engaging Politics Credit Hours: 3
Foundations of Political Science: Part I
Complete one of the following courses:
- POLS 2000 - American Politics, Policy, and Administration Credit Hours: 3
- POLS 2200 - The Politics of Law Credit Hours: 3
Foundations of Political Science: Part II
Complete one of the following courses:
- POLS 2300 - Democracies and Dictatorships Around the World Credit Hours: 3
- POLS 2500 - International Relations Credit Hours: 3
Political Theory
Complete the following course:
- POLS 2700 - Introduction to Political Theory Credit Hours: 3