Political Science, B.A. Program (120 units)
Program Description
The political science curriculum helps students to acquire an organized body of knowledge about government and to think analytically about public policy, law, and politics. The political science degree prepares graduates to enter careers in government, public service, public administration, public policy analysis, legislative advocacy, business, international relations, and teaching. Many Cal State East Bay political science graduates continue their academic careers in law school, or in the pursuit of graduate degrees in political science or public policy analysis.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a B.A. in Political Science will be able to:
- develop and articulate an understanding of democratic theory and practice and gain practical experience in politics, public policy, and civic engagement.
- demonstrate through oral and written competency, an understanding of the theories, concepts, empirical content, and research agendas of the fields of political science with advanced understanding in the selected option.
- demonstrate an understanding of political culture in the U.S. and around the world including the economic, ideological, ethnic and cultural groups and movements that engage the political process.
- articulate career goals, demonstrate knowledge of how to achieve those goals, and produce evidence of working to achieve the goals.
- demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge through collaborative learning and teamwork.
Career Opportunities
Administrative Assistant • Attorney • Campaign Aide/Manager • Diplomat • FBI/CIA Agent • Foreign Service Officer • International Relations Specialist • Journalist • Labor Organizer/Union Representative • Law Clerk • Legislative Advocate/Lobbyist • Legislative Aide • Paralegal • Legal Assistant • Police Officer • Politician • Polling Specialist • Private Investigator • Public Administrator • Public Information Officer • Research Specialist • Secret Service Agent • Teacher
Features
The political science major offers a Pre-Law option for students planning a career in law. The Political Science department offers a major and a minor. Special features of the Political Science major include: the Intercollegiate Model United Nations Club; field trips to Sacramento and to State and Federal courts; guest political speakers; pre-law advising; local, Sacramento, Washington, and political campaign internships; and the Political Science Club.
Preparation
For Advanced Placement course equivalencies, see Registration.
Degree Requirements Unit-Outline
- A baccalaureate of arts degree requires a total of 120 units:
- The major requirements consists of 39 units
- General Education & Graduation Requirements consists of 57 units;
- Free Electives may consist of 24 units (actual number of free elective units may depend on GE/GR units).
Note: It may be possible to double-count units within the graduation requirements or that a course may satisfy both a graduation requirement and a major requirement. Students should contact their program and AACE advisors for information.
Other Undergraduate Degree Requirements
In addition to major requirements, every student must also complete the University’s baccalaureate requirements for graduation, which are described in the Requirements, Exams & Testing chapter of this catalog.
