Political Science, B.A.: Traditional Political Science Concentration

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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:

1. develop and articulate an understanding of democratic theory and practice and gain practical experience in politics, public policy, and civic engagement.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. articulate career goals, demonstrate knowledge of how to achieve those goals, and produce evidence of working to achieve the goals.
5. demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge through collaborative learning and teamwork.

Program Roadmaps

These program roadmaps represent recommended pathways through the program. Please see an advisor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs.

Career Opportunities

Political science graduates will thrive in the private, public, and non-profit sectors in: politics and political campaigns;  the legal and judicial fields; public service and administration, civil service, and foreign service; data and policy analyses; lobbying and advocacy; community and grassroots organizing; legislative support; media, communications, and liaisons;  K-12 education and higher education.

Features

The political science major offers three options or concentrations.  The Pre-Law option provides an introduction to the US constitution, the interface between law and society, as well domestic and international laws.  The Public Policy and Administration option  focuses on political institutions, public policy, and administrative processes. The Traditional option provides a broad view of all of the subfields of political science and allows students to pursue specialized electives in their areas of interest.  The  department also offers a political science minor which can be completed with 18 units of coursework.   Special features of the political science major include:  intercollegiate Model United Nations Club; Political Science Club - a chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society;  department-sponsored events such as speakers’ series and career talks by alumni; access to external events such as webinars, visits to the State capitol in Sacramento, to state and federal courts, to local government offices, and to consular offices;  community, advocacy and outreach activities; national and local political campaigns; and internships in the public, private and non-profit sectors.

Preparation

For Advanced Placement course equivalencies, see .

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.

Traditional Political Science Concentration

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  chapter of this catalog. 

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