Nov 21, 2024  
2022-2023 Shepherd University Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Shepherd University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Political Science, B.S.


The study of political science develops knowledge and understanding of national and international government, politics, and policy. The program prepares students for careers in public service, nonprofit organizations, international affairs, and select jobs in the private sector. It prepares students for graduate work leading to careers in a variety of areas including law, public administration, policy analysis, foreign service, journalism, and teaching. Proximity to Washington, D.C., allows enhancement of traditional classroom work with opportunities to observe the federal government in operation.

The learning outcomes of the Political Science program are as follows:


1. To facilitate student learning of core political science knowledge, skills, and values.
2. To foster global and local civic awareness and participation in all students.
3. To provide opportunities for students to engage in original research, meaningful
public service, and practical experiential learning activities.
4. To prepare students for post-graduate study and diverse employment opportunities
in the public and private sectors.

Curriculum for a Major in Political Science


 
Specific Core Curriculum requirements:  take  to fulfill First Year Experience requirement; take  to fulfill Social Sciences area.

Total hours required, 40 Hours:


Elective courses, 21 Hours:


  •  Any 300- or 400-level course in political science**
Note(s):

**Most 300- and 400-level political science courses can only be offered every other year. Students should plan their schedules accordingly. 

No more than six hours of  can be counted toward the political science major or minor (additional internship hours will be considered as general electives).

Four-Year Course Progression


Political Science
FALL   FIRST YEAR     SPRING   FIRST YEAR  
Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit   Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit
PSCI 100*   Politics and Government 3   PSCI 200   American Political Institutions 3
PSCI 150**   First-Year Seminar 1   Core Curriculum 1 Written English II 3
Core Curriculum 1 Written English I 3   Core Curriculum 1 Science II 4
Core Curriculum 1 History 3   Core Curriculum 1 Math 3
Core Curriculum 1 Science I 4   Core Curriculum 2 Wellness or Arts 3
    TOTAL 14       TOTAL 16
* Also meets Core Curriculum Social Science requirement          
** Also meets Core Curriculum First-Year Experience requirement          
         
FALL   SECOND YEAR     SPRING   SECOND YEAR  
Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit   Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit
PSCI 300+   Elective 3   PSCI 300+   Elective 3
PSCI 304   Introduction to Comparative Politics 3   PSCI 300+   Elective 3
Core Curriculum 2 Wellness or Arts 3   PSCI 302   Introduction to Political Theory 3
Core Curriculum 2 Humanities 3   Core Curriculum 2 Humanities 3
Core Curriculum 2 Social Science 3   Core Curriculum 2 Social Science 3
    TOTAL 15       TOTAL 15
         
FALL   THIRD YEAR     SPRING   THIRD YEAR  
Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit   Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit
PSCI 324   International Relations 3   PSCI 300+   Elective 3
PSCI 300+   Elective 3   PSCI 300+   Elective 3
PSCI 300+   Elective 3   Minor   Minor 3
Minor   Minor 3   Minor   Minor 3
Elective   Elective 3   Elective   Elective 3
    TOTAL 15       TOTAL 15
         
FALL   FOURTH YEAR     SPRING   FOURTH YEAR  
Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit   Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit
Elective   Elective 3   PSCI 497   Senior Research 4
Elective   Elective 3   Minor   Minor 3
Minor   Minor 3   Elective   Elective 3
Minor   Minor 3   Elective   Elective 3
PSCI 496   Research Design and Methods 3   Elective   Elective 3
    TOTAL 15       TOTAL 16
                 
January 21, 2021             DEGREE TOTAL 121
         

 

Curriculum for a Major in Political Science, Legal Studies Concentration


 Specific Core Curriculum requirements: take  to fulfill First Year Experience requirement; take  to fulfill Social Sciences (SO) area.

Curriculum for a Major in Political Science, Political Communications Concentration


Specific Core Curriculum requirements:  take   to fulfill First Year Experience (FY) requirement; take   as part of the 9cr Social Sciences (SO) area; take  as part of the 6cr Humanities (HM) area.