Note: This program is being phased out and is no longer accepting new students.
The curriculum focuses on political ideas and practices from the past to the present and is designed to promote critical thinking and discussion. Students will hone their research and writing skills by completing a senior thesis in their area of interest. They are encouraged to complement their work in the classroom with an internship for academic credit.
The program provides students the opportunity to work with their faculty academic advisor to create a tailored curriculum, including a possible minor or second major in a related field of study. In addition to the prescribed courses that form the core of the program, students select directed electives from courses across the major subfields of political science: political theory, American politics, comparative politics, and international relations.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation with a B.A. degree in Political Science, USF students will have:
- Demonstrated an understanding of how research shapes major themes and questions in political science.
- Developed a clear and concise argument concerning a question in their area of interest.
- Discerned discipline-appropriate source materials to support their thesis.
- Explicated and defended their research results in a clear and cogent oral presentation.
Degree Requirements
The B.A. in Political Science degree requires 120 credit hours:
- 47-49 credit hours of general education courses
- 21 credit hours of prescribed courses in political science
- 15 credit hours of directed electives in political science or related areas 3 credit hours of upper level study in history
- elective courses as needed
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