Bachelor of Science in Political Science American Politics
If you thrive on leadership roles a or enjoy a good debate about a current event or are even thinking about law school, then Political Science may be for you!
At Thomas College, the Political Science program offers two distinct areas of study. In the American Politics concentration, you study U.S. politics and history, ethics, economics and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Students specializing in American politics will develop an understanding of the political process by taking an in-depth look at democracy in the United States, how government works at the federal and state levels and how public policy is made.
Thomas' Political Science students develop professional skills by conducting research and learning how to solve problems analytically. Throughout the curriculum, students also work on developing strong communication and conflict resolution skills.
Political Science graduates often take on leadership roles in their community, in business or in other professional settings. many of them also go to law school or to graduate school for political science or public administration.
At Thomas we make double-majoring easy, so you can readily earn degrees in for example both Criminal Justice and Political Science, allowing you greater opportunity for federal employment in areas such as national intelligence or homeland security. Regardless of your career path, a political-science background provides, you with a greater understanding of leadership roles, experience in conducting quality research, and the knowledge to make informed decisions.
Program objectives
Upon completion of the Political Science program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate substantive knowledge of different political systems, including variations in political institutions, processes, and types of political culture.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between politics and economics, and between politics and culture.
- Apply methodological skills needed to conduct empirical research, interpret and assess data, and form individual conclusions.
- Apply skills using information technology.
- Use analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Reason using critical and independent thinking.
- Communicate effectively in both written and verbal form.
- Construct persuasive arguments using logic and evidence.
- Develop a normative framework for assessing political phenomena.
- Foster a commitment to public service and democratic citizenship.
