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American Democracy Project

Texas Certified Public Manager Program

Political Science is the study of government and public policy and of the political behavior of individuals, groups, and institutions. In choosing a degree track in the department, the student is allowed to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree with the general education requirements outlined by the College of Liberal Arts.

A major will take PSC 303 and 33 hours of advanced Political Science courses for a total of 36 semester hours. Students with a first major in Political Science may choose the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.

A second major requires PSC 303 plus 24 advanced Political Science courses.

A minor consists of 18 advanced Political Science hours.

Students may major in Public Administration for either a BA or BS Degree.

The Public Administration major has two components: (1) a 21 semester hour PA core consisting of PSC 344, 345, 346, 444, 445, 470 and CSC 121, plus
(2) an additional nine semester hours selected from PSC 313, 402, 403, 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, or 499.

A minor in Public Administration consists of the 21-hour PA core.

Undergraduate Honors Study in Political Science

A student may apply for Honors in Political Science if he or she meets the criteria described under the title "Departmental Honors Study" in the introductory section devoted to the College of Liberal Arts in this Bulletin. Applicants may procure admission forms from the Chair of the department. An honors committee of the department reviews applications, approves admissions, suggests individual projects and administers all regulations pertaining to honors study.

The number of semester hours of credit for the honors course (PSC 398H) is determined by the scope of the project undertaken. At the completion of the project the student will receive a written and an oral examination. He or she must also submit to the department a copy of the research project to be retained by the department. Before registering for the honors course, a student must receive written permission from the Dean of Liberal Arts.

Pre-law Study

The department offers a suggested course of study designed to prepare students for law school. This plan is especially designed for those interested in legal careers in public service or politics. It consists of a major in political science which includes the following courses: PSC 141, 142, 301, 302, 402, 403 and 12 semester hours selected from PSC 310, 312, 313, 412, 433, 441, 447, 448, 449, and 450. Electives could include ACC 231 and 232, BLW 335 and 437, CJS 413 and 414 and PHI 163.

Practical Politics

The department offers a suggested course of study designed to prepare students for active participation in political life, especially at the local level. It leads to a major in political science and includes the following courses: PSC 141, 142, 306, 312, 313, 344, 403, 412, 449, and 450. SOC 139 and 253, ECO 341 and GEO 439 are strongly recommended electives.

Political Economy Emphasis

The major in political science with a political economy emphasis consists of 15 semester hours from PSC 141, 142, 312, 332, and 412; 15 semester hours from ECO 231, 232, 331, 337, and 480; and 18 semester hours from the following: advanced economics; advanced political science; GEO 310, 365 and 439; FOR 435; and BLW 335, 437. Basic degree requirements are the same as those for the major in political science, except no minor is required.