Social and behavioral sciences

A political science degree emphasizes critical skills in research design and effective communication, which are then applied to address contemporary political issues across the globe. Policy creation, review and processes that sit at the core of political science are also key areas of focus. In this program, you’ll build talents including empirical analysis, reasoning, argumentation and more.

Upon graduation, you may follow a variety of paths in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Ultimately, political science aims to find connections between theory and practical problems. Identifying these links is valuable in politics and in the operation of government agencies, private businesses and nonprofit groups. You’ll also gain transferable skills in research and writing that can be useful in law school and graduate study.

How does this Bachelor of Arts in political science compare to a BS?

The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in political science both emphasize key concepts in this field, including policy, government and the needs of citizens. However, they differ in a few important areas. 

The BS in political science degree includes additional focus on statistics and science, along with their relationship to crafting and reviewing policy. Differently, the BA in political science degree features a foreign language component that can prove to be especially valuable for roles involving international relations and global business pursuits.

To learn more about the differences between a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in political science, read this article.

The graduate programs you’ll be prepared for

Once you’ve completed this program, you’ll be equipped to pursue various graduate programs applicable to this field. Graduates of this program seek related programs in study areas such as global security, political psychology, public policy, international affairs and more.

This bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This path can reduce your time and costs while deepening your expertise. Eligible programs include:

• Master of Arts in global security
• Master of Arts in global security – cybersecurity
• Master of Arts in global security – irregular warfare
• Master of Arts in international affairs and leadership
• Master of Arts in political psychology
• Master of Public Administration

This is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on social justice and the forces that impact our society. You'll evaluate concepts of justice related to legal, governmental and societal institutions, as well as broader social dynamics. You’ll also work alongside dedicated professors to rethink the framing of justice issues while centering on the experiences of diverse communities.

Through your coursework, you’ll explore the impact of the following factors on justice:

• Disability.
• Gender.
• Immigration.
• Indigeneity.
• Race.
• Sexuality.
• Socioeconomic status.

The topics covered in this justice studies program

This program incorporates a range of topics beyond the legal system, including global and local politics, the economy, community organization and activism. You’ll also conduct an in-depth analysis of how justice is perceived, promoted and undermined.

The five core areas of study for a justice studies major are:

• Citizenship, migration and human rights.
• Globalization, sustainability and economic justice.
• Law, policy and social change.
• Media, technology and culture.
• Social identities and communities.

The skills you’ll develop as a justice studies major

You’ll learn quantitative and qualitative research skills while building a strong foundation in areas such as law, public policy and social change. Your courses may also include researching current events and analyzing how to transform unjust social arrangements. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to gain career experience through our internship program with 180+ placements around the world.

Upon graduating, you’ll be prepared to create meaningful change through governmental agencies, the legal system, public policy, nongovernmental organizations and social justice activism. You may also go on to take the LSAT in preparation for law school.

This program allows you to build a custom degree by combining two academic disciplines into one major.

You’ll select two concentrations from more than 40 available options, with advisors available to help you choose the ones best for you. It's an ideal program for those who are undecided on a major or want to pursue multiple areas of study.

One of the most popular combinations is to pair a concentration in business with a second focus in psychology. Other complementary options include:

• Applied business data analytics and business
• Business and project management
• Business and real estate
• Counseling/applied psychology sciences with family studies
• Family and human development and communication
• Personal health and integrative health
• Project management and sustainability
• Science, technology and society with technical entrepreneurship and management
• Sales and marketing essentials and organizational leadership

A culminating experience with a focus on experiential learning

IDS 401 is the program’s culminating experience in which you’ll arrange, plan and execute a learning project. Throughout this course, you’ll be guided in applying, analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating interdisciplinary concepts to a real-world problem.

You’ll choose from one of the three options below. The College of Integrative Sciences and Arts will work with you to help you find a project that fits your interests. No matter which you choose, the experience will integrate both your concentrations in a meaningful way:

• Applied study: The applied study is a traditional work experience where you’ll spend 120 hours at a site of your choosing putting your integration and concentration area knowledge into practice. In addition to the hours completed onsite, there will be an online class component where you’ll reflect on your internship work.
• Directed study: A directed study is a thesis, creative or research project that you’ll design in consultation with a faculty member. This option is best suited for you if you’re interested in graduate school or have a creative project you’re interested in pursuing. This can be a great way to start a CV, create a portfolio or design your own project.
• Research fellows: You’ll partner with School of Applied Sciences and Arts faculty to assist them with research and ongoing faculty-led projects. This option is highly competitive, so you should begin planning for this option early.

Upskill with a master’s degree

This bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master’s degrees include:

• Master of Liberal Studies
• Master of Project Management
• Master of Science in organizational leadership

Human development and family studies focus on the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of individuals and families across the life span. In this program, you’ll explore the historical, theoretical and academic frameworks used to explain:

• Cultural diversity.
• Family behavior.
• Family relationships.
• Human development.
• Marriage.

You’ll also examine societal issues individuals face within the context of family. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to address these issues and implement solutions that improve child development and family relationships in both the private and public sectors.

Get on the fast track to becoming a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE)

This program is designated as a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE)-approved program by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). This designation allows graduates who complete the required coursework to fast track their applications to become certified family life educators (CFLE) without taking the CFLE exam. If you’re interested in this credential, meet with an academic advisor to confirm if you’re a candidate for the fast-track program and to ensure you choose the correct courses.

The skills you’ll develop in this program

Courses in this program provide you with a deep understanding of human behavior, family relationships and human development. As you progress through these courses, you’ll also gain transferable skills, including:

• Interpersonal skills.
• Research methods.
• Statistical analysis.
• Written communication.

This program emphasizes practical application, allowing you to immediately implement your learning in your personal and professional life.