Print this page. About the Program
The Department of Political Science is a large and diverse academic community. The department offers exceptional undergraduate programs in political science and international studies. We provide an excellent liberal arts education and extensive study in political processes and world affairs. Our internationally known faculty is augmented by distinguished visiting lecturers from around the world.
Career Opportunities
Although many positions require some graduate study, career options in political science include:
• public officer, government employee, political pollster
• program specialist, legislative aide, program coordinator
• political organizer, lobbyist, grant developer
• teacher
The University Career Center is available to assist you in choosing a career direction and in increasing your marketability upon graduation. For additional information, call the center at 803-777-7280.
Admission/Progression Requirements
To be admitted into the program, you must meet all University and College of Arts and Sciences admission requirements. University requirements for freshmen include a completed application, nonrefundable application fee, high-school record complete up to the time of application (including record of at least 20 units of study earned as required by the University), and entrance examination scores (either SAT or ACT). Details for all applicant categories can be found at the Undergraduate Bulletin.
Program of Study (120 hours)
Your studies in political science and international studies will be structured around 53–62 credit hours of courses that fulfill requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, 27 credit hours of courses that make up the major (33 for an intensive major), 12–18 credit hours for a cognate or minor, and electives (variable hours). The first two years will concentrate on general education requirements, such as English, foreign language, history, mathematics, and natural and social sciences. You must also complete introductory political science courses. The political science core provides an introduction to politics and American government. For international studies majors, this includes global and regional perspectives of the United States and world problems. Advanced course work in international studies can focus on areas such as international relations, American foreign policy, comparative politics, and foreign area studies. These courses cover every major region of the world as well as a variety of contemporary topics. The political science curriculum includes advanced study in political theory, American politics, international relations, comparative politics, state and local government, and public administration. A B.A. with Distinction track is available to students majoring in Political Science or International Studies who wish to participate in significant research activities with, or under the supervision of, a faculty member. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.60 in major courses and a 3.30 overall. Courses taken in addition to the general major requirements include the Political Science Discipline, Research Experience, and Senior Thesis. The Senior Thesis will produce a piece of original research and a public presentation of the research in a venue approved by the faculty mentor. Students who successfully fulfill these requirements will be awarded their degree “with Distinction” upon graduation.
Of Special Interest
Political science and international studies majors regularly participate in national student conferences, including the West Point Conference on Foreign Policy, the Conference on the Atlantic Community, the Model United Nations, and the Model Organization of African Unity. You can also compete for positions in the department’s South Carolina Legislative Program or become involved in one of several student organizations that promote professional development. The department also offers master’s and doctoral degrees in political science and international studies and a master’s degree in public administration, as well as joint degrees in public administration and law, and public administration and social work. You may also pursue the graduate degree in public administration via joint programs with Clemson University and the College of Charleston.