Why study Political Science
Austin Peay’s Political Science graduates gain the training and preparation to enter a variety of careers. According to the American Political Science Association, a bachelor’s degree in Political Science can help you build exciting careers in federal, state, and local governments; law; business; international organizations; nonprofit associations and organizations; campaign management and polling; journalism; pre-collegiate education; electoral politics; research and analytics; and teaching at the university level. There is no end to the possibilities.
There is no question that earning a Political Science degree will lead to an exciting profession that allows a student to grow and acquire skills to develop and change in the directions in which their special interests can take them. Political Science majors gain analytical skills and the knowledge necessary for understanding and influencing political activities that occur every day. From legal disputes to elections to international crises, the world of politics is constantly changing. What happens in politics affects our own backyard, including city hall, Fort Campbell, KY, the state government in Nashville, and activities in our nation’s capital. Having a Political Science degree helps to understand events around the world and provides a career that brings new challenges and rewards.
Political Science faculty have decades of real-word experience and education in the political science, international relations, and legal fields. All full-time faculty members have completed terminal degrees in political science. Faculty also have diverse backgrounds originating from six different countries. All part time instructors have a master’s degree in political science.
Faculty led opportunities that include undergraduate research, civic and community-based learning, a 15 credit hour legislative internship program at the Tennessee General Assembly, the Washington Center internship, plus more private and public internships, and study abroad opportunities provide students access to real world connections and experiences. All seniors must take and pass a newly created senior capstone course. The Political Science program offers eight scholarship opportunities to majors and minors.
What will I Learn
- Students will develop general literacy and numeracy, with the goal of being able to accurately interpret, evaluate, and communicate social science research.
- Students will practice oral and written communication skills, including but not limited to persuasive writing, research reporting, and the effective presentation of data for non-technical audiences.
- Students will be exposed to a wide variety of cultural perspectives and political ideas with the goal of improving their awareness of, and ability to solve problems with, diverse audiences.
- Students will be asked to think both critically and ethically about their surroundings and reflect on their roles as responsible citizens in local, national, and global arenas.
- Graduates will receive job-market preparation and graduate school mentoring for careers in public policy, law, advocacy, public service, secondary and post-secondary teaching, polling, and social-science research.
Sample Course Plan and General Education Requirements
Political Science, BS Sample 4 year Plan