B.A. in Government and International Politics

How does one become an informed citizen and develop the tools necessary to be a productive participant in global change? In an increasingly interdependent world, students of American government need a broad knowledge of America's international role. Similarly, students of international politics need a firm grounding in the American political system and democratic traditions. This major combines these substantive areas with analytical tools such as computer applications, research methods, and statistics.

Students are encouraged to complete one or more internships for academic credit from a host of governmental, nongovernmental, nonprofit and for-profit institutions. Undergraduates in this major now hold positions in government (Department of State, Department of Commerce), the private sector (Andersen Consulting, MCI Communications), international organizations (World Bank, European Institute), and nonprofit organizations (American Cancer Society, The Freedom Forum).

Requirements

In addition to satisfying the university-wide general requirements and the requirements for the B.A. degree in the College of Arts and Sciences, students majoring in government and international politics complete the following course work.

1. 16 credits in core requirements: GOVT 101, 103, 132, 133, 300

2. 21 credits in advanced government courses, with at least three credits from each of the fields listed below:

American politics: GOVT 301-319, 400-419
Political theory and law: GOVT 320-329, 420-429
International and comparative politics: GOVT 330-349, 430-449
Public administration and policy: GOVT 350-369, 450-469

3. GOVT 490 fulfills university synthesis requirement.

4. 3 credits of analytic or language competency skills chosen from the following: GOVT 359, 400, 459; ECON 103, 104; SOCI 313, 405; any CS, MIS, INFS, INFT, or STAT course; or an upper-level foreign language course taught in the language
Students may choose an emphasis in one of the four fields listed in 2. by completing 5 courses (15 credits) in one field. Students must still complete 3 credits in each of the other 3 fields.