Political Science, B.A.

Four Core Courses

• PS 101 Introduction to American Politics (4 Credits)
• PS 140 Introduction to International Relations (4 Credits)
• PS 150 Introduction to Comparative Politics (4 Credits)
• PL 180 Introduction to Political Philosophy (4 Credits) OR
• PS 330 American Political Thought (4 Credits)

Three Research Writing Courses

• PS 201 Political Science Research Writing (4 Credits)
• PS 490 Senior Thesis Seminar (4 Credits)
• PS 491 Senior Thesis Seminar (4 Credits)

• Students are strongly encouraged to take PL 155 : Applied Logic and MA 141 : Elementary Statistics before taking PS 490 : Senior Thesis Seminar.

Political Science Courses

Students must complete five Political Science electives. At least three of these courses must be at the 300 level or above. The Internship course (PS 380 ) may count toward the major but cannot count as a 300 level elective course. Courses completed abroad may satisfy major and concentration requirements with approval from the Program Director—Political Science majors or department chairperson. 

Note: Courses completed abroad and/or electives not listed above may satisfy major and concentration requirements with approval from the Program Director—Political Science majors or department chairperson.  

Suggested Undergraduate Courses

Students are strongly encouraged to take PL 155 : Applied Logic and MA 141 : Elementary Statistics before taking PS 490 : Senior Thesis Seminar.

Joint and Accelerated Programs

The Politics, Government & Law program offers several ways to pursue graduate school after completing or making significant progress toward a Politics, Government & Law major, including:

• A 4+ 2 program with Arcadia’s International Peace and Conflict Resolution master’s program

• An accelerated 3+2 with Arcadia’s International Peace and Conflict Resolution master’s program

• An accelerated 3+3 program with Drexel University School of Law

• A 4 + 3 assured admission program with Drexel University School of Law

• An accelerated 3+2 program with the American Graduate School of International Relations and Diplomacy

Study Abroad and Away

Political Science majors are encouraged to study abroad for a semester, a year, or another time period that meets their curricular and personal needs. For example, the Department of Historical and Political Studies has global field study courses that combine traditional course work with a seven- to ten-day overseas travel component.

When studying abroad, students should try to enroll in politics, government & law courses that are not offered on the Glenside campus, giving students a unique opportunity to interact with other students, faculty and public officials from another culture and political system.

If studying abroad for a semester or a year, Political Science majors can plan to study abroad during any semester except senior year due to the required Senior Thesis Seminar course sequence.

Since it is important that students plan ahead for study abroad, they should consult with their advisers as soon as possible and make their intentions known to the Program Director—Political Science majors and the Division of Civic and Global Engagement.

Internships and Experiential Learning

Political Science majors are strongly encouraged to pursue internship opportunities. The Department of Historical and Political Studies offers an internship course to encourage this, PS 380 (Political Internship), designed to be taken in either the Fall or Spring semester, in addition to other coursework.

Arcadia University also participates in the Washington Semester Program at American University and the Washington Center Program. Each offers an off-campus experience of seminars and internships, drawing on the resources of the Washington, D.C., political community. Internship experiences will assist students in deciding what career to pursue after graduation and provide them with valuable personal and professional experiences, connections, and references. Students may also pursue internships over the summer, though these typically do not come with academic credit.

Studying abroad is another way to supplement and expand upon learning that takes place in the classrooms in Glenside. Political Science majors study away through Arcadia’s College of Global Studies at sites in Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and more. International internships are also available through Arcadia’s College of Global Studies; While abroad you may also do an internship in the British or Irish parliaments.

Finally, students have the opportunity to participate in and travel with an award-winning Model UN team. This allows studies to experience how the United Nations, an intergovernmental organization, works to address global issues.

Senior Capstone

The Senior Capstone Project is the opportunity for students to bring four years of coursework and academic and personal experiences together by engaging in an extended project. Political Science majors complete a two-semester Capstone course that challenges them to integrate their education, interests, and career plans into producing a polished research-based thesis and poster presentation.