This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.valdosta.edu.

Dr. Joseph W. Robbins, Department Head
Room 2306, West Hall

The Major in Political Science

The major in Political Science leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree. Political scientists study the origins, growth, evolution, and decline of governments; how they solve societal conflicts; and how governments ought to function. The specific subfields of the discipline include the study of American government and politics, comparative government and politics, international relations, political theory, public law, and public administration. Students majoring in the program have traditionally pursued careers in law, business, teaching, journalism, and government. The study of Political Science is of value in that all persons need an understanding of the political system which governs their lives. More than minimal knowledge of political systems, however, is required of those who would be employed by them. The law and public administration, for example, are creatures of government and politics. The thirty-hour course requirement in the major program permits students the flexibility to obtain a second major or a minor in other areas of personal and professional interest.

Students majoring in Political Science and Legal Assistant Studies (see below) are able to gain work experience related to their major through the VSU Co-op Program. Such experience may prove valuable in terms of career exploration, acquisition of new skills, and career development. Students seeking more information should contact their academic advisors or the Office of Cooperative Education, 229-333-7172.

Requirements for the Honors Track for Political Science Majors

The Honors Track in Political Science allows students to add a unique and more challenging dimension to their degree. Students must have a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) to enter the Honors Track. They must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 and a 3.0 in their Honors courses.

Within the major in Political Science, Honors Track students must complete three 4000-level courses from among the following options, with a grade of “B” or higher:

POLS 4820HHonors Special Topics in US Government and Politics3
POLS 4830HHonors Special Topics in Comparative Politics3
POLS 4840HHonors Special Topics in International Politics3
POLS 4850HHonors Special Topics in Political Theory3
POLS 4860HHonors Special Topics in Public Administration3

Honors Track students are also required to present their work in a suitable forum, such as the Student Brown Bag series, the VSU Symposium on Undergraduate Research, or an academic conference. An Honors Thesis is also an option, provided there is a departmental faculty member with sufficient expertise in the thesis area and willing to serve as thesis director. Credit for the Honors Thesis will be earned by the student’s taking POLS 4700H. The Honors Thesis must comply with Honors Program guidelines. Students completing the Honors Track in Political Science major will have this option noted on their transcript.