Bachelor of Science in Political Science Online Degree Information

UMUC's Bachelor of Science in Political Science offers systematic study of politics, including the way people are governed and govern themselves in a wide variety of settings. The curriculum focuses on fundamental principles, enduring issues of politics, forms of government, public policy, public law, and public administration from both domestic and international perspectives. It explores political, cultural, and philosophical influences on public policy and policy making. By enabling students to understand the role of government at local, state, and national levels in domestic and foreign settings, the program prepares graduates to become more effective global citizens as well as preparing them to enter or advance careers in government service, private corporations, nonprofit organizations, or advanced study in law, business, journalism, or graduate school.

Students who graduate with a major in Political Science will be able to: explain political theories and the forms and structures of government and discuss their impact upon the political process, policy development, and comparative and international politics; discuss how public policy shapes a society's approach to such issues as national security, health, education, wealth distribution, and the environment; compare and contrast public decision making and its implementation in domestic and foreign settings; describe how various governmental and nongovernmental organizations contribute to global politics; analyze recurrent patterns of international political conflict, identify underlying political issues, and suggest alternative resolutions; and identify techniques of conflict resolution (including negotiation, compromise, and accommodation) that are appropriate at various points along the policy continuum. This degree requires 120 credits of coursework to complete.