Political Science Major B.A.
- Preparation for careers in government service, non-profit agencies or the private sector
- Preparation for international organizations or foreign service
- Preparation for graduate or law school
Faculty contact: Dr. Maria Fanis
Program Overview
Students who choose to major in Political Science are curious about power and influence—who has it and why. They want to know more about how governments work and why, sometimes, they don't. They want to gain a better understanding of the relationship between governments and people in their own communities and governments and people around the world.
Careers and Graduate School
Political science graduates have a large number of employment opportunities. Some go into government service, non-profit agencies or the private sector while others manage political campaigns or seek elective office. Some go abroad to work in international organizations, diplomacy, or national security. Many go on to law or professional school, or find a career in teaching and research after earning a graduate degree in political science.
Examples of employers who seek those with a political science degree include local, state, or national government, lobbying organizations, non-profit agencies, consulting firms, colleges and universities, news outlets, and international agencies such as the United Nations.
Browse through dozens of Internship opportunities and full-time job postings for Ohio University students and alumni on Handshake, OHIO’s key resource for researching jobs, employers, workshops, and professional development events.
Admission Information
Freshman/First-Year Admission: No requirement beyond University admission requirements.
Change of Program Policy: No selective or limited admission requirements.
External Transfer Admission: No requirement beyond University admission requirements.
Degree Requirements
- Sample 4-Year Program
- Major code BA4201
University-wide Graduation Requirements
To complete this program, students must meet all University-wide graduation requirements.
Liberal Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirement
View the College-Level Requirements for the College of Arts & Sciences.
Political Sciences Hours Requirement
Complete a total of 30 semester credit hours of POLS coursework, including all the requirements below.
Political Science: Introduction
Complete only one of the following courses. POLS 1600 is recommended for Political Science majors.
- POLS 1010 - Politics in the United States Credit Hours: 3
- POLS 1500 - Themes in Global Politics Credit Hours: 3
- POLS 1600 - Engaging Politics Credit Hours: 3
Foundations of Political Science: Part I
Complete one of the following courses:
- POLS 2000 - American Politics, Policy, and Administration Credit Hours: 3
- POLS 2200 - The Politics of Law Credit Hours: 3
Foundations of Political Science: Part II
Complete one of the following courses:
- POLS 2300 - Democracies and Dictatorships Around the World Credit Hours: 3
- POLS 2500 - International Relations Credit Hours: 3
Political Theory
Complete the following course:
- POLS 2700 - Introduction to Political Theory Credit Hours: 3
Political Science Electives
Complete 18 hours of Political Science courses at the 3000 or 4000 level.
- No more than six hours of the following courses may count: LPA 4120, 4140, 4680, 4840, 4890, or 4900.
- No more than three hours of the following courses may count: POLS 4910, 4911, or 4961.
- No more than six hours of the following courses may count: POLS 4900, 4901, 4902, 4903, 4904, 4905, 4931, 4932, 4933, 4934, 4944, 4935, 4941, 4942, 4943, 4944, or 4945.