Political Science is the study of power. Power is at the core of almost any kind of relationship – in families, workplaces, religious, community or government organizations. Political Science is primarily interested in the power relationship between citizens and their governments and in the power relationship among governments, whether it is between or within countries. Political scientists study how different governments use power, how power functions within government institutions and bureaucracies, as well as the sources and limits of governmental power. Political scientists examine interactions between citizens and government through elections, participation in interest groups, grassroots activism, and public opinion.

Academics

Graduate Degrees

• Master of Arts (Online)
• Master of Arts in Teaching (Online)

Graduate Certificates

• Political Science (Online)

Program Information

Learning Goals

Master of Arts for Teachers in Political Science

• Teach introductory college-level political sciences classes that prepare students for future academic success.
• Describe the subfields of political science, the central questions they address, and the methods they typically employ.
• Evaluate and critique empirical social science research through literature review and the application of tools and strategies of political analysis.
• Interpret, analyze, and trace the influence of major political thinkers and movements that have influenced the development of American democracy.
• Isolate and analyze factors that shape the political attitudes, beliefs and preferences on individuals and groups and map their impacts on political behavior and decision-making.
• Students will be able to evaluate and analyze the major institutions of American national politics.
• Situate and analyze American political institutions, processes, and behaviors in a comparative perspective that accounts for regional and international differences.
• Engage in the development of rigorous curriculum planning and design.
• Promote college-level studies skills and habits of mind.
• Use assessment data to inform college-level instructional practices.
• Prepare dual-credit students for success in college-level assessments
• Conduct research to improve dual-credit instruction.

Graduate Certificate in Political Science

• Describe the subfields of political science, the central questions they address, and the methods they typically employ.
• Evaluate and critique empirical social science research through literature review and the application of tools and strategies of political analysis.
• Interpret, analyze, and trace the influence of major political thinkers and movements that have influenced the development of American democracy.
• Isolate and analyze factors that shape the political attitudes, beliefs and preferences on individuals and groups and map their impacts on political behavior and decision-making.
• Students will be able to evaluate and analyze the major institutions of American national politics.
• Situate and analyze American political institutions, processes, and behaviors in a comparative perspective that accounts for regional and international differences.

Admission Requirements