B.S. in Political Science Degree Sheet
The Bachelor of Science in Political Science is a degree in which you will study a variety of topics, from community politics to international relations to governments to elections to foreign and public policies to law and political behavior, and more. Additionally, students will learn and demonstrate critical thinking, data analysis, digital and visual literacy, qualitative and quantitative research, and written and oral communication skills.
The degree prepares you for a career that requires independent thinking, personal responsibility, and knowledge related to politics at the global, national, state, and local levels.
About the Program
The Bachelor of Science in Political Science is a 120-credit-hour program. Students
take at least one upper-level course from each of the three subfields in which UHD
faculty teach and publish: International Politics, Political Theory/Pre-Law, and/or
U.S. Politics. Students also complete an internship or special project, and conclude
their studies with a capstone seminar.
Graduates of the political science program will:
- Describe major concepts, theories, and historical patterns within the subfields of American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and/or Pre-Law.
- Evaluate quantitative and qualitative political science data, including narrative text, geographical and conceptual maps, line graphs, bar charts, and/or other types of presentations.
- Produce original research papers of appropriate scope, logical structure, methodology, and opposing arguments.
- Demonstrate an ability to present original research in a comprehensive, clear, and organized manner using current technology.
Though not mandatory, students have the opportunity to specialize their degree programs with minors (12-hour minimum beyond federal government and Texas government) in International Politics and Public Policy & Administration. In addition, students may participate in world politics simulations like Model United Nations (Dr. Christina Hughes at hughesc@uhd.edu) and/or Statecraft (Dr. John Linantud at linantudj@uhd.edu).
Affiliated Student Organizations
Model United Nations–University of Houston-Downtown creates an educational and collaborative environment for understanding international culture, policies, and diplomatic relations.
The organization facilitates team participation at local, national and international Model United Nations’ competitions. To learn more, contact Dr. Christina Hughes at hughesc@uhd.edu.
Pi Sigma Alpha is a National Political Science Honor Society for university students. With a purpose to recognize and promote high academic achievement in the field of political science.
Pre-Law Association (PLA) is an academic organization providing prospective law school students, who attend UHD, with the comprehensive knowledge regarding different law schools and programs. The PLA helps its members and prospective students prepare for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), and provide both networking and career internship opportunities.
Student Government Association (SGA) is an in-house student-run organization created to promote decision-making within UHD. SGA supports and promotes events around the University.
Career Options
A Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts prepares graduates for a variety of careers:
- Armed Forces & Police
- Campaigns & Elections
- Diplomacy & National Security
- Government
- Education
- Journalism & Media
- Law & Human Rights
- Nonprofit & Non-Government Organizations (NGOs)