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Dec 03, 2024
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2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog
Political Science (BA.POS)
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Program Description
Vermont State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Political Science is the study of politics, government, power, public policies, and political behavior. Political Science students learn about international relations, American government, political theory, and the methods by which scholars study political behavior and government. Students also apply theoretical and empirical analysis to better understand political power and governmental activity. The program prepares students to be informed participants in public affairs and better professionals in any career that deals with the public, including top positions in business, government, and nonprofit organizations. Political science students understand the political landscape and often pursue careers in politics or law. Many graduates have gone on to serve in the Vermont General Assembly and pursue other leadership roles that help shape the future. Those who focus on empirical research will become adept at data manipulation and analysis and will be prepared for careers in policy research and analysis. The American Political Science Association has a thorough list of career paths for Political Science students. Students can also pursue endorsement for secondary education teacher licensure. The program offers real-world experiences including internships, Model UN, and opportunities to study abroad. Highly focused Political Science majors can also take advantage of the 3+2 program with Vermont Law School, which allows students to earn a VTSU bachelor’s degree in just three years and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree in just two years at VLS. The Social and Opinion Research Lab (SORL) provides an opportunity for students to work with real data. They take on research projects that provide hands-on experience in polling and research. This student research lab meets the needs of regional organizations, students, and the University. The Institute of Canadian Studies provides academic and professional opportunities in Canada. Students in the Political Science program at Vermont State University will be prepared to engage confidently in civic life. Political Science faculty focus on civic engagement to support students’ development of skills for active citizenship and prepare them for the engaged study of civic and political life.
Program Outcomes
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Possess content knowledge of a broad array of political phenomenon, concepts, and theory as well as basic historical and geographic factors that influence political behavior. (Content Knowledge)
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Develop the ability to analyze and interpret the influence social, economic, cultural, and environmental variables have on political behavior and outputs. (Analytical Skill)
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Understand how individual and global cultures can impact political beliefs and actions. (Cultural Awareness)
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Be able to comprehend, interpret and apply scientific methodology to the study of political behavior. (Methodological Knowledge)
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Be able to apply critical thinking, limit bias and explore all potential causal relations. (Critical Thinking)
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Successfully communicate, in oral and written form, his or her findings and interpretations, using proper documentation and scholarly conventions. (Oral and Written Skills)
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Program Core (21 credits)
Program Electives (21 credits)
Take 9 credits from any courses with the designators of ANT, ECO, GEO, HIS, and SOC.
Take an additional 12 credits selected from the following courses:
Credits Required for Program: 42
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