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Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government
Secure the benefits of education! Your courses include subjects like political behavior, power and authority, policy development, international relations, and conflict resolution, and conclude with a research-focused capstone course.
Introductory Courses
Depending on the number of credits transferred in, you may be required to take one or both of Ashford University's introductory courses: EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education and PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment. If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable credits, you are required to successfully complete EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment as your first course.
EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.
PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.
Major Course Requirements
(36 semester credits. All courses are 3 credits. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)
POL 201 American National Government
This course is a survey of government at the national level. Emphasis is placed on the constitutional basis of American government, federalism, the sources and forms of political behavior, the operation of the three branches of government, and the making of national policy.
POL 211 Introduction to Politics
Introduction to selected institutions, processes, and political behaviors associated with the study of politics in the United States and globally.
POL 303 The American Constitution
This course is a study of the Constitution of the United States and its role in American history and government. The study covers the drafting and ratification of the Constitution, its subsequent amendment and interpretation, and its contemporary role in American politics and government.
POL 310 Environmental Policies
This course examines political, social, and economic policies and their impact on the global environment. It also explores ways in which policy decisions can serve to protect the environment.
POL 319 State & Local Government
This course examines the structure and processes of state and local governments and their related current problems and issues. There is a focus Federalism and its effect on States.
POL 325 Congress & the Presidency
This course examines the notion of shared governance as it applies to two central institutions of the American national government: the Congress and the Presidency. Students have an opportunity to learn more about the history, structure, and functions of each institution, but there is much emphasis placed on the relationship between Congress and the Presidency. Topics include leadership, policymaking, tensions within each institution, between the different institutions, and a focus on a variety of public policy areas.
POL 353 Comparative Politics
This course introduces the basic concepts and theories of comparative politics through an analysis of selected political systems and governments from various regions and societies across the world. Topical analysis in the course includes an emphasis on key political institutions, political culture, ideology, globalization, conflict and stability, various state and non-state actors, and on issues associated with economic development and underdevelopment.
POL 355 International Relations
The course in international relations is the study of relations between different nations of the world with an emphasis on understanding the political implications of international security matters and the international political economy. The topical emphasis on nationalism, diplomacy, conflict, international organizations and actors, human rights, political economy, and key global issues offers insights into the principles of identity, cooperation, and the use of power in an international context.
POL 411 Political Behavior
Students will study political behavior as it relates to campaigns and elections in the United States. Selected course themes include political communication, participation, voting, and elections.
PSY 325 Statistics for the Behavioral & Social Sciences
Descriptive and inferential statistics are investigated and multiple techniques for statistical analysis are introduced in this course. Formulas for presenting and evaluating data are explored in accordance with generally accepted protocol for statistical analysis.
PSY 326 Research Methods
Research Methods is an introduction to the foundations of research methodology, design and analysis. Basic principles of qualitative and quantitative research are explored and evaluated. Understanding the results of statistical analysis as it applies to research is a focus of this curriculum.
POL 497 Political Science Capstone
In this final course, students will demonstrate their mastery of program outcomes in Political Science and Government by creating an original research report on a current, relevant, and specifically defined subject area.
If this program sounds like it will fit your personal and professional goals, contact us at 866-711-1700 to learn more, or click here to request additional information.