Political Science

Degree Type

Bachelor of Science

About

Think critically and creatively about the political systems and policies that shape the world we live in, so you can lead efforts to create the world you want to live in.

Introduction

Both in the United States and overseas, people and societies are looking closer at governments, policies, and political processes. As more voices continue to question, evaluate, and analyze the governments, policies, and decisions that affect our daily lives, we need more people who understand the complex interrelationship of the US government and political landscape, and its impact and place in our global society.

You can choose to major or minor in Political Science.

Learn how to:

  • Apply knowledge of methods, vocabulary, and concepts of political science
  • Use technology to access, capture, analyze, and use data and literature
  • Understand and apply research methods to sociopolitical issues and policy discussions
  • Critically analyze complex issues within larger historical and global contexts
  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge and skills to research and community engagement efforts
Students studying

750+ Course Options

The Coppin State University Academic Catalog has a wide variety of skill-building courses designed to inspire and prepare you to be in-demand professionals and transformational leaders.

Students examine government, politics, and the relationship between individuals and political power in local, state, and national government. Coursework takes a comparative analytical approach to not only understanding systems of government, but also ways to evaluate and build how people make government more meaningful to the people and communities they serve. You’ll also study constitutional systems, various political systems, coalition building, and analyze how political power is exercised at an individual and collective level.

Our political science major prepares you for graduate school, law school, civil service occupations, and appointed positions with local, state, and national government. It also provides strategic insights on how to seek elective office as a candidate or to serve as a campaign staff person.

There is more information about major requirements in the Program Requirements section on this page.

Program Requirements

To graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, students must complete 120 credit hours. These credit hours split between General Education Requirements (GERs), foundation and core courses, as well as electives. Expand each section below to see the range of course offerings.

Core Courses (27 credits)

Course Credits Name
SOSC 304
or
POSC 307
3 Introduction to Public Administration
or
Policy Analysis
SOSC 310 3 Introduction to Basic Statistics
SOSC 407 3 Social Research Methods
SOSC 430 3 Social Science Applications
POSC 201 3 Introduction to Political Science
POSC 301 3 U.S. Government
POSC 302 3 State and Local Government 

POSC 303

3

Comparative Government

POSC 402 3 Political Theory

Program Electives (18 credits)

Course Credits Name
POSC 300 3 American Political Economy
POSC 305 3 Women in Politics
POSC 401 3 People Politics of Africa
POSC 403 3 International Political Economy
POSC 404 3 International Relations
POSC 405 3 Politics and Parties in North America
POSC 407 3 Urban Civilization in North America

POSC 408

3

Peoples and Politics of Africa I

POSC 409 3 Peoples and Politics of Africa II
POSC 411

3

Seminar in Practical Politics and Field Experience
POSC 412 3 African American Political Behavior
POSC 413 3 Nationalism and Revolution
POSC 420 3 Constitutional Law I: Federalism and Separation of Powers
POSC 421 3 Constitutional Law II: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
POSC 450 3 Special Topics in Political Science

Sample Degree Plan

This plan is only for example purposes. Your academic journey may be slightly different from another student’s journey, so be sure to always communicate with your academic advisor before finalizing your course schedule.

Fall Semester (16 credits)

Course credits name
ENGL 101 3 English Composition I
SOCI 201 3 Introduction to Sociology
MATH 125 3 Math for Liberal Arts
ORIE 101 1 Freshman Seminar
HIST 205 3 African American History I
IDIS 102 3 Music and Dance

Spring Semester (15 credits)

course credits name
ENGL 102 3 English Composition II
PHSC 103 3 Technology and Human Affairs
SPCH 105 3 Speech
MISY 150 3 Technology Fluency
HIST 206 3 African-American History II

Fall Semester (16 credits)

Course credits name
ANTH 207 3 Cultural Anthropology
PHIL 102 3 Logic
WLIT 207 3 World Literature
BIOL 101 4 Biological Sciences
XXXX xxx 3 General Elective

Spring Semester (15 credits)

Course credits name
SOCI 302 3 Social Psychology
POSC 300 3 American Political Economy
XXXX xxx 3 General Elective
XXXX xxx 3 General Elective
XXXX xxx 3 General Elective

Fall Semester (15 credits)

Course credits name
SOSC 304 3 Introduction to Public Administration
POSC 301 3 U.S. Government
XXXX xxx 3 General Elective
XXXX xxx 3 General Elective
XXXX xxx 3 General Elective

Spring Semester (15 credits)

Course credits name
SOSC 310 3 Statistics
SOCI 403 3 Race and Ethnicity
XXXX xxx 3 General Elective
XXXX xxx 3 General Elective
XXXX xxx 3 General Elective

Fall Semester (15 credits)

Course credits name
SOSC 407 3 Social Research
SOSC 340 3 Nonprofit Leadership
XXXX xxx 3 General Elective
XXXX xxx 3 General Elective
XXXX xxx 3 General Elective

Spring Semester (15 credits)

Course Credits Name
SOCI 411 3 Special Topics
SOSC 430 3 Social Science Applications
XXXX xxx 3 General Elective
XXXX xxx 3 General Elective
XXXX xxx 3 General Elective

Related Social and Political Sciences Programs

Nonprofit Leadership

Undergraduate

Political Sciences

Undergraduate

Sociology

Undergraduate

Social Science

Undergraduate

Urban Studies

Undergraduate

Anthropology

Undergraduate

Human Services Administration

Graduate
MS
College

Political Science is in the Department of Applied and Political Sciences in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.