Nov 22, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Political Science, B.A.


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Fort Valley State University offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in the traditional face-to-face on campus program as well as fully online.  The requirements for the distance learning program are the same as they are for the traditional program.  Students must complete 123 credit hours with a minimum of 24 credit hours at the 3000 level and higher in the field. 

 

Political Science is comprised of various disciplines including:  American politics and government, political theory, political parties and voters, public law, international relations and organizations, political behavior, comparative politics, public administration and public policy. 

The program endeavors to create a stimulating intellectual environment that challenges students to broaden their capacity for intellectual discourse and analysis of political life.

 

Students who earn a degree in Political Science become well-rounded citizens able to compete effectively in our global society.  They learn fundamental political theoretical concepts and engage in critical analysis of public policies and processes and develop essential leadership qualities paramount for success in their field.  Graduates from this program pursue graduate or professional education in political science and public administration and secure careers in law, government, nonprofit organizations, private and public sectors.

Program of Study for the B.A. Degree
Total Number of Degree Hours: 123

 

Freshman Year


17 Credit Hours


*Milestones*

  • Must pass ENGL 1101 with a C or better 
  • 30 hours of coursework to establish residency status

Spring Semester


16 Credit Hours


*Milestones*

  • Must pass ENGL 1102 with a C or better 
  • 30 hours of coursework to establish residency status

Sophomore Year


15-16 Credit Hours


*Milestones*

  • If the student completed two years of SPAN/FREN in High School, SPAN/FREN 1002 is acceptable. If not, SPAN/FREN 1001 may be taken. 

16 Credit Hours


*Milesstones*

  • If the student completed two years of SPAN/FREN in High School and completed SPAN/FREN 1002, then SPAN/FREN 2001 is acceptable. If not, SPAN/FREN 1001 then 1002 may be taken. 

Junior Year


Fall Semester


15 Credit Hours


*Milestones*

  • 9 credit hours required for Restricted Electives may be any 3000/4000 level POLS course  
  • 36 credit hours required for Free Electives - 15 credits must be 3000/4000 level 
  • A Minor in a specified field is encouraged 

Spring Semester


15 Credit Hours


*Milestones*

  • 9 credit hours required for Restricted Electives may be any 3000/4000 level POLS course  
  • 36 credit hours required for Free Electives - 15 credits must be 3000/4000 level 
  • A Minor in a specified field is encouraged 

Senior Year


15 Credit Hours


*Milestones*

  • 15 credit hours for Mandatory Courses in Major
  • 9 credit hours required for Restricted Electives may be any 3000/4000 level POLS course  
  • 36 credit hours required for Free Electives  - 15 credits must be 3000/4000 level
  • A Minor in a specified field is encouraged 

Spring Semester


15 Credit Hours


*Milestones*

  • 15 credit hours for Mandatory Courses in Major
  • 9 credit hours required for Restricted Electives may be any 3000/4000 level POLS course  
  • 36 credit hours required for Free Electives  - 15 credits must be 3000/4000 level
  • A Minor in a specified field is encouraged 
NOTE********

Requirements for Political Science:

  • 60 credit hours for Major Requirements 
  • 30 hours of coursework to establish residency status 
  • 23 hours required in the major for Mandatory Courses
  • 39 hours total required in upper division coursework at the 3000/4000 level
  • 9 credit hours required for Restricted Electives may be any 3000/4000 level POLS course  
  • 36 credit hours required for Free Electives - 15 of those credits must be 3000/4000 level
  • A Minor in a specified field is encouraged 

 

University System Core Impacts


Institutional Priority (Institution):4- 5 Credit Hours


4-5 Credit Hours


Mathematics and Quantitative Skills (Mathematics): 3-4 Credit Hours


3-4 Credit Hours


6 Credit Hours


Arts, Humanities & Ethics (Humanities): 6 Credit Hours


6 Credit Hours


Communication in Writing (Writing): 6 Credit Hours


English Requirements


Technology, Mathematics, & Science (STEM): 10- 11 Credit Hours


Option 1: Non-Science Majors


Total: 8 Credit Hours

Mathematics and Technology

Total: 3 Hours

Option 2: Science Majors


6 Credit Hours


B. Major Requirements


Field of Study: Courses Related to the Program of Study: 18 Credit Hours


Area G: Major Requirements: 60 Credit Hours


Mandatory Major Course Requirements:  15 Credit Hours

Free Electives: 36 Credit Hours


  • 15 Credit Hours must be 3000/4000

Institutional Requirements


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