Political Science

Program Description

This political science program places special emphasis on preparing students for community service, public service, law school, and graduate school to meet the expanding needs of South Metropolitan Atlanta.

What is Political Science?

Political science is the study of governments and the governing procedures in individual countries and in international bodies such as the United Nations. Irrespective of the unit of government political science deals with, it is primarily concerned with "the authoritative allocation of values" - namely, how individuals and groups go about obtaining the most of what they cherish and value.

Political scientists study how governments are structured, how governments make decisions, as well as the content of those decisions, and how governments solve societal conflicts, and what conditions are most conducive to the orderly process of government. Specifically, political scientists study such phenomena as political parties and voting behavior, public opinion, interest groups, bureaucracies and administrative procedures, national security and international organization, executive politics and legislative behavior, courts and the administration of justice, intergovernmental relations, political personality, mass movements, revolution, ideologies, political philosophy, community organization and urban politics, and the expanding field of policy studies.

Political Science Program Outcomes

1. Understand the structure and perspective of Political Science.
2. Understand the research processes of Political Science.
3. Understand the institutions of government and politics at the local, state, national and international levels.
4. Understand alternative political systems.
5. Understand the importance of civic engagement in American society.
6. Demonstrate effective written communication skills.
7. Demonstrate the ability to analyze data and textual materials, and to think critically.