Political Science Undergraduate Programs - Kendall College of Arts and Sciences

Political Science Undergraduate Programs

Political scientists study political ideas and analyze governments, policies and political trends. Politics involves systematic preparation for the law, government service, administration, journalism, teaching, lobbying, nonprofit activities, the intelligence services, the military and police, and corporate strategy.

Political science students gain a broad knowledge of domestic and foreign political institutions, processes and problems. The political science program in The University of Tulsa’s Kendall College of Arts and Sciences offers a bachelor of arts degree that focuses on three areas: American politics, international studies, and political and legal theory.

Undergraduates choose the political science degree track for many reasons. Some imagine themselves in the halls of power and seek the fast track of political involvement in parties, candidates and issues. Others analyze the sweep of space and time showing the tragedy of clashing nations and people. Politics shows language students how the speakers of their languages are governed and prepares them for international careers. Business managers and executives have gone global and search for the bottom line with the eye of a political analyst. Scientists raise questions of ethics, fundraising and societal direction that only statecraft can answer. Teachers have a natural interest in understanding the spirit of American democracy. The study of law also is closely linked to political science.

  • Program Learning Outcomes

    1. By the time students have finished the three introductory 2000-level courses required for the major, they will achieve at least one of the Program Learning Outcomes listed under each of the subfields.

    2. Students will achieve all Program Learning Outcomes in any subfield in which they have taken three or more 3000 to 4000-level courses and/or have completed the Senior Project.

    American Politics subfield:

    1. Explain current political and governmental structures and processes in the United States.
    2. Critically analyze the social, cultural, and ideological development of American political ideas and institutions.

    International Studies subfield:

    1. Demonstrate an understanding of politics, institutions, culture and governance issues within and among states, regional, international and transnational actors.
    2. Analyze the historical development and patterns of interaction among the above actors and evaluate the structural, ideological, social, economic, and political factors that shape those interactions.
    3. Comprehensively synthesize in a comparative context the political structures, institutions, governing processes, and cultures of a diverse selection of developed and developing countries.

    Political Theory subfield:

    1. Explain the great political thinkers and arguments that have shaped the development of political life in the West for over 2500 years.
    2. Critically analyze contemporary arguments about recurrently contested political ideas, such as equality, liberty, virtue, tolerance, and justice.
  • Degree Options

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    Focuses on political ideas, political institutions, and political processes touch and mold our lives.

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    Non-majors interested in learning more about political science are encouraged to add it to their degree program as a minor.



  • Typical Four Year Schedule
    FRESHMAN – FALL SEMESTERFRESHMAN – SPRING SEMESTER
    ENGL-1004ENGL-1033
    AS-1001MATH-1083 or above
    Foreign LanguageForeign Language
    Block IIBlock I
    POL-2053POL 2000 International
    SOPHOMORE – FALL SEMESTERSOPHOMORE – SPRING SEMESTER
    FS-1973Block I
    Foreign LanguageForeign Language
    Block III with labBlock III no lab
    Block IIBlock II
    POL-2083POL UD Elective
    JUNIOR – FALL SEMESTERJUNIOR – SPRING SEMESTER
    Block IIAS-2001
    MinorMinor
    POL UD ElectivePOL UD Elective
    POL UD ElectivePOL UD Elective
    POL UD ElectivePOL UD Elective
    General Elective
    SENIOR – FALL SEMESTERSENIOR – SPRING SEMESTER
    MinorMinor
    MinorSenior Project
    General ElectiveGeneral Elective
    General ElectiveGeneral Elective
    General ElectiveGeneral Elective
    General Elective