Political Science, B.A.

Return to: 3470 Department of Political Science  

Political science is the study of “who gets what, when, and how” in the distribution of goods and values in society and in groups. Specifically, political scientists study the determinants of such distributions, including political parties and voters, public opinion, interest groups, bureaucracies and administrative behavior, public law, international relations, international law and organizations, national security, intergovernmental relations, political behavior, political philosophy, comparative politics, public policy, and conflict.

Students may specialize in any of the five fields of the discipline: American politics and government, comparative politics, international politics, political theory, and public policy and administration. The department also provides specific concentrations for majors and minors in pre-law and in international affairs. The department sponsors intercollegiate academic teams for Mock Trial, Model United Nations, and Model Arab League. The department sponsors student honor societies and clubs in pre-law, international relations, and political science. In addition, the department provides advisement for pre-law students.

The proximity of Georgia State University to the center of government for the Southeast and the State of Georgia and its location in an international city of business, communication, and transportation provide unique opportunities for students to observe and participate in government and politics. For example, many qualified students serve as interns as part of their academic program.

The Political Science department provides courses and advising in regard to the European Union Studies Certificate offered by the University System of Georgia. This program enables students to develop expertise in the European Unions and in EU studies. Dr. Jeannie Grussendorf of the department serves as campus representative. See European Union Studies for a detailed description. Courses that count towards the European Union Studies Certificate will have the EURO prefix. Students taking EURO courses can have these applied to their political science major. EURO courses can fulfill political science credit counting towards the International Affairs concentration. For more information, visit www.eustudiesprogram.org.