B.A. Political Science
Nova Southeastern University Undergraduate Programs
Key Information
Campus location
Fort Lauderdale, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 33,510
Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Scholarships
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Introduction
Learn Skills that Will Give You the Edge to Apply to Law School, Graduate School or Pursue a Career in International Affairs and Diplomacy
In Nova Southeastern University’s B.A. in Political Science program you’ll learn about both the U.S. political system (the forces that influence it and the consequences for the nation) and international political systems (international relations, global institutions, and international alliances). Dig deeper with courses on political economy, political theory, research methods, and politics in Latin America and the Middle East.
Strengthen your analytical skills in Model United Nations competitions with our award-winning team: the Nova International Relations Association (NIRA). Research and defend a legal stance in a courtroom setting on our Mock Trial team. Hear from and engage with visiting authors, political figures, and activists and take advantage of the uniquely international flavor and political dynamism that characterizes South Florida.
Why Should You Major in Political Science at NSU?
- Get real-world experience in your community through field experiences and internships.
- Pi Sigma Alpha; National Political Science Honor Society.
- The Nova International Relations Association (NIRA) – Award Winning Model United Nations Team.
- Mock Trial Team.
- Brain Bowl.
- Phi Alpha Delta; National Law Fraternity.
- Gain access to NSU’s vast network of schools.
- Get prepared to apply to law school, graduate programs in politics and international affairs, or prepare yourself to work directly in the world of politics and non-governmental organizations.
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Curriculum
Political systems provide constant challenges and opportunities for engagement, and you have a sense of curiosity about the grand questions of our time. Find ways to address today's local and global issues, using critical thinking and reasoning to move beyond opinions and truly understand our complex world.
Core Courses (24 credits)
- Research Methods in History and Political Science
- Senior Seminar Capstone
- American Government and Politics
- Introduction to Political Science
- Comparative Government
- State and Local Government
- International Relations
- Political Theory or Social and Political Philosophy
American Government and Politics Electives
Select 6 credits from the following courses:
- Judicial Politics and Process
- The Congress
- The Presidency
- Voting and Elections
International Government and Politics Major Electives
Select 6 credits from the following courses:
- Comparative Legal Systems
- War Crimes
- Global Politics
- European Union
Major Electives
Select 6 credits from the following courses:
- Special Topics in History and Politics
- Constitutional History I
- Constitutional History II
- U.S. Foreign Relations
- The First Amendment
- Individual Rights and the Law
- Model United Nations
- Quantitative Research Methods in Political Science
- Latin American Politics
- Middle Eastern Politics
- Applied Quantitative Analysis
The Bachelor of Arts degree requires at least 24 credits of coursework from the following disciplines: ARTS, COMM, DANC, FILM, HIST, HUMN, LITR, MUSC, PHIL, POLS, and THEA, as well as an intermediate degree of competency in a foreign language (generally, a minimum of 6 credits or another demonstration of competency).
Experiential Learning/Internships
During your undergraduate studies, you’ll have a number of mentorship opportunities and both simulated and real-world experiences. You can work with faculty, attorneys, judges, and activists to strengthen your resume and be job-ready. Many of our students gain internships in the legal field, while others work on south Florida political campaigns.
Additionally, students can benefit from partnerships like the Washington Center in Washington, D.C. – where students have turned a summer internship into a full-time job.
Career Opportunities
Dominate Political Fields
Politics may seem like the most obvious choice, but there are plenty of opportunities to apply your knowledge in law, journalism, nonprofit organizations, or education. An increasingly globalized world requires more politically savvy business leaders and government officials. With a political science degree, you have a lot of flexibility in the job location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment positions for political scientists are expected to grow at a rate of 6% through 2029. You can also advance your studies at the graduate level in international affairs, business or law.
Average Starting Salary
The average salary for political scientists in May 2019 was $122,220* (requires an advanced degree).
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Shark Destinations
You’ll find NSU Political Science alumni all around the country. Political Science majors have a wide array of fields to choose from as their strengths in critical thinking ad writing make them attractive to a wide range of careers. You will find them in companies like Elekta, Barakat Law, PA Baumann, and Gant & Keeley, P.A.*. You will also find them in a wide range of governmental and non-nongovernmental organizations like the Department of Homeland Security, The International Republican Institute, and Teach for America. Our alumni are also in prominent graduate programs in places like the University of Delaware, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, and Emory University.
*Data provided by NSU’s Office of Career Development