Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science- U.S. Government

Virginia Commonwealth University

The Department of Political Science offers a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science as well as elective courses in political science for program majors and non-majors. The political science curriculum has two central objectives. It offers the student a broad liberal arts education along with a comprehensive understanding of the nature and the functioning of the political process and government. It also provides a sound foundation for graduate study in political science, public administration and nonprofit management, or for careers that require knowledge of governance and the political process, such as law. U.S. government concentration-specific outcomes Demonstrate an understanding of how the Constitution distributes power between and/or across federal, state and/or local governments, evaluating the impact of federalism on policy making and/or governance. Demonstrate an understanding of the determinants and/or consequences of political behavior in the U.S., including (but not limited to) public opinion, ideology and partisanship, political knowledge, political participation, campaigns, media influence and/or polarization. Demonstrate an understanding of the structures, functions and/or interactions of key U.S. political institutions -- including the presidency, Congress, judiciary, bureaucracy and/or political parties -- and evaluate their impact on policy-making and/or governance.

College of Humanities and Sciences