Political scientists focus upon political systems, including the effect of environment on the system, inputs, the decision-making agencies which render binding public policies, and system outputs. Approaches to the study of government and politics include the normative approach, in which philosophical attention centers on values by asking the question “What ought to be?” and the behavioral approach, in which an attempt is made to develop verifiable theories through scientific methods by asking the questions “How?” and “Why?”
Students majoring in political science have employment opportunities in federal, state, and local governments and with private civic groups, interest groups, and political groups. Students who go on to graduate work find appointments at higher levels and in college teaching. Students graduating in political science, as in any of the social sciences, are in demand by employers in business and industry. Students completing the Political Science Internship Program have experienced considerable success in finding employment upon graduation. The political science major is also especially suitable for the pre-law student.
Degrees offered by the Political Science Department are the Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in Political Science, in Government and Public Service, and in Political Science Pre-Law track. An interdisciplinary major and a minor in International Studies are sponsored by the Political Science Department. The department also offers a minor in political science.