Political Science students will be:
- liberally-educated, with broad exposure to political theory and practice, normative debates, and empirical evidence;
- capable of critical and analytical thinking and effective oral and written communication skills;
- prepared for graduate studies or professional studies in political science, public administration, international affairs, or law;
- well-trained for productive careers in politics and government, public administration, law, business, education, community service, survey research, and journalism, as well as prepared for further education and responsible citizenship.
To implement this mission, the department has established three primary goals. By completing the requirements of the department's Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Public Administration, and Teaching Endorsement degrees:
- Students will develop mastery of the subject areas of political science;
- Students will develop experiential knowledge by linking subject mastery from course-work to applied situations;
- Students will build skill-sets and knowledge leading to successful entry to law school, graduate school, and professional careers.
- Students will be fluent in the methods and approaches to inquiry in the discipline.
- Students will develop subject mastery across the sub-fields of the discipline.
- Students will develop appropriate writing, communication, critical, and analytical skills linked to subject mastery
- Students will gain practical experience linking course-work to applied settings through one or more of several options.
- Students will exhibit skills-sets and knowledge appropriate for successful entry into and completion of law school.
- Students will exhibit skills-sets and knowledge appropriate for successful entry into and graduation from graduate school.
- Students will exhibit skills-sets and knowledge appropriate for successful career placement.