Political Science

As a student in Duquesne’s Department of Political Science, you’ll encounter complex theories, ideas and historical events that require critical thinking and analysis, while building a deep understanding of how society functions, how governments operate and how policies are made.

You’ll study topics such as international relations, political theory, American government, comparative politics and public policy, interrogating a variety of texts, attending vibrant lectures, participating in debates and conducting research. Based on Duquesne’s liberal arts foundation, our challenging curriculum is designed to help you develop strong critical thinking, communication and research skills, all highly valuable in a range of careers.

What You’ll Explore

As a political science student, you’ll delve into the following topics:

  • War, ethnic conflict and terrorism
  • Elections, political parties and policymaking
  • Law and the judiciary
  • Poverty, human rights and climate change
  • Freedom, justice and equality

"Political science is a fluid, inspiring field. It's truly limitless in terms of the translation and flexibility it offers you."

Kendal Nasiadka, Political Science major

 

Program Information

In our Political Science program, you will study international relations, political theory, American government, comparative politics, and public policy. Develop critical thinking, communication, and research skills for diverse careers.

Program Type

Major, Minor

Degree

Bachelor's

School

McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts

Academic Department

Political Science

Duration

4-year

Required Credit Hours

30

Modality

In-Person

Program Requirements

Core courses are required, regardless of concentration.

View Catalog
  • POSC 105: American National Government (3 cr.)
  • POSC 208 or POSC 209: Politics of Great Powers or Politics of Emerging Powers (3 cr.)
  • POSC 245: International Relations (3 cr.)
  • POSC 298: Introduction to Political Analysis (3 cr.)
  • POSC 317W or 318W: Western Political Thought I or II (3 cr.)
  • 15 additional credits of Political Science Elective Courses

Major Concentrations

Concentrations are optional for political science majors. They are ideal for students with an area of special interest in political science.

The American Politics & Policy concentration examines the most pressing problems facing the nation today, as well as the political parties, institutions, and processes making policy to solve them.  This concentration is great preparation for careers in government, politics, policymaking, nonprofits, and business.

Courses you can take for the concentration include: 

POSC 105: American National Government (3 cr.)
POSC 202: State and Local Politics (3 cr.)
POSC 203: American Congress (3 cr.)
POSC 220: Politics of Public Finance (3 cr.)
POSC 235: Media and Politics (3 cr.)
POSC 276: Elections, Campaigns, and Voting (3 cr.)
POSC 290: American Political Thought (3 cr.)
POSC 292W: Public Policy (3 cr.)
POSC 294: The American Presidency (3 cr.)
POSC 294W: American Presidency (3 cr.)
POSC 303: Politics of Immigration (3 cr.)
(Can count for either International Politics or American Politics concentration – no double counting for double concentrators)
POSC 307 Groups and Identities in American Politics (3 cr.)
POSC 406W: Social and Public Policy Analysis (3 cr.)
POSC 409: Public Administration (3 cr.)
With a concentration in International Politics, you will learn about the most important issues and theories in international relations, as well as the politics of other countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the America. This concentration is ideal for students interested in careers in foreign affairs, international security, diplomacy, defense policy, nongovernmental organizations, and international business.

Courses you can take for the concentration include: 

POSC 110: Current Problems in International Politics (3 cr.)
POSC 116: Current Challenges for Liberal Democracies (3 cr.)
POSC 208: Politics of Great Powers (if not taken as required course) (3 cr.)
POSC 209: Politics of Emerging Powers (if not taken as required course) (3 cr.)
POSC 245: International Relations (3 cr.)
POSC 255: American Foreign Policy (3 cr.)
POSC 303: Politics of Immigration (3 cr.)
(Can count for either International Politics or American Politics concentration – no double counting for double concentrators)
POSC 321: Politics of Russia and Eastern Europe (3 cr.)
POSC 345W: Security Ethics (3 cr.)
POSC 408W: Democracy, Security and World Politics (3 cr.)
POSC 419W: Nationalism, Ethnicity and Conflict (3 cr.)
POSC 497: Advanced IR Theory (3 cr.)

Before entering law school, this concentration will help you gain an understanding of Constitutional law, international law, ethics, and legal careers. It is great preparation for anyone interested in law school, legal practice, law enforcement, and business.

Courses you can take for the concentration include: 

POSC 214: Politics, Religion, and First Amendment Rights (3 cr.)
POSC 215: National Security and Liberty (3 cr.)
POSC 301: Introduction to Legal Education, the Life of Lawyers and the Legal Profession (3 cr.)
POSC 326W: Constitutional Law and Politics: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights (3 cr.)
POSC 327W: Constitutional Law and Politics: The Powers of Government (3 cr.)
POSC 385: International Law and Organization (3 cr.)
POSC 413W: Human Rights: Politics and Policy (3 cr.)
POSC 448W: American Presidents and the Constitution (3 cr.)
EQ 105: Law + Morality = ? (3 cr.)

Minor in Political Science

Many students from across the university minor in political science.

  • General Political Science
  • American Politics & Policy
  • International Politics
  • Law & Politics

Learning Outcomes

In addition to the Liberal Arts General Outcomes for all Undergraduate Degree Areas, students in the B.A. in Political Science program will demonstrate the following general competencies:
  1. Political theories: Students will be able to articulate core theories of the four subdisciplines of political science – American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political philosophy – and apply them to domestic and international politics.
  2. Political concepts: Students will be able to understand, identify, and describe how key actors, processes, ideas, and institutions shape domestic and international politics.
  3. Communication: Students will communicate political ideas clearly, logically, and effectively, applying political science methods and analysis.