Political Science & International Affairs

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The Department of Political Science and International Affairs offers undergraduate courses leading to both Associate and Bachelor degrees. Majors include international affairs and political science. Within the political science major, the department offers concentrations in American politics and pre-law. Minors are available in international affairs and political science. The department also offers two graduate degrees; the Master of Public Administration (MPA) and the Master of Arts in International Affairs degree. For information regarding these graduate programs, please contact the office of Graduate Studies or visit the North Georgia website.

Political Science majors have the option of selecting from five degree programs: an Associate of Arts (AA), a Bachelor of Arts (BA), a Bachelor of Science (BS), an American Politics concentration culminating in a B.S. degree, or a pre-law concentration culminating in the BS degree. The traditional political science degree provides a well-rounded background in the discipline as well as enabling students to focus on areas of interest to them. The department is particularly strong in American political institutions (presidency, congress, and courts), public administration, constitutional law, international relations, and Asian, Latin American, and Middle Eastern, and European politics. Students can choose to earn a B.A. degree that requires an additional course in a modern foreign language or a B.S. degree that substitutes a course in computer science or philosophy. The American Politics and pre-law concentrations are designed to prepare students for specialized careers by developing the skills needed to succeed in those respective fields. These concentrations require internships.

The International Affairs (BA) degree program provides a basic background in international relations for students interested in pursuing careers in diplomacy and related fields. The degree requires an area of specialization (Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East are presently offered), as well as both study abroad and an international internship. In order to increase the student’s cross-cultural skills, advanced foreign language training is also encouraged within the student’s regional area of expertise. Above and beyond the region specific coursework, students are introduced to International Political Economy, International Security Issues, International Organizations, International Law, Comparative Government and International Relations Theory. These courses provide students with a broad understanding of international relations outside of their regional areas. The degree is designed to prepare students for careers in international diplomacy, international service careers, and for further study in International Affairs and international business. As part of this program students are expected to participate in a study abroad experience of at least 27 days in country and an international internship of at least 8 weeks.

“NO GRADE BELOW “C” WILL BE ACCEPTABLE IN ANY POLITICAL SCIENCE OR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS COURSE OR ANY COURSE IN THE MAJOR AREA FOR POLITICAL SCIENCE OR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS MAJORS.”

POLS 1101 is a prerequisite for all 3000-4000 level political science courses. POLS 2401 is a prerequisite for all 3000-4000 level political science courses in comparative politics and international relations.

For courses offered in the Department of Political Science & International Affairs, see Political Science Courses.
 

Programs

• Political Science (A.A.)

• International Affairs (B.A.)
• Political Science (B.A.)

• Political Science (B.S.)
• Political Science with American Politics Concentration (B.S.)
• Political Science with Pre-Law Concentration (B.S.)

• European Union Studies Certificate

• International Affairs Minor
• Political Science Minor

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