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Major 
Political Science
The program in the Department of Political Science at Cleveland State University is designed to help students understand the importance of politics and democracy in their lives, contemporary public policy, and the means of influencing government to respond to collective needs.
Study Abroad Opportunities
There are opportunities to study in China, Germany, France and others. These can be arranged through the Center for International Services and Programs
Internship Opportunities
The Department of Political Science offers internships for political science majors.
Public Service Specialization (36 Semester Hours)
This is a political science program more oriented toward practical politics and government service. Requirements of this program are identical to those of the political science major with two exceptions: public service track majors take an internship for 6 hours of credit instead of the senior seminar, as their capstone course. Students also take one course specifically related to their internship, as well as the usual field-distribution requirements for the major.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
There are multiple career opportunities for majors in political science. Political science is a fine liberal arts degree and careers are diverse.
Private Sector: Many political science majors will have careers in the private, for-profit sector. Some positions include:
- Journalist
- Market Researcher
- Sales Representative
Non-Profit Sector: The not-for-profit sector is rapidly expanding, and some political science majors find employment there. Some positions include:
- Group Activist
- Director of Development
Public Sector: Many students will go into jobs in the public sector working for federal, state, or local governments. Some of these positions include:
- Budget Analyst
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Legislative Director
- Librarian
- Public Relations Officer
- Teacher
Graduate School: Some political science majors continue on to graduate school in diverse areas leading to other careers. For example:
- Attorney at Law
- Professor
- City Manager
PROGRAM
The Major in Political Science requires the completion of a minimum of 32 credit hours. PSC 111 American Government is required for the major and is not included in the 32 credit hour minima.
The program is divided into three parts: The Common Core, Three Field Distribution Requirements and Senior Seminar.
Common Core
PSC 251 Data Analysis AND
PSC 221 Comparative Politics OR
PSC 231 International Politics
Field Distribution
- Two Courses in the American Field Distribution
- Two Courses in the International Relations/Comparative Field Distribution
- One course in the Theory Field Distribution
- One Senior Seminar
Evening Program
A Major in Political Science may be completed in the evening. Required core courses are offered at night at least once during the regular academic year, and baccalaureate-level courses are offered with regularity to complete a degree over a four-year period.
Students must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in political science courses in order to graduate with a major.
COURSE SEQUENCE FOR THE GENERAL MAJOR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
A total number of 128 hours (32 hours for the major) are required for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Political Science. All degree seeking students are required to complete a specific number of General Education (GenEd) courses. Students are responsible for ensuring the appropriate selection of courses to satisfy GenEd requirements and are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor regarding the applicability of selected courses. A comprehensive description of Cleveland State University's General Education Requirements for undergraduate students is available online at www.csuohio.edu/acaffairs/gened.htm.
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For more information, contact:
Department of Political Science
Cleveland State University
2121 Euclid Avenue, RT 1744
Cleveland, OH 44115-2214
Phone: 216.687.4541
www.csuohio.edu/polisci
For official requirements for a degree in this major, see the Undergraduate Catalog for the academic year in which you were admitted to the University.