Political Science

Extensive opportunities in a fast-paced, competitive field

Want a dynamic career in government service, business, education, or law in an undoubtedly vibrant political climate? An Alfred University Political Science degree affords you the ability to enter the workforce in a diverse range of fields, helping to shape people's lives by engaging in community outreach, public policy, national, state and local politics, communications and journalism, and more.

School/Division

Campus Locations

Main Campus - Alfred, NY

Major

Political Science (BA)

Minor

Political Science

I. Core Courses

  • POLS 110 American Politics
  • POLS 150 World Politics
  • POLS 230 Intro to Data Analysis and Statistics

II. Core Subject Areas

At least one course from each of the following three groups:

American Politics:

  • POLS 310 Executive Branch Institutions
  • POLS 313 State and Local Politics
  • POLS 318 The Presidency*
  • POLS 331 Parties and Elections

Political Thought:

  • POLS 340 Classical Political Theory
  • POLS 341 Modern Political Theory
  • POLS 346 American Political Thought*
  • POLS 420 Social Theory: A Survey

Comparative and International Politics:

  • POLS 251 European Politics
  • POLS 253 Dictatorship and Democracy
  • POLS 382 Latin American Politics

III. Elective Courses

Twelve additional credit hours in Political Science from core subject area courses or the following courses:

  • POLS 200 Special Topics
  • POLS 214 Environment, Politics and Society
  • POLS 237 Media and Politics
  • POLS 242 Approaches to Law
  • POLS 300 Special Topics
  • POLS 304 Equality
  • POLS 316 American Constitutional Law and Politics*
  • POLS 321 The History of Fascism
  • POLS 329 Revolution and Culture: Hegel, Marx, and Nietzsche
  • POLS 332 Judicial Processes
  • POLS 355 Public Policy
  • POLS 356 Social Movements
  • POLS 373 Terrorism and International Security
  • POLS 400 Special Topics
  • POLS 417 Civil Liberties
  • POLS 420 Social Theory: A Survey
  • POLS/SOCI 431 Research Designs and Strategies
  • POLS 450 Independent Study

*these courses have prerequisites; see course descriptions

Education Track

Students seeking to major in Political Science in preparation for a career in middle/adolescent education (grades 7-12) can combine a Political Science Education Track academic major with a minor in Education. The requirements for a Political Science Education Track major are listed below.

I. Core Courses

  • POLS 110 American Politics
  • POLS 150 World Politics
  • POLS 230 Introduction to Data Analysis and Statistics

II. Elective Courses

At least one course from each of the following two groups:

American Politics:
  • POLS 310 Executive Branch Institutions
  • POLS 313 State and Local Politics
  • POLS 318 The Presidency*
  • POLS 331 Parties and Elections
Political Thought:
  • POLS 340 Classical Political Theory
  • POLS 341 Modern Political Theory
  • POLS 346 American Political Thought*
  • POLS 420 Social Theory: A Survey
  • Eight additional credit hours in Political Science

III. Two courses in related social sciences and geography

  • ECON 201 Principles of Microeconomics
  • GEOL 101 This Dynamic Earth

IV. Four Courses in History

  • HIST 110 The Making of Europe
  • HIST 111 Modern Western History
  • HIST 211 American History
  • HIST 212 American History II
*these courses have prerequisites; see course descriptions

In addition to fulfilling the requirements of the Interdepartmental Major, as well as the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences general education requirements, you'll be required to complete the College's First Year Experience Program or Transfer Student Program.

  • POLS 110 American Politics
  • POLS 150 World Politics
  • Plus twelve additional hours in Political Science

The Political Science program develops not only reasoning and analytical skills, but also communication skills, both oral and written. Thus, the study of political science prepares a student to pursue a variety of careers that include, but are not limited to, law, policy development, public service, national and international business, communications, and education.

Recent examples include:

  • Investigator - Texas Dept of Family and Protective Services
  • New Business Marketing Director – Corporate Styles
  • Surveillance Investigator – Benchmark International
  • Benefits Specialist – PriceWaterhouseCoopers
  • Compensation Specialist – Towers Perrin
  • Community Development Project Manager – SEDA, Council of Governments
  • Loan Officer – Mortgage Mart, Inc.
  • SEO Writer - HubShout
  • Environmental Analyst – Marasco Newton Group
  • Regional Coordinator – Western Regional EMS
  • Town Supervisor – Town of Wellsville
  • Paralegal – Wilson, Elsca, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker
  • Assistant Director of Development – Eureka College
  • Assistant Manager – Global Equities, Inc.
  • Administrative Assistant – American Physical Therapy Association
  • Legal Assistant – Nixon Peabody LLP
  • Marketing Coordinator – META Engineers, P.C.

Student Stories

Rosenyi Borquez headshot

APEX in the Nation's Capital (Political Science, Psychology, Public Law)

"My experience at this APEX internship made me surer of myself and more determined to pursue my goals."

Rosenyi Borquez, 2019
Find out more about Rosenyi

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If you're considering an education in Political Science, you might considering double majoring or adding a minor to your plan of study.

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