Political Science Program Overview
The Department of Government, Legal Studies, and Philosophy offers major and minor programs in Political Science. These programs are designed for students who seek the skills and substantive knowledge necessary to better understand the causes and effects of a wide variety of governmental institutions, processes, policies, and political behavior in preparation for exciting career opportunities both within and outside government.
All of Tarleton’s Political Science majors get foundational training in comparative politics, international politics, political philosophy, research methods, and statistics. They also select a concentration and develop a capstone project in line with their academic and career interests.
Political Science majors can choose from two areas of concentration: Self-Designed and 4+1 Accelerated Concentration to the Master’s of Public Administration (MAPA). Click on the links below for a complete list of course requirements.
Degree Options
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
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Self-Designed Concentration
Accelerated Concentration
Bachelor of Science in Political Science
Self-Designed Concentration
Accelerated Concentration
Minor in Political Science
Download the Requirements
“The degree I’ve earned from Tarleton State has provided me with the proper tools to exceed at my position.”
— Cameron Mitchell, B.S. Political Science ’18
Political Science Field of Study
The Field of Study Curriculum for Political Science is designed for students seeking a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government and consists of 18-24 lower-division semester credit hours that are fully transferable to Tarleton from other Texas public colleges and universities.
| Political Science Field of Study Curriculum | |
|---|---|
| GOVT 2304 | Introduction to Political Science |
| GOVT 2305 | United States Government |
| GOVT 2306 | Texas State & Local Government |
| MATH 1342 | Elementary Statistics |
| Directed Electives | GOVT 2311, Mexican American Politics PHIL 2307, Introduction to Social & Political Philosophy |
Career Pathways
There are many career pathways for political science graduates. Aside being the number one major among law school applicants, political science majors work in government, industry, and non-profits sectors. Check out the American Political Science Association to learn more about the Political Science major and potential career paths. Additional career planning resources can be found at Careers for Political Scientists. Political Science graduates are employed in private and public sectors while some choose to continue their education in a Master’s, Professional, or Ph.D. program.
Programs and Opportunities
Bachelors + Masters in 5 Years
In just 5 years political science majors can complete both their Bachelors degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Public Administration through the Accelerated Concentration option.
State and Federal Internships
Political Science majors have the opportunity to compete for prestigious internship opportunities in Washington, D.C. and in Austin, Texas, working for federal and state elected officials.
Political Science Faculty
| Name | Education | Expertise | Office | Phone |
| Dr. Nathaniel Cogley | Ph.D., Yale University | African politics, comparative politics, international relations, and U.S. Federal Government | O.A. Grant 352 | 254-968-9631 |
| Dr. Boleslaw Kabala | Ph.D., Yale University | American politics and political thought, political philosophy, constitutional law, critical theory, political theology, Augustine and ideology, and civic engagement | O.A. Grant 361 | 254-968-5631 |
| Dr. Eric Morrow | Ph.D., Baylor University | U.S. public policy, Religion and Politics, and Texas government | O.A. Grant 345 | 254-968-0777 |
| Dr. Marcie Reynolds | Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago | American politics, interest groups, judicial decision-making, and state and local government | O.A. Grant 358 | 254-968-1826 |
| Dr. Jesus Velasco | Ph.D., University of Texas | Latin American politics, foreign policy, and foreign views of the United States | O.A. Grant 365 | 254-968-9627 |