Political Science - BS
Political science is the study of power, governance, and political behavior in domestic and global contexts. At St. Catherine University, students in this major examine how decisions are made, how policies are created and implemented, and how people engage in civic life. With a foundation in political theory, public policy, and comparative and international politics, students also gain critical experience in data analysis, research methods, professional writing, and public communication.
Courses emphasize real-world applications and core skills that prepare students for a range of careers—particularly as policy analysts, legislative aides, advocates, campaign strategists, government affairs professionals, and more. Through rigorous academic training and hands-on opportunities, students develop the tools to interpret data, craft persuasive arguments, and lead conversations about justice, democracy, and equity.
The political science major strongly supports leadership development and public service. Students often pursue internships with organizations such as the Minnesota Legislature, Center for Victims of Torture, the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, and the Minnesota Association of Women Lawyers. Some engage directly in policy work through the Diplomacy Lab, a program that allows students to collaborate with the U.S. State Department. Others attend short-term academic intensives through the Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) or participate in semester-long study through American University’s Washington D.C. Program.
Many students broaden their education through study abroad programs in regions including Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Faculty expertise spans diverse areas such as urban politics, transnational movements, elections, constitutional law, and gender and public policy.
Graduates of the political science program are well-prepared for careers in government, international affairs, nonprofit leadership, education, law, and political journalism, or for further study in public policy, law, international relations, or public administration. Students leave with the skills to analyze complex problems, advocate for change, and lead with integrity in any setting.
The political science major is available to students enrolled in the College for Women only.
This major is offered in the College for Women only.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POSC 1710W | Introduction to American Government and Policy | 4 |
| POSC 2200W | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 4 |
| POSC 2250 | Introduction to World Politics | 4 |
| POSC 4850 | 4 | |
| ECON 1090 | Statistical Analysis for Decision Making 1 | 4 |
| or SOCI 2200 | People, Stories and Images: Qualitative Social Research | |
| 20 upper-division (3XXX or 4XXX level) credits in political science to be determined by the student and her advisor (usually five 4-credit classes) | 20 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
Students must complete eight additional upper-division (3XXX or 4XXX level) credits determined by the student and their advisor. Many students complete these eight credits (usually two 4-credit classes) by adding a minor or double major.
Students are encouraged to take advantage of internships available at the local, state and national government levels (for which up to a maximum of eight credits may be granted). Independent study also may be arranged. Students who wish to take independent study or an internship must have taken at least one related political science course prior to taking either.
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Students interested in political science or international relations as a major or minor are encouraged to take ECON 1090 Statistical Analysis for Decision Making to fulfill the mathematics and logical reasoning liberal arts core requirement.
Political science majors satisfy the Writing Requirement for Majors by completing POSC 1710W Introduction to American Government and Policy and POSC 2200W Introduction to Comparative Politics. They complete the Liberal Arts and Sciences Core Writing Requirement with two other writing-intensive courses (CORE 1000W The Reflective Woman and CORE 3990W Global Search for Justice).
The Political Science major can be completed in four years or two years. Both programs of study are provided below.
Four-Year Plan
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term | ||
| POSC 2250 | Introduction to World Politics | 4 |
| Spring Term | ||
| ECON 1090 | Statistical Analysis for Decision Making | 4 |
| or SOCI 2200 | People, Stories and Images: Qualitative Social Research | |
| Upper-division Political Science course | 4 | |
| Fall Term | ||
| POSC 1710W | Introduction to American Government and Policy | 4 |
| Spring Term | ||
| POSC 2200W | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 4 |
| Fall Term | ||
| Upper-division Political Science course | 4 | |
| Upper-division Political Science course | 4 | |
| Spring Term | ||
| Upper-division Political Science course | 4 | |
| Fall Term | ||
| Upper-division Political Science course | 4 | |
| Spring Term | ||
| POSC 4850 | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Two-Year Plan
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term | ||
| ECON 1090 | Statistical Analysis for Decision Making | 4 |
| or SOCI 2200 | People, Stories and Images: Qualitative Social Research | |
| POSC 2250 | Introduction to World Politics | 4 |
| Spring Term | ||
| POSC 2200W | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 4 |
| Upper-division Political Science course | 4 | |
| Upper-division Political Science course | 4 | |
| Fall Term | ||
| POSC 1710W | Introduction to American Government and Policy | 4 |
| Upper-division Political Science course | 4 | |
| Upper-division Political Science course | 4 | |
| Spring Term | ||
| POSC 4850 | ||
| Upper-division Political Science course | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |