2022-2023 Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Political Science, B.A.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Majors

Our classes focus on critical engagement with current political practices globally and in the U.S. The Political Science major will give you the skills you need to pursue a career in political organizing, public policy, government, or law. Learn how to save the world… one step at a time.

As part of their degree requirements, students pursue one or more of the following hands-on learning opportunities: they can participate in Model United Nations, Moot Court, and local internships with government and non-profit organizations.

Our department offers three distinctive concentrations within the major. Students can choose to concentrate in one of these areas or can complete a major without a concentration.

  • Law and Policy: Whether you want to go to law school, work for a government agency, or advocate for change with an NGO, this concentration will help you develop the knowledge of the legal and policymaking process that you need to work effectively at the grass-roots right up to Congress.
  • Politics of Environment and Sustainability: Environmental concerns are not just technical problems, they’re key social and political challenges. This concentration explores links between environmental issues, social justice, individual freedom, and strategies for change. 
  • Global Politics: Politics, economics, and culture are increasingly global. This concentration will develop your understanding of the actors and organizations that shape our world, while deepening your understanding of the diverse peoples, politics, and cultures outside the U.S. 

Students interested in pursuing a graduate degree while at Cal Poly Humboldt may wish to consider the dual degree pathway with the Master of Arts in Social Science, Environment and Community graduate program. The dual degree pathway enables exceptional students to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years. Please refer to the Social Science, Environment and Community Concentration, M.A.  program description in this catalog for more information.

Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree


A bachelor’s degree requires a total of 120 units. Students must fulfill General Education & All-University Requirements , residency, unit, and GPA requirements as outlined in the Bachelor’s Degree Requirements .

Requirements for the Major (41 Units)


All courses required for the major must be completed with a minimum grade of C-.

Core Courses (21 Units)


The following core course are required for all political science majors.

Concentrations (20 Units)


Students can choose to concentrate in one area or complete the major without a concentration. Complete one of the following to fulfill the 41 units required for the major.

Political Science, B.A. Program Learning Outcomes


Students completing this program will have demonstrated:

  • knowledge of political theories, institutions, and processes in the U.S. and internationally
  • the ability to identify, access, read, and evaluate political science research
  • the ability to critically analyze social, political, and environmental challenges facing contemporary polities, using support from appropriate sources
  • knowledge of the practice of politics through experience and reflection on their experience in relation to social responsibility, sustainability, and/or the obligations of citizenship in a globalized world
  • proficiency in written and oral communication.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Majors