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As a political science major at Fresno Pacific University, you’ll be prepared to meet the challenges of your community and beyond from a foundation of ethics, seeking justice, peace and prosperity. This program will provide you with an increased understanding of the political world—locally, nationally and internationally. Designed to introduce you to the discipline of political science, you’ll be engaged in political analysis and develop a critical understanding of politics and its place in human society. Whether you want to focus on U.S. foreign policy or are interested in nature laws, the flexibility within the major allows you to select courses of interest to you.
With this degree you’ll be prepared for a variety of careers in private and public political organizations, such as local government, journalism, international organizations, political campaigns, interest groups/associations and colleges or universities. You will also be equipped to pursue a wide area of careers including politics, public service, law, business and much, much more. Additionally, this degree will prepare you to pursue advance study.
In order to obtain a bachelor’s degree from Fresno Pacific University, students must complete at least 120 units. Along with completing all required courses in their selected area of study, general education requirements must be met by all graduates. See the general education summary in the undergraduate academic catalog for more information.
Select programs may not provide enough units for a student to graduate and therefore an emphasis and/or elective courses must be completed alongside the major. Please see below for emphases related to this area of study.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 101 ECON 102 | Principles of Microeconomics or Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 or 3 |
| HIST 150 | American Civilization | 4 |
| PHIL 100 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| SOC 120 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PS 120 | American Politics and Society | 3 |
| PS 390 | Religion and Politics in America * | 4 |
| PS 440 | Human Rights & International Law | 4 |
| PS 476 | Internship * | 3 |
Select three of the following
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PS 400 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
| PS 420 | International Relations | 3 |
| PS 450 | History of Political Theory and Ideas | 3 |
| PS XXX | American Public Policy | 3 |
Select a minimum of four of the following
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BUS 475 | Law and the Business Environment | 3 |
| CRIM 375 | Criminal Justice in America | 4 |
| FIN 452 | Public Finance | 3 |
| PS 300 | California History and Politics | 4 |
| PS 371 | American Law and Legal System | 3 |
| PS 373 | Nature, Law and Policy | 3 |
| PS 385 | Urban Society and the Welfare State | 3 |
| PS 400 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
| PS 411 | Modern Latin America: History, Politics And Culture | 3 |
| PS 412 | Modern Africa: History, Politics and Culture | 3 |
| PS 414 | Modern Asia: History, Politics and Culture | 3 |
| PS 416 | Modern Middle East: History, Politics and Culture | 3 |
| PS 420 | International Relations | 3 |
| PS 425 | Global Economics and Sustainable Development | 3 |
| PS 430 | US Foreign Policy: History and Contemporary Issues | 4 |
| PS 435 | Energy, Economics and Ethics | 3 |
| PS 450 | History of Political Theory and Ideas | 3 |
| PS XXX | Civil Rights and Liberties | 3 |
| PS 483 | Project in Political Science (Recommended for graduate study.) | 1 - 3 |
| SOC 461 | Introduction to Social Science Research (Recommended for graduate study.) | 3 |
The American Studies Program (CCCU) in Washington, D.C., may be taken in place of PS 390, PS 476 and two breadth courses.
Bret Kincaid, Ph.D.
Please choose your desired enrollment area:
Undergraduate Transfer (Undergraduate)Note: Graduate and Biblical Seminary students please contact student financial services for comprehensive financial advising.
Program details
"[Professor Unruh] challenged us and pushed us constantly. He really tried to get us to think holistically when tackling problems. FPU, and especially Professor Unruh, absolutely prepared me for [my] job."
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