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Hall of Letters
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science program explores the concept of power—how it's used, who benefits, and its impact on society. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on learning, you will develop the skills to excel in your career, graduate or law school, and as an engaged citizen.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts
Program Types
Undergraduate
Mode of Study
On Campus
Department
Political ScienceSchool / College
College of Arts and SciencesWhat is a political science degree?
A political science degree gives you the tools to understand and engage with the political forces shaping our world. In the program, you will explore everything from government structures and political theory to pressing global issues like human rights, justice, and public policy.
Why major in political science at Redlands?
Majoring in political science at Redlands will satisfy your curiosity about politics, policy, and law while empowering you to make a meaningful impact on the world. You will develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills while gaining hands-on experience through internships, research projects, and opportunities to participate in local or national politics. Whether you’re interested in law, public service, international relations, or advocacy, this degree prepares you to make a meaningful impact in the political arena and beyond.
Classes you'll take
The major in political science encompasses courses taken for foundational knowledge, breadth, and specialization. Majors must complete a minimum of 40 credits or the equivalent of 9 courses plus a 4-credit senior capstone.
To view specific program requirements and coursework information, visit the current university catalog.
Foundation (3 courses)
- POLI 111 (Introduction to American Politics, 4 credits)
- POLI 150 (Foundations of Political Theory, 4 credits)
- POLI 200 or 202 (The Study of Politics (4 credits) or Statistical Analysis and Mapping of Social Science Data (4 credits)
Elective Concentration (4 courses)
- Students must develop an elective concentration through one of two paths:
- 1. Independently Elected Concentration: Students opting for this path select four courses (at least one of which is a 400-level course) in an area of their interest.
- 2. Established Elective Concentrations: Students opting for this path select four courses (at least one of which is a 400-level course) from one of the established concentrations below.
Breadth Requirement: Elective (1 course)
- Take one additional 4-credit course. Elective courses may support students’ curricular concentration. Courses from study abroad are likely to count in this category.
Capstone (1 course)
- POLI 495 Political Science Capstone (4 credits). The senior capstone is to be taken in the fall semester of the senior year. Students must employ best practices in the discipline to complete an independent research project; a student who does not successfully complete this project will not graduate with a major in Political Science.
Why should you minor in political science at Redlands?
Minoring in political science at Redlands will complement your major, especially if you are interested in law, theory, politics, and international relations. To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current university catalog.
- A minimum of 24 credits in the department.
- At least 12 credits must be taken at the University of Redlands.
Other courses
- With prior approval of their academic advisors and the Political Science Department chair, students may count three upper-division courses offered by other departments, off-campus coursework (such as through foreign study programs or a Washington Semester), internships, and individualized study courses for up to 12 credits of elective credit toward the major or minor.
- Because political science courses are an integral part of the international relations major, students are not permitted to major or minor in both political science and international relations. Students who opt to double major should define two separate courses of study or concentrations; 28 units (7 courses) must be stand-alone credits (i.e., not overlap between these majors).
Established Elective Concentrations
Law and politics
- POLI 306 Constitutional Law: National and State Powers (4)
- POLI 307 Constitutional Law: Liberty and Authority (4)
- POLI 318 American Political Thought and Practice (4)
- POLI 345 International Law and Organization (4)
- POLI 363 Special Topics in Public Law (4)
- POLI 463 Advanced Seminar in Public Law (4)
Governance and policy
- PLCY 100 Introduction to Public Policy Analysis (4)
- POLI 207 Environmental Politics and Policy (4)
- POLI 208 California Politics (3) - offered as a May Term course
- POLI 250 American Foreign Policy (4)
- POLI 304 U.S. Congress (4)
- POLI 308 U.S. Presidency (4)
- POLI 354 Immigration Politics and Policy (4)
- POLI 456 Education Policy (4)
- POLI 457 Health Care Policy (4)
World politics
- IR 200 International Relations Theory (4)
- POLI 220 European Politics and Development (4)
- POLI 226 Middle East and African Politics (4)
- POLI 230 Latin American Politics and Development (4)
- POLI 244 International Security (4)
- POLI 250 American Foreign Policy (4)
- POLI 325 Comparative Parties and Elections (4)
- POLI 332 Politics of Japan and Korea (4)
- POLI 345 International Law and Organization (4)
- POLI 346 Foreign Policies of Russia and the Former Soviet States (4)
- POLI 462 Advanced Seminar in Comparative Politics (4)
- POLI 464 Advanced Seminar in International Relations (4)
Undergraduate application deadlines
Fall 2025 - First Year
November 15, 2024 - Early Action
Fall 2025 - First Year
January 15, 2025 - Regular Decision*
Fall 2025 - Transfer
March 1, 2025 - Regular Decision*
Note
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline based on capacity.
What you'll learn
You will learn to systematically apply sound logic and valid evidence to the analysis of politics.
You will learn how to produce coherent independent research about politics by relying on both primary and secondary sources.
You will learn how to compose written work that is analytically sound, clear, and persuasive and be able to orally communicate political science findings and arguments in a coherent and persuasive manner.
You will learn to draw reasoned conclusions about the practical and normative implications of governing decisions made in contemporary and historical contexts.
What you'll learn
Graduates pursue careers in
As a public servant or public administrator at the international, national, state, and local level, you will champion community voices with visionary leadership and unwavering dedication.
As an agent of the CIA, FBI, or State Department, you will support lawmakers by conducting research, drafting legislation, and managing constituent relations.
As a lawyer or judge, you will deliver justice with expert legal insight and unwavering advocacy.
As a professor of political science, you will teach students about government, politics, theory, and law, guiding them towards an impactful career.
Graduates pursue careers in
Featured faculty
Every Redlands faculty member is an active practitioner in their field. The classes they teach emerge from their unique research and practices, and they’re passionate about what they’re sharing. At Redlands, faculty are invested in and committed to your success.
Greg Thorson
Professor, Ken and Lynn Hall Endowed Chair
Renée Van Vechten
Professor, Fletcher Jones Endowed Chair in American Politics and Policy
Art "Arthur" Svenson
Professor, David Boies Endowed Chair of Government
Graeme Auton
Professor
Althea Sircar
Assistant Professor
Eric McLaughlin
Associate Professor
Want to know more?
Get in touch with our admissions team.
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