College: College of Liberal Arts
Department: Society, Justice, and Politics
Student Type: Traditional Undergraduate
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Campus: Both Lisle Campus and Mesa Campus

Requirements - Major

Students majoring in Political Science must complete at least 45 semester credit hours with a grade of “C” or better, including:

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Core
PLSC 1102	American Government	3
PLSC 2105	Law and Politics	3
PLSC 2201	State and Local Government	3
PLSC 2210	Introduction to International Relations	3
PLSC 4299	Research Methods in Political Science	3
PLSC 4399	Thesis Research and Writing	3
Electives
Select six semester credit hours of Political Science electives at the 2000 level or higher 1		6
Select six semester credit hours of Political Science electives at the 3000 level or higher 2		6
Select six semester credit hours of Political Science electives 3		6
Select six semester credit hours of Political Science or approved upper level coursework 4		6
ECON 2002	Principles of Macroeconomics	3
Total Hours		45

¹

Students in the Pre-Law Concentration should enroll in PLSC 2230 US Constitutional Law I/PLSC 3330 US Constitutional Law I and PLSC 2231 Constitutional Law II/PLSC 3331 Constitutional Law II

²

Students in the Pre-Law Concentration should enroll in an approved political theory/thought course; as also stated above, students in the Pre-Law Concentration should enroll in PLSC 2230 US Constitutional Law I/PLSC 3330 US Constitutional Law I and PLSC 2231 Constitutional Law II/PLSC 3331 Constitutional Law II

³

Students in the Pre-Law Concentration may substitute coursework from ACCT, HIST, MGT, PHIL, PSYC or SOCL as approved by the department

⁴

Students in the Pre-Law Concentration may substitute upper level coursework from ACCT, HIST, MGT, PHIL, PSYC or SOCL as approved by the department

Pre-Law Concentration

In response to law school recommendations, the Pre-Law concentration does not require a specific course of study but focuses on a broad range of offerings out of six academic programs. The thrust is a broad liberal arts background, which makes the student aware of pressing social problems, knowledgeable about the American system of government and capable of reading critically and writing in a clear, concise manner.

Political Science students at Benedictine University learn theoretical and practical material about political systems – domestic and international - and their processes. The department is additionally committed to developing a strong understanding of the concept of citizenship and a commitment to public service and civic life. Political Science faculty take pride in challenging students and helping them in developing critical research, writing and oral communications skills while introducing them to a multitude of hands on, real-world opportunities in the field.

A Benedictine University political science degree prepares students to pursue career opportunities in national, state and local governments, journalism, education, nonprofit organizations, and international development, among others, and graduate study in political science, law, public administration, business or other advanced study.

The program is designed to:

1. Provide theoretical and practical knowledge about politics in the United States and political systems and processes around the world;
2. Prepare students to pursue careers in law, journalism, business, advocacy groups, nonprofit organizations, politics and public service, and government and international organizations and agencies, among others;
3. Provide students an opportunity to choose from concentrations in pre-law or international affairs;
4. Develop writing and research ability and critical-thinking essential for success in any career choice;
5. Develop a strong understanding of the concept of citizenship and a commitment to public service;
6. Provide non-classroom learning experiences in government, law, business, and other opportunities under the Center for Civic Leadership;