Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

What is Political Science?

Political Science is like the ultimate guide to understanding the world’s most complex puzzle: how societies function and how decisions are made that affect us all.

Imagine it as a toolkit for decoding the world’s greatest mysteries, from how governments operate to why some nations get along while others clash. It’s about exploring the driving forces behind everything; from the laws you live by to the policies that shape your daily life.

With Political Science, you’re not just a passive observer; you become an empowered, informed citizen who can engage in debates, make sense of the news, and participate in the democratic process. It’s your backstage pass to the world of power, policies, and people, and understanding of the fascinating drama that unfolds on the global stage.

 

Why join the Political Science program at STU?

Our University is located in beautiful Miami, Florida, one of the most politically active cities filled with diversity. Being one of the most diverse schools in Florida, gives St. Thomas University student’s opportunities to view politics from varying viewpoints. Not only does St. Thomas University have students from all over the world, but our University also boasts many organizations, programs, and benefits that will enhance a student’s personal and professional career.

Some such organizations and programs include:

• Joint, BA+JD Program (3+3 program) – (3-years undergraduate and 3 years of Law – 2 Degrees in just 6 years!) This program allows new students to get into law school quicker while also getting their bachelor’s degree done at the same time; while also giving students a $5,000 dollar scholarship upon entering St. Thomas University, Benjamin Crump School of Law.
• Political Science Student Organization – This organization is a student lead body that hosts various fun and informational events throughout the year. The organization also grants opportunities to network and advance students’ careers. Events hosted by the Political Science Student Organization include inviting government officials, former members of the Florida House, and much more.
• Small class sizes – Our university has small, intimate classes that allow for better learning and the development of professional relationships with professors who have decades upon decades of experience.
• Experienced professors – Our program has professors who have experience in all levels of government from the White House to Tallahassee and even experience in international government organizations.

Our Professors not only have decades of experience in many realms of Political Science, but they have also reached great heights, and accomplishments that include:

• Bestselling Book Author
• Published in Leading International Journals in their respective fields
• USAID: United States Agency for International Development – Department Head
• President and CEO of an Educational Development Program
• State Attorney Generals
• Managing Partner in Law Firm
• Senior Court Administrator
• Judicial Selection Committee recommend appointments to the Governor
• Representative of the Florida House
• Miami Dade County Commissioner
• Local City Mayors
• Regional Director for State Audits
• Public School Board Member
• Township Fiscal Officer
• Chief Development Officer Non-for-Profit
• Researcher & Program Director Foundation for Democracy in Africa
• President College Alumni Society
• University Director of Development
• Former speech writer to the Vice President of the United States

Internships- The Political Science program at St. Thomas University works with STU Career Services in securing students an internship that will help them jump start their professional career, granting them an opportunity for work-study experience in government, non-for-profits or politics. Students have work experiences in major law firms including immigration, divorce and criminal defense, government offices including Florida General Assembly, County Commissions, Municipal Offices, and non-for-profit organizations including the Catholic Charity Legal Services.

 

What can you do with a Political Science degree?

A degree in Political Science is a gateway to a world of exciting opportunities. For many, the path leads to law school, where you can specialize in diverse areas of the legal field, from family law to international law. It’s worth noting that Political Science majors constitute a significant 20% of law school applicants (according to the Law School Admission Council), showcasing the valuable foundation this degree provides for legal studies.

However, your journey doesn’t need to conclude there. You have the option to take your education to the next level by pursuing graduate studies in fields such as politics, international relations, or other social sciences. This advanced education allows you to become a true expert in a specific area and contribute meaningfully to our understanding of complex global issues.

With a degree in Political Science, you’re not just preparing for a career in law; you’re also creating a platform for a future filled with limitless possibilities and opportunities to shape the ever-evolving world around you.

Careers open to you with a Political Science degree:

• Attorney; Miami average salary: $166,788 per year
• Lobbyist; National average $111,980 per year
• Director of Communications; Miami average salary: $177,639 per year
• Campaign Manager; Florida average salary: $73,105 per year
• Nonprofit Program Manager; Florida average salary: $91,766 per year
• University Professor; Miami average salary: $97,517 per year
• Policy Analyst; Miami average salary: $95,430 per year
• Urban Planner; Florida average salary: $72,670 per year
• Economist; National average salary: $115,313 per year
• Prosecutor; Miami average Salary: $86,436 per year
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for political scientists’ averages approximately $102,000 per year which is $49.04 per hour.

 

Curriculum (Classes that will be available to you)

Russo-Ukrainian War & NATO (POS-401-01) *New Class*
We’ll dive into: Russian-Ukraine Standoff: Unpack why Russia’s President Putin sees Ukraine as a battleground between democracy and authoritarianism. The Post-Cold War Shake-Up: investigating how the old rules are breaking down, leading to nuclear concerns and military actions. Solutions and Diplomacy: learn to seek out real-world solutions to the Ukraine conflict through politics and diplomacy. The global impact, discover how this crisis affects global policies, border security, and the NATO alliance.

Latin American Economics & Political Development (CPO-4302-01) *Updated Class*
An examination of the historical, economic and political context of Latin America to understand current economic and political development in the region. The dynamics of Latin American politics are considered with an emphasis on key political actors such as the military, labor unions, the Catholic Church, political parties, the United States, and the business sector.

Politics & Policy Making (PUP-4004-170) *New Approach including D.C.*
This course examines public policymaking in the United States at the federal level in order to demonstrate how the political environment and political events affect the policymaking process. Special attention is paid to policymaking in the context of the current political climate with first-hand experience in Washington, D.C.

Constitutional Law (CJL-3063-01)
A study of the organization and jurisdiction of the federal courts and the role of the Supreme Court in American society. Emphasis will be placed on contemporary constitutional issues affecting American public law.

Immigration Law Politics (POS-3024-01)
U.S. immigration law and policy from a Political Science perspective. Topics include: the constitutional powers of the federal government over immigration matters, admission, and exclusion of immigrants, entry, deportation, undocumented immigrants, human-rights of migrant workers and immigrants, international students, immigration reform and political asylum.

International Human Rights Law (INR-4408-11)
Course design covers international human rights law and procedures, including global, regional, and national institutions to protect human rights. Issues such as torture, discrimination, genocide, starvation, human rights of women and children, and violation of human rights will also be addressed.

Minority Group Politics (POS-4201-01)
An examination of the sociopolitical experience of racial, ethnic, religious, and gender groups in the US with special focus on the struggle for legal and political equality in society.

Public Administration (PAD-3003-01)
A discussion of supervision and management with an emphasis on the differing philosophies and problems confronting public agencies that are primarily service oriented, the role of the public administrator vis-à-vis his/her organization, the public, and other government agencies.

State And Local Government (POS-2112-01)
A study of politics and government at the state and local level, and their relationships to each other and to the federal government.

Law & Politics (POS-3609-01)
An examination of the functions of the judicial branch in Western industrial-style democracies, with special attention being paid to the Supreme Court of The United States.

Global Issues (INR-3016-01)
Course where students can learn and discuss more about matters that affect multiple nations and people worldwide. Types of issues include environmental, technological, economical, and cultural.

The American Presidency (POS-3413-01)
Studies the role and duties of the executive branch of government, including how different presidents have run their administrations and the numerous departments directly below them.

Internship in Political Science (POS-497-154)
An opportunity for work-study experience in government or politics. Students have work experiences in major law firms including immigration, divorce and criminal defense, government offices including Florida General Assembly, County Commissions, Municipal offices, and non-for-profit organizations including Catholic Charity Legal Services.

 

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