B.A. in Political Science
Political science is the study of governance and power: Who has it, who seeks it and how and why some are excluded from it.
With a Bachelor of Arts in political science from VCU, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of how institutions, behavior and ideas shape government, politics and policies at the local, state, national and international levels – during the present time and throughout history.
You'll also acquire skills for further study and professional careers, including the methods and analytical tools used in political science. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared to start a career in private, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, as well as the public sector.
Concentrations
U.S. Government
The constitutional, ethical, economic and political dilemmas of organizing U.S. government; resolving political and institutional conflict; and developing representative government that responds to the interests of society
Civil Rights
The advanced knowledge of the constitutional, ethical, economic and political dilemmas of ensuring justice within a diverse society
Comparative Politics
The internal dynamics of countries, seeking patterns and insights across various political landscapes and scrutinizing how power is sought, acquired, and contested
Human Security
The theoretical and policy principles and dilemmas of the political science sub-field of human security
International Relations
The theoretical and policy principles and dilemmas of the political science sub-field of international relations
Political Theory and Methodology
The principles and dilemmas facing government, political authority structures, systems of representation and procedures for reconciling conflicts between competing interests within a society
Politics and Government
Political and policy issues across the broad spectrum of sub-fields and specializations within the political science discipline
Public Policy and Administration
The constitutional, ethical, economic and political dilemmas of designing and implementing public policy that achieves governmental and societal goals