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B.A. in Political Science
York, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science at York College of Pennsylvania offers a comprehensive education that delves into the fundamental questions of governance and political behavior. This program examines both the human and scientific aspects of politics, equipping students with valuable skills in understanding complex systems and relationships, along with political fluency. It prepares graduates to be informed citizens ready for careers related to politics and government, enabling them to make informed decisions about community politics, electoral processes, and advocacy. Combining internship and study abroad opportunities with courses in law, international and domestic policy, and constitutional thought, the Political Science major provides a well-rounded education and a strong foundation for further studies.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Political Science is designed to provide a broad perspective on how citizens and nations behave and how to make informed decisions in political and governing settings. It imparts key protocols and methods in core areas such as American Government and Politics, Comparative Politics, Constitutional Law, International Relations, Political Theory, Public Administration, Public Policy, and Quantitative Methods. Students can deepen their knowledge in specific areas through various electives and concentrations, such as "International Relations, Diplomacy and Development" (including courses like Introduction to Political Economy and American Foreign Policy) or "Law, Public Policy and Public Administration" (with courses like Public Administration in the Political Setting and Introduction to Law). The program also emphasizes research methods to develop analytical skills.
Research Focus: The "research focus" within the Political Science program at York College centers on developing students' abilities to engage in rigorous political inquiry and make evidence-based arguments. Students learn to analyze complex political systems, evaluate sources of information, and conduct quantitative and qualitative research to understand political behavior, institutions, and policies. Opportunities for independent research, often with faculty mentorship, encourage students to explore diverse topics, from local community politics to international relations. The program also emphasizes community-based research, allowing students to apply their research methods to real-world problems identified by community partners, thereby producing tangible work products that benefit both the student and the community.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a significant aspect of the Political Science program, preparing students for diverse professional pathways. The program encourages community service and social responsibility through coursework and community-based internships. These practical experiences allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, gain insights into political processes, and develop professional networks. Graduates are well-positioned for careers in government, the public services sector, legislative staff roles, municipal government, policy analysis, and project management. The program's emphasis on public administration and policy analysis directly aligns with the demands of various government and non-profit organizations.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in Political Science program at York College of Pennsylvania inherently fosters a strong global perspective. Courses in Comparative Politics and International Relations allow students to understand political systems, foreign policy, international organizations, and political economy on a global scale. The curriculum encourages students to explore how international relations, globalization, and transnational challenges affect governance and policymaking worldwide. Study abroad opportunities further enhance this global engagement, providing students with firsthand experience of different political and cultural contexts. This comprehensive global approach prepares graduates to navigate the complexities of an interconnected world and address pressing international challenges, whether in diplomacy, intelligence analysis, or international non-profit work.
Location
York, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 26920
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
York College of Pennsylvania offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students in achieving their academic goals while easing financial burdens. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and other special talents among international applicants.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to York College are considered for merit-based scholarships automatically during the admissions process. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall application strength. High-achieving students can receive significant tuition discounts, which help make studying in the U.S. more affordable.
International Student Scholarships: York College provides dedicated scholarships for international students, which may include renewable awards throughout the duration of their degree program. These scholarships acknowledge the diverse backgrounds and contributions international students bring to the campus community.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments at York College offer scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional performance or promise in their chosen field of study. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities by contacting their academic departments directly.
York College of Pennsylvania's Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science provides a robust education focused on understanding governance, political behavior, and the intricate relationships within complex systems.
Policy Analyst: Researches and evaluates public policies for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or think tanks, advising on their potential impact and recommending improvements. This role heavily utilizes analytical and research skills developed in the program.
Legislative Aide/Staffer: Works for elected officials at local, state, or federal levels, assisting with policy research, constituent services, managing communications, and preparing legislative documents.
Campaign Manager/Political Organizer: Works on political campaigns, coordinating strategies, managing volunteers, organizing events, and engaging with voters to help elect candidates. This role leverages understanding of electoral processes and political behavior.
Public Relations Specialist (Government/Non-profit focus): Manages the public image and communications for government entities, political figures, or advocacy groups, crafting messages and handling media relations.
Intelligence Analyst: Works for government intelligence agencies, analyzing political, economic, and social data from various sources to provide assessments that inform national security decisions.
Lobbyist/Advocate: Represents specific interest groups or organizations to influence legislation and public policy. This requires strong persuasive communication skills and an understanding of legislative processes.
Journalist/Political Reporter: Researches, writes, and reports on political events, government actions, and social issues for news outlets, demanding strong analytical and clear communication abilities.
Urban Planner/Municipal Government Official: Works at the local government level to develop and implement plans for community development, zoning, infrastructure, and public services, often requiring an understanding of public administration and policy.
International Relations Specialist: Pursues careers in international organizations (e.g., UN, NGOs), foreign service, or global businesses, focusing on diplomacy, international development, or cross-cultural communication.
Law School Candidate: The rigorous analytical reasoning, research, and argumentation skills honed in a Political Science program provide an excellent foundation for pursuing a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and becoming an attorney.
