Bachelors of Actuarial Science
The Actuarial Science program at Franklin College provides a comprehensive foundation i...
Bachelors of Political Science
Franklin, Indiana
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Political Science program at Franklin College is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of political processes at both domestic and international levels. It emphasizes a "learn by doing" approach, where students engage personally with the fields of government, law, and politics, connecting theoretical knowledge to practical application. The curriculum covers core areas such as American government and policy, international relations and diplomacy, constitutional law, and state and local government. The program aims to develop individuals who can think analytically about complex global and domestic problems, preparing them to be engaged citizens and effective professionals in a variety of sectors.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA in Political Science is structured to provide a broad and deep understanding of political systems and thought. Core coursework typically includes American government and policy, international relations, comparative politics, and constitutional law. Students explore topics such as elections and political participation, the executive branch, Congress, and courts. The curriculum also emphasizes the development of research skills, with courses in political science research methods. Uniquely, Franklin College's program prioritizes experiential learning, integrating activities like arguing mock court cases, facilitating campaigns, and participating in service projects with local government. This hands-on approach ensures students gain practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.
Research Focus: The Political Science program at Franklin College deeply integrates a "research focus" into its curriculum, empowering students to conduct independent inquiry and analyze complex political phenomena. Students learn research methods, enabling them to gather information, develop arguments, and present their own work, sometimes even leading to publication. The emphasis on linking individual field experiences to leading scholarship means students are constantly engaging in a form of applied research. They are encouraged to "investigate local, national, and world topics that interest them," and opportunities exist to "present and/or publish their own work," demonstrating a strong commitment to undergraduate research as a core learning outcome.
Industry Engagement: Franklin College places a high priority on industry engagement for its Political Science students, ensuring they gain practical experience and build professional networks. A cornerstone of the program is that all political science majors complete "one or more internships." These internships lead students out of the classroom and into real-world settings, such as local government offices, political campaigns, or legal firms, allowing them to apply their knowledge. Faculty maintain strong relationships with alumni, which provides valuable connections for current students seeking internships and career opportunities. The program's focus on practical skills like preparing legal briefs and conducting survey research directly prepares students for the demands of various political and legal professions.
Global Perspective: The Political Science program at Franklin College inherently fosters a global perspective, recognizing that political issues extend beyond national borders. The curriculum includes courses on "International Relations and Diplomacy" and "Global Politics," which explore topics like globalization, international organizations (e.g., UN, NATO, IMF), human rights, and the environment. Students learn to compare political systems across countries and analyze issues such as nation-building and democratization. Beyond coursework, Franklin College strongly promotes global education through various study-away opportunities, including month-long Immersive Term study-away courses and semester-long programs. A significant percentage of Franklin College students travel internationally, gaining firsthand exposure to diverse political systems and global challenges, thus broadening their analytical capabilities for an interconnected world.
Location
Franklin, Indiana
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 40010
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% 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 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Franklin College offers a range of scholarship opportunities to support international students in pursuing their academic goals. These scholarships are designed to recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement, making higher education more accessible and affordable for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships upon admission. These awards are competitive and primarily based on academic performance, standardized test scores, and personal achievements. Scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and may be renewable each year based on satisfactory academic progress.
Specialized Scholarships: In addition to general merit awards, Franklin College provides targeted scholarships for students excelling in specific fields such as science, arts, athletics, or community service. Some scholarships also focus on promoting diversity and inclusion by supporting students from underrepresented regions or backgrounds.
Franklin College's Bachelor of Arts in Political Science offers a dynamic and practical education that extends far beyond theoretical concepts, preparing graduates for impactful careers in a variety of sectors or for advanced studies.
Legislative Aide/Assistant: Graduates can work for elected officials at local, state, or federal levels. This role involves researching policy issues, drafting legislation, managing constituent communications, and assisting with various legislative processes.
Campaign Manager/Staffer: With direct experience in facilitating campaigns, Franklin College graduates are well-prepared to work on political campaigns. They might manage volunteers, coordinate events, develop messaging strategies, conduct voter outreach, and analyze polling data.
Policy Analyst: Working for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations, policy analysts research and evaluate public policies across various sectors (e.g., education, healthcare, environmental protection). They analyze data, identify social problems, and propose solutions or recommend policy changes.
Paralegal/Legal Assistant: For those interested in law but not immediately pursuing law school, a political science degree provides an excellent foundation. Paralegals assist lawyers with legal research, drafting documents, organizing case files, and preparing for trials or hearings.
Public Administrator/Government Official: Graduates can enter public service at city, county, state, or federal levels. Roles might include managing public programs, overseeing departmental operations, or engaging in community outreach within government agencies.
Lobbyist: Leveraging their understanding of the political process and persuasive communication skills, lobbyists advocate for the interests of specific organizations, industries, or groups before legislative bodies and government agencies.
Journalist/Political Correspondent: With strong research, analytical, and writing skills, political science graduates can work in journalism, reporting on political events, elections, and policy issues for news outlets, online publications, or broadcast media. They help inform the public and hold power accountable.
International Relations Specialist/Foreign Service Officer (with further testing): For those interested in global affairs, this degree prepares them for roles in international organizations, government agencies (like the State Department), or NGOs focused on diplomacy, international development, human rights, or foreign policy analysis.
Market Research Analyst: The strong training in research methods and data analysis gained in political science is highly transferable. Graduates can analyze consumer behavior, public opinion, and market trends to help businesses or political organizations make informed strategic decisions.
Educator (Secondary/College, often with further certification/graduate study): Passionate about teaching, some graduates pursue careers as high school civics or government teachers (often requiring a teaching certification). Others may pursue graduate degrees to become university professors or researchers, contributing to academic scholarship in political science.
