Program Overview

Pacific Lutheran University Programs

The university offers a range of programs for undergraduate and graduate students.

Undergraduate Programs

• Bachelor of Arts in Education (B.A.E.): This program is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in teaching.
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science: This program requires 36 semester hours, including required courses, public policy requirement, research and writing requirement, international/comparative politics, and electives.
  • Required Courses: 16 semester hours, including POLS 151, POLS 251, POLS 301, and POLS 499.
  • Public Policy Requirement: 4 semester hours, including one 300-level course designated as a public policy course.
  • Research and Writing Requirement: 4 semester hours, including one 300-level course designated as an intensive writing course.
  • International/Comparative Politics: 4 semester hours, including one 300-level course in GLST.
  • Electives: 8 semester hours, including any POLS course.
• Minor in Political Science: Minimum of 20 semester hours, including POLS 151.
• Minor in Pre-Law: 20 semester hours, including foundations in the law, analytical reasoning, ethics, communication, and close reading.
• Minor in Public Affairs: 24 semester hours, including POLS 345 and 20 hours from economics, political science, sociology and criminal justice, or statistics.
• Minor in Conflict Resolution: 20 semester hours, including POLS/GLST 331, POLS 332, COMA 340, 441, and 4 elective hours.

Graduate Programs

• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
• Master of Arts Marriage and Family Therapy (M.A.)
• Master of Arts in Education (M.A.E.)
• Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
• Master of Fine Arts Creative Writing (M.F.A.)
• Master of Science Kinesiology (M.S.)
• Master of Science Marketing Analytics (M.S.)
• Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)
• Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

Courses

The university offers a variety of courses in different fields, including:

• POLS 151: American Government: A survey of the constitutional foundations of the American political system.
• POLS 251: Introduction to Political Science: An introduction to the discipline of Political Science.
• POLS 301: Political Science Methods: An examination of the approaches borrowed and developed by the discipline, research design, and qualitative methods.
• POLS 345: Government and Public Policy: An integrated approach to the nature of public policy.
• POLS 499: Capstone: Senior Seminar: Intensive study into topics, concepts, issues, and methods of inquiry in political science.

Admission Criteria

Admission criteria vary depending on the program. Students are advised to consult with the departmental advisor or the Office of the Registrar for specific requirements.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are available on the university's website or by contacting the Office of the Registrar.

Research Areas

The university offers research opportunities in various fields, including political science, education, business, and nursing. Students are encouraged to consult with faculty members or departmental advisors to explore research areas and opportunities.