Program Overview
The degree of Bachelor of Science (BS), with a major in political science, requires successful completion of 120 credit hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using major, minor, or elective courses (see the UCA Core requirements); (2) major requirements listed below; and (3) a minor field of study and/or electives chosen in consultation with a PSCI faculty advisor to meet the student’s career interests and the 120-credit hour requirement.
Mathematics Pathway: First-time, first-year students majoring in Political Science enter the Quantitative Literacy Mathematics Pathway and must enroll in MATH 1360 during their first year of study, unless they have already been awarded credit that completes their 1000-level math requirements.
Program Outline
Major in Political Science (42 hours)
All students majoring in political science and seeking the BS are required to take 15 hours of core required PSCI courses; three hours in experiential learning; and 24 hours at the 3000 level or above in political science electives. PSCI 1330 [ ACTS: PLSC2003 ] U.S. Government & Politics is a prerequisite for all junior- and senior-level classes.
PSCI courses are used to satisfy lower-division UCA Core requirements in Critical Inquiry and Responsible Living. Designated PSCI courses may be used to satisfy the upper-division UCA Core requirements in Diversity, Critical Inquiry, Responsible Living, Effective Communication, and Capstone Experience.
Political Science Core Requirement (15 hours)
- All students majoring in political science and seeking the BS degree will complete each of the following 2000-level PSCI and PADM core courses:
- PSCI 2300 Introduction to International Relations
- PADM 2310 Introduction to Public Administration and Policy
- PSCI 2312 Statistical Methods for Political Analysis or PSCI 2322 Political Science Applications in GIS
- PSCI 2315 Introduction to Political Theory
- PSCI 2320 Introduction to Comparative Politics
Experiential Learning Requirement (3 hours)
Complete at least one of the following upper-division experiential learning courses.
- PSCI 4390 Internship in Political Science
- PSCI 4393 Experiential Learning in International Studies or Political Science
- PSCI 4394 Research in International Studies or Political Science
Note: Public Administration majors who choose to minor in Political Science must use PADM 2310 and PSCI 2312 or 2322 for the Public Administration major. Therefore, Public Administration majors must select two additional elective courses from any of the Political Science subfields to meet the 24-hour minor requirement.
International Studies majors who choose to minor in Political Science must use PSCI 2300, 2320, and 2312 or 2322 for the International Studies major. Therefore, International Studies majors must select three additional courses from any of the Political Science subfields to meet the 24 hour minor requirement.
University of Central Arkansas
Overview:
University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a public university located in Conway, Arkansas. It boasts a rich 115-year tradition of excellence and is committed to providing an innovative and collaborative education within a culture of student support and success.
Services Offered:
UCA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support for academic planning and course selection.Accessibility Resources and Services:
Offers accommodations and support for students with disabilities.Bear Card:
A multi-purpose card used for access to campus facilities, meal plans, and more.Bookstore:
Provides textbooks, course materials, and merchandise.Campus Safety:
Ensures a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, and staff.Career Services:
Assists students with career exploration, job search, and internship opportunities.Disability Resource Center:
Provides support and accommodations for students with disabilities.Financial Aid:
Offers various financial aid programs and scholarships to help students fund their education.Food Services:
Provides dining options on campus.Housing & Residence Life:
Offers on-campus housing options and residence life programs.Information Technology:
Provides technical support and resources for students.Library:
Offers a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources.Student Health:
Provides healthcare services to students.Student Organizations:
Offers a wide variety of student organizations for students to join and engage in extracurricular activities.Veterans Services:
Provides support and resources for veteran students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCA offers a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved and make connections. Students can:
Join over 150 Recognized Student Organizations:
Catering to diverse interests and passions.Participate in various events and activities:
From sporting events to cultural performances.Live in on-campus housing:
With various residence halls and living learning communities.Enjoy recreational facilities:
Including a campus recreation center.Volunteer in the community:
Through service-learning opportunities.Key Reasons to Study There:
UCA Commitment:
A groundbreaking program offering a debt-free pathway for tuition and fees for incoming Arkansas freshmen with household income of $100k or less.Small class sizes:
Allowing for personalized attention from faculty.Engaging programs:
Providing hands-on learning experiences and internships.Supportive community:
Fostering a sense of belonging and success.Strong academic reputation:
With a focus on research and experiential learning.Academic Programs:
UCA offers a wide range of academic programs across five colleges:
