Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Department
Department of History and Political Science
College
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Overview of the program
The BA in Political Science prepares students for careers in (1) politics, public administration, law, and other disciplines that require knowledge of how political systems function, and (2) a wide variety of fields that utilize creativity, critical thinking, professional reading and writing skills, and—very importantly—the ability to adapt and continue learning in a rapidly changing world. A political science degree teaches students to read intelligently, think analytically, write clearly, accurately assess past trends, rationally predict future developments, and understand the real world. Thus, it is preparation for virtually any job!
The BA in Political Science requires 121-122 credit hours, provides a strong liberal arts base (arts, communication, English, foreign language, history, math, philosophy, science, social science) and requires 36 major hours, with surveys in Federal and State/Local Politics, plus electives chosen from a broad spectrum of advanced courses in American, International, Southern, and Louisiana Politics, Law, Congress, Presidency, Polling, Public Policy, and Internships.
Political Science majors may earn minors within the department in African-American Studies, History, International Studies, Philosophy, and Public History. Each minor requires 18 hours. Multiple minors are possible.
Qualified Political Science majors may elect to pursue the Honors Diploma in Political Science or any of the other Honors Program curriculum paths.
The department offers courses in several Study Abroad programs in Europe and Latin America.
Strengths of the program
- The Department of History and Political Science has 25 full-time faculty members and
over 400 majors. Faculty have won awards for excellence in teaching, research, and
service; produced a host of scholarly publications, many of which have attracted an
international readership; and held important offices in professional organizations.
- The Department is closely affiliated with the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies,
the Florida Parishes Social Science Research Center, and the Turtle Cove Environmental
Research Station.
- The Department sponsors the 'Then and Now' Fanfare History and Politics Lecture Series
and other events during Fanfare, a month-long celebration of the Arts, Humanities,
and Sciences held annually at Southeastern in October, and the Black History and Politics
Lecture Series, part of the University's annual observance of Black History Month
in February.
- The Department co-sponsors Women's History Month in March; the Arts and Sciences Colloquium
in April; the Matheny Lectures on Science and Religion in April; the Deep Delta Civil
War Symposium in June; and the annual James. H. Morrison Lecture on Politics and Government.
- The Department currently administers a $1 million U.S. Department of Education Teaching
American History Grant for improving the quality of Social Studies teachers in a fourteen-parish
area.
- The Department hosts the Region VIII Social Studies Fair in March.
Preparing for a job in the program
The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science teaches students to read intelligently, think analytically, write clearly, accurately assess past trends, rationally predict future developments, and understand the real world. Good preparation at the high-school level should include courses in American history, world history, civics, and geography; four years of English, math, and science; a foreign language; and as much reading and writing as possible!
Careers in the program
- Archives
- Business
- Communication
- Diplomacy
- Government
- Intelligence
- Journalism
- Law
- Military
- Movies
- Museums
- Political scientist
- Politics
- Polling
- Professor
- Public relations
- Publishing
- Radio
- Research
- Schoolteacher
- Television
- Tourism
- Many others!
Starting Salaries after completing the program (estimates only)
$32,000 and above
Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program
Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honor Society)
Related fields that might interest you
- Anthropology
- Communication
- Economics
- English
- Foreign languages and literatures
- Geography
- History
- Psychology
- Sociology
How do I know this is the degree for me?
Common Strengths and interests of students in the program
Helpful qualities for political science majors include a desire to understand how politics works and how the study of politics relates to present-day concerns, as well as the love
for reading, studying, and watching films about politics.
Notable Alumni
James Brady, Judge, U.S. District Court for Middle District of Louisiana
Andre Coudrain, Attorney, Member of University of Louisiana System Board
James Kuhn, Judge, Louisiana 1st Circuit Court of Appeals
Michael Martinez, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Florida
Beth Wolf, Judge, Louisiana 21st Judicial District
Contact Information
Department of History and Political Science
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
SLU 10895
Hammond, LA 70402
On Campus: Fayard Hall, Room 335
Telephone: 985-549-2109
Fax: 985-549-2012
E-mail: hips@selu.edu
