Program: Political Science BS - Andrews University

Apr 21, 2025

2025-2026 Academic Bulletin (Review Copy)

The BS in Political Science is designed for students who want an understanding of the development of national and international public policies. Our program empowers students for the next phase of their life—career and/or graduate studies (such as international relations and/or law). The BS degree includes government, public policymaking, international affairs, American and comparative politics.

Total Credits - 120

Major - 37

HIST 110 - Worldviews, Cultures and Gods Credits: 3
PLSC 101 - Introduction to History & Political Science (HPSC) Credits: 1
PLSC 104 - American Government Credits: 3
PLSC 230 - International Relations Credits: 3
PLSC 277 - Political Science Colloquium Credits: 0 (required each semester enrolled in the program)
PLSC 365 - American Foreign Relations Credits: 3
PLSC 390 - Research Seminar Credits: 3
PLSC 410 - Comparative Political Theory and Method Credits: 3
PLSC 456 - Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Political Thought Credits: 3
Choose one of the following courses:
HIST 204 - American Experience I Credits: 3
HIST 205 - American Experience II Credits: 3
Major Electives: Choose 12 credits, including:
- 3 credits in Area Studies (PLSC 460)
- 3 credits in Political Thought/Theory (PLSC 454, 457, 458)

Cognates

PHIL 224 - Introduction to Philosophy Credits: 3 *
STAT 285 - Introduction to Applied Statistics Credits: 3 *
*Fulfills ACE requirement

General Education (Andrews Core Experience)

Students must fulfill all Bachelor’s Degree requirements listed in the Andrews Core Experience .

Secondary Certification - 42

For students seeking secondary teacher certification. For more information regarding Andrews Core Experience or Secondary Certification with a BS degree, see the department of Teaching, Learning & Curriculum.

ECON 225 - Principles of Macroeconomics Credits: 3
GEOG 110 - Survey of Geography Credits: 3
HIST 204 - American Experience I Credits: 3
HIST 205 - American Experience II Credits: 3
HIST 459 - Special Methods in Teaching History and Social Studies Credits: 3
PLSC 104 - American Government Credits: 3
PLSC 277 - Political Science Colloquium Credits: 0
PLSC 435 - Public Policy Credits: 3
PLSC 456 - Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Political Thought Credits: 3
Choose one of the following courses:
PLSC 225 - Comparative Politics Credits: 3
PLSC 230 - International Relations Credits: 3
Choose one of the following courses:
PLSC 457 - Modern Political Thought Credits: 3
PLSC 458 - American Political Thought Credits: 3
- Choose 6 additional credits in consultation with advisor to reach 42 credits overall.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates from this program will demonstrate:

Knowledge of key historical facts, values, and ideas that have shaped governments throughout history.
Ability to conduct independent research to construct arguments based on data and political science method.
Ability to critically examine and evaluate political developments from a Sevnth-day Adventist/Christian worldview.
Ability to explore and engage in the political science profession with personal interaction, research tools, and academic scholarship.
Competence in oral/written communication, presenting ideas, perspectives, and arguments in an effective manner.