Political Science
The Program of Political Science within the Department of Sociology and Political Science offers a variety of academic courses, all of which are consistent with the missions of the university and the College of Arts and Sciences in the areas of instruction, research, technology, and service.
The curriculum is informally divided into the following subfields:
American government
Public law
International relations
Comparative politics
Political institutions
Political theory
State and local government
The political science program is at the undergraduate level and leads to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Additionally, political science participates in one of Tech's independent programs by offering pre-law courses and activities. Political science also offers a variety of internship opportunities at the local, state, and national levels.
Major Requirements
The Political Science major at Tennessee Tech University is part of a 120 hour degree program which includes: requirements for the major; requirements of the general education component of the curriculum; and, elective hours. At least 36 of the 120 hours required toward the degree must be at the upper division level (courses numbered at the 3000 or 4000 level).
The departmental requirements for the major consist of a total of 48 hours including:
POLS 1000 American Government (3)
POLS 1100 Introduction to Political Science (3)
Electives in Political Science (24)
Foreign Language (6) (At least 3 hours must be in a language course. The other 3 hours may be in language or in a culture related course.)
Computer skills--DS 2810 or CSC 1100 (3)
English -- upper division course (3)
History--upper division course (6)
Social Science, Criminal Justice, or Philosophy Electives (6)
Total departmental requirements for the major: 48 hrs
Click here to see a suggested year by year curriculum plan for the Political Science major
Major Advising
In preparation for your appointment with your advisor, please print, fill out, and bring with you to your appointment the appropriate worksheet:
Click here for printable Advising Worksheet for NEW, FRESHMEN Political Science Majors ONLY
Concentration Options
As an alternative to the general Political Science major, students my choose to focus their curriculum on one of three concentrations: (1) Legal Studies, (2) International Relations and Comparative Government, or (3) International Relations and Comparative Government (International Focus Option).
Click here to see a suggested year by year curriculum plan for the Legal Studies concentration
The departmental requirements for the International Relations and Comparative Government concentration (International Focus option) consist of a total of 57 hours including:
General Pre-Law Program
The Department of Sociology and Political Science is one of three departments at Tennessee Tech University that offers the pre-professional program of pre-law. Dr. Maxwell directs the pre-law program within political science, and most of our majors consider themselves to be pre-law at some point in their academic career. A substantial percentage of these continue this pursuit throughout their undergraduate tenure and apply for law school. To facilitate this substantial number of students, Dr. Whitney has developed a Pre-Law Club. This club holds regular meetings, provides information about law school deadlines, applications, sponsors speakers, and gives practice LSATs (Law School Admission Test).
Mock Trial course (POLS 2230 & 2240) is available to all students across campus as well as political science majors. These students prepare for state and regional competitions, gain valuable practice arguing legal cases and working as a team, and are exposed to judicial practices.
For more information, contact Dr. Lori Maxwell This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
What is Political Science?
Information about the political science major
Scholarship & Awards
Student Achievements
Student Organizations & Opportunities
Information on Pi Sigman Alpha, the national political science honor society, and pre-law and mock trial programs
Internship Program
Information about internships in political science
Political Science Links
Links to useful political science websites
