BA Political Science
Pace University
Key Information
Campus location
New York, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 48,152 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* additional fees may apply
Introduction
Shape Our Democracy, Our World
Political Science is the systematic study of power at local, national, and global levels. In our BA in Political Science program, you’ll engage in a living discipline that extends far beyond classroom walls. Through exposure to political theories and concepts, and practical experiences and internships, including interaction with real policymakers and primary sources of international news and information, you’ll develop the critical insights, skills, and contacts needed for success.
Build Critical Insights and Skills
- Participate in engrossing debates and engaging class discussions in a friendly atmosphere.
- Learn from nationally and internationally recognized scholars who will challenge you to think critically, and grow academically and professionally.
- Gain exposure to a wide range of issues and concepts, such as conflict, justice, rights, distribution of power, voter choice, political campaigns, political leadership, social movements, how political institutions function, decision-making within governmental and non-governmental organizations, and how to understand and approach major challenges including racial injustice, gender violence, war and conflict, poverty and inequality, the climate crisis, ideological conflicts, democratization, the role of the UN, and globalization.
Take Courses Like
Political Science in the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences offers an innovative curriculum that emphasizes multiple perspectives in local, national, and international political life. As a student, your coursework and experience will provide the knowledge and competencies that will enable you to become a more effective citizen and leader, prepared to tackle some of the most difficult challenges facing our world today, both locally and globally. Unique courses include Politics Workshop: Model UN, International Human Rights, Race, and American Political Development.
- POL 102 Public Myth and Ideologies
- POL 114 Introduction to International Relations
- POL 214 Revolution or Reform
Add Opportunities and Experiences
By majoring in political science at Pace University, you’ll discover that the wall between the classroom and the real world doesn’t exist. The classroom becomes the gateway from one to the other, and New York City becomes a living laboratory for the study of politics from the local to the international level. City Hall, state legislative offices, and the federal courts are all across the street, and the United Nations and the offices of most NGO’s two subway stop away. You may also have opportunities to join Pi Gamma Mu, the International Honor Society in Social Sciences, Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, and Pace’s award-winning Model United Nations team, a program designed to simulate the United Nations. Students have traveled to Washington, DC and the Hague, the Netherlands, to represent the team. Students have also participated in the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, held internships with organizations and agencies including the New York City Council, the United Nations, the International Refugee Rights Initiative, the Washington Center for Academic Internships and Seminars, American Civil Liberties Union, New York Immigration Coalition, the International Center for Transitional Justice, and How Green Is My Town?—a project of grassroots environmental education and New York-based nonprofit. Additionally, political science students have won prestigious fellowships, such as the Fulbright.
Gallery
Admissions
Curriculum
Prepares students for careers and graduate study in political science, international relations, diplomacy, law, public policy advocacy, and public administration, as well as for other opportunities in private, public, and nonprofit sectors that utilize skills involving critical thinking and writing skills, advocacy, civic competency, leadership, decision making, and negotiation.
Curriculum
University Core Requirements (44-55)
The University's core requirements Include several of the major-required courses listed below:
- University Core
- Complete University Core Requirements1
1All Political Science majors must complete MAT 102 Mathematics for Life For recommended Area courses, students see the department program advisor.
Major Requirements (33)
- Required Major Courses
Complete three of the following courses:- POL 101 Politics: Comparative Introduction
- POL 102 Public Myth and Ideologies
- POL 111 American Government and Political Institutions
- POL 114 Introduction to International Relations
- Students must choose one course from each of the following subfields:
- American Politics & Public Policy
- POL 118 State and Local Government
- POL 201A Campaign Politics
- POL 203C Individual Liberties and the Bill of Rights
- POL 209 Leadership and Advocacy
- POL 220 Political Parties and Interest Groups
- POL 222 Issues in Public Policy
- POL 224 Public Opinion and Polling Methods
- POL 244 American Political Thought
- POL 245 Politics and Media
- POL 257 Latinx Politics in the United States
- POL 297M Topics: Public Education, Policy, and Law
- Political Theory
- POL 196F Special Topic: Twelve Big Ideas in Politics
- POL 208 Survey of Comparative Political Theory
- POL 225 Global Justice
- POL 241 Classical Political Thought
- POL 242 Medieval Political Theory
- POL 243 Modern Political Theory
- POL 244 American Political Thought
- POL 249 Feminist Political Theory
- Comparative Politics / International Relations
- POL 196G Topic: Immigration, Politics, and Justice
- POL 202F Topic: Introduction to International Organizations
- POL 203G Politics Workshop: African Politics and Foreign Policy
- POL 210 Comparative Political Systems
- POL 213 Twenty-First Century Politics
- POL 214 Revolution or Reform
- POL 215 Chinese Politics
- POL 219 International Political Economy and Globalization
- POL 230 U.S. Foreign Relations
- POL 233 Advanced International Relations
- POL 247 International Law and Human Rights
- POL 297L Global Politics of Disarmament and Arms Control
- POL 302A Politics Workshop: Comparative Government
- POL 303A Politics Workshop: International Organization
- POL 303C Politics Workshop: United Nations
- POL 303D Workshop: International Issues and Trouble Spots
- POL 303F Workshop: Freedom in the World
- POL 310 Politics of Southeast Asia
- POL 325 Conflict Analysis
- POL 326 Reconciliation and Transitional Justice
- POL 330 Politics of the Global City
- American Politics & Public Policy
- Required Major Electives
- Select five POL courses at the advanced level (115 and above). All NYC students much take POL 240 as a major elective. At least one course must be completed at the 300-level. No more than 6 credits towards the major of Model UN, no more than 3 credits towards the major of internship for credit. 1, 2, 3
1NYC students must include POL 240 Applied Research Methods.
2No more than nine credits of Model UN courses of POL 303A Politics Workshop: International Organization/POL 303C Politics Workshop: United Nations may be counted toward this major, and these courses are restricted to sophomores and above students.
3No more than six credits in POL 393 Internship in Government and POL 395 Independent Study in Political Studies/Science may count toward the major.
Open Electives (40-51)
Select 40-51 credits
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
Pace's comprehensive student financial assistance program includes scholarships, graduate assistantships, student loans (federal and alternative plans), and tuition payment plans. Pace participates in all major federal and state financial aid programs such as Direct Loans, New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), Perkins Loan, and Federal Work-Study. All students are encouraged to apply for these programs by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be obtained from any of the University's Financial Aid Offices.
Remember time is always of the essence when it comes to scholarships, so don't wait to apply!
Pace Scholarships and Resources
- Institutional Scholarships and Grants
- Transfer Student Scholarships
- Endowed Scholarships
- Undergraduate Merit Scholarship Estimator
- Awards and Fellowships
- Pivot Funding Opportunities Database
- Pace Financial Aid Office
Career Opportunities
As a graduate, you’ll be prepared to go on to a successful career in advocacy and social justice work, federal, state, and local government, political campaigns, public and private interest groups, international business, law enforcement and criminal justice, military service, and nonprofit administration, as well as other opportunities. Many of our graduates have also gone on to graduate or law school and have careers in education.
Where graduates are employed
New York City Council staff, New York State Senate, 67th Precinct Clergy Council (anti-gun violence group), New York Civil Liberties Union, political risk analysis.