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Why
major in political science at Cal State Fullerton?
Whether
your goal is to become an informed citizen, a community
leader, or a player on the political scene, the
major in political science will provide you with
life-long skills well suited for a variety of career
paths. Political scientists learn to apply sound
reasoning and develop insightful critical thinking
skills; they learn to do research and write intelligently
about their findings; they develop the skills to
work in collaborative groups and practice oral
presentations. When our students leave Cal State
Fullerton, they are prepared to excel in any field
that seeks a well-rounded person with relevant,
marketable skills.
Outstanding faculty and staff - Our faculty members include former
diplomats, elected officials, community leaders and researchers and scholars.
Our staff members have won university awards for their willingness to assist
students.
Flexibility - The degree may be completed during day and/or evening
classes. In addition, we offer some classes at the new El Toro Campus,
and we have many courses cross-listed with other departments to ease your
academic planning.
What
does the major look like?
Political
science is ordinarily divided into six sub-fields:
Political philosophy - deals with normative
questions about how power justice and the ideal
state.
American politics - is concerned with campaigns and elections,
political parties, elected executives, legislative processes and public
policy.
Public administration - deals with the role played by public employees
in policy-making, planning, personnel management, taxation and finance,
and to the needs and problems of communities and the nation.
Public law - is concerned with the judicial process, civil rights
and liberties, and the significance of such terms as "equal opportunity" and "due
process."
Comparative government - raises questions of politics, administration
and law about other countries and moves toward conclusions based on comparisons
between them.
International relations - is concerned with relations between
states and other international actors, such as multinational corporations
and the United Nations; and with the underlying realities of power based
on resources, wealth, military preparedness and national security
Because of its emphasis on the processes of governments, many political science
students seek careers in the public sector and in law. Our program has an excellent
history of preparing students who go on to law schools, including the major
programs at Harvard, Columbia and the University of California. Our graduates
are city managers throughout California and are employed at every level of
government. They also teach, do research, and enjoy careers in the Foreign
Service, military, journalism, public relations and business.
What
are the requirements for the major?
Political
Science 100, Introduction to American Government,
is a graduation requirement for all students.
The major in political science consists of 39 units
in political science. Not
more than 12 units total may be in lower-division courses. In addition, nine
upper-division units are required in related disciplines such as American studies,
anthropology, criminal justice, communications, economics, geography, philosophy,
psychology, sociology and statistics.
Students who began college at any institution, including a community college,
prior to fall 1997 may complete the major with 36 units of political science,
at least 30 of which must be at the upper-division level, plus 12 upper-division
units taken in related disciplines (as above).
Breadth requirements:
Political science majors are required to take the following courses:
- Political Science
330 Politics in Nation-States (3)
- Political Science
340 Political Philosophy (3)
- Political Science
350 World Politics in the 21st Century (3)
Two of the following:
Political
Science 310 Political Behavior and Motivation
(3) OR Political
Science 315 American Policy-Making Processes
-
Political
Science 320 Introduction to Public Management
and Policy (3)
-
Political
Science 375 Law, Politics and Society) (3)
All
majors, with the exception of those choosing the
public administration concentration, must acquire
a knowledge of research methods and approaches
by taking either Political Science 407, Polls,
Statistics and Political Interpretation, or one
of the following research proseminars: Political
Science 321, 351 or 376.
Minors in Political Science - There are three minors available.
Each -- political science, public administration and international politics
-- requires 15 units, plus a basic course in American government.
Teaching Credential - The field of political science falls under
the Social Science Waiver program for the secondary school teaching credential.
If you are interested in teaching at the high school level, you are strongly
advised to see the credential advisor early in your academic career.
For more information, please visit the website of the Center for
Careers in Teaching at http://www.fullerton.edu/cct/.
What
courses will transfer from my community college?
The
department accepts community college transfer units
for Political Science 100 and 200 and up to six
additional units taken at the lower-division level
(e.g., courses numbered in the 100s and 200s).
What's
special at Cal State Fullerton for political
scientists?
Internships
The department offers a variety of internships. Each one involves students
working in an agency or political organization in meeting in an on-campus
seminar to discuss their experiences.
The Social Science Research Center
The department participates in the Social Science Research Center through use
of the Center's facilities in several classes and participation in the Center's
student research program.
The Model United Nations
The Model United Nations aids students' understanding of international organizations
through study and participation in a simulated General Assembly. Members are
assigned a country and research its politics and policy positions. They attend
the sessions as the representatives of that country and take part in the simulated
proceedings.
Independent Study
Independent study credit is designed for students who have a genuine interest
in studying subject matter that is not covered by the regular curriculum.
How
can students get involved?
Model
United Nations Club
The Model United Nations Club's major activity is to prepare CSUF's delegates
for the national Model United Nations Conference in New York. The Club publicizes
the work of the UN among the campus community and trains student delegates.
Political Science Students Association
The Political Science Students Association (PSSA) is an organization for students
with an interest in politics and public policy The organization's major goal
is to increase the political knowledge and awareness of students.
Prelaw Society
The Prelaw Society was established to satisfy not only the various serious
needs shared by aspiring law students but also to bring to the student body
as a whole the values involved in the advocacy of equal justice before the
law for all. Guest speakers representing the judiciary, law firms, law schools,
public interest law corporations and law enforcement agencies provide a window
to the world of law.
Pi Sigma Alpha
Outstanding political science undergraduates are eligible to join the Epsilon
chapter of the national honorary society, Pi Sigma Alpha. To qualify, students
must have an overall GPA of 3.0 and a GPA of 3.25 in the political science
major.
How
do I get advisement? Two
full-time faculty members offer advisement for
undergraduate students. Advisement may be done
on a "drop-in" basis but most students
prefer to make appointments by calling (657) 278-3521.
Advisement Forms
 Political Science GE and Related Fields classlist (revised 8/2/07)
Political Science Major Requirements (revised 4/16/08)
Where
is additional information available?
Many
questions may be answered by browsing these webpages,
but the best way to get the information you need
is to visit our Division Office, University Hall
511, and talk to our faculty and staff members
and other students. Check out our bulletin boards
and spend a little time getting to know us. We're
here to help!
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