Major in Political Science, Global Politics and Policy Concentration

Program Overview

The Global Politics and Policy concentration at Colorado State University equips students with analytical skills, global systems understanding, and knowledge of conflict resolution. Graduates are prepared for careers in government agencies, international organizations, and global businesses, where they can address complex political issues with critical thinking and effective communication.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Global Politics and Policy concentration within the Political Science major at Colorado State University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze political relationships both within and between countries. The program aims to prepare students for careers in international affairs.

Key Objectives:

• Develop analytical skills: Students will learn to analyze political relationships and interactions between countries and within nations.
• Understand global systems: The program covers various systems of government, state-society relations across the globe, and the interplay of public and private actors within international institutions and the global economy.
• Embrace global perspectives: Students are strongly encouraged to study a foreign language and participate in CSU's study abroad programs.

Learning Outcomes:

• Critical thinking: Students will be able to reason through political claims and assertions made by political actors.
• Ideological awareness: Students will develop the skill to recognize and respond to diverse ideological perspectives.
• Historical context: Students will be able to place political issues and controversies within their relevant historical and institutional contexts.
• Institutional understanding: Students will gain familiarity with the institutional processes of politics in various domestic and global arenas.
• Effective communication: Students will confidently express their opinions and present analyses of political problems and potential solutions.

Careers:

Graduates of the Global Politics and Policy concentration are well-prepared for careers in:

• Government agencies: Both domestically and internationally.
• Intergovernmental organizations: Such as the United Nations or the World Bank.
• International businesses: Companies operating in a globalized marketplace.
• Consulting firms: Providing expertise on international affairs and policy.
• Non-profit organizations: Working on global issues and development.

Other:

• Distinctive Requirements: Political Science majors must achieve a minimum grade of C (2.000) in all POLS courses counted towards the major.
Students must complete an upper-division course in at least four subfields of political science before enrolling in POLS 492 (Capstone Seminar). These options include:
• Minor or Interdisciplinary Minor
• Student-Selected Course Group
• Second Major
• Foreign Language
• Methods
• Tiered Course Structure: The program is structured around five tiers of courses, with specific requirements for each tier.
• Tier One: 12 credits, four courses in American and Comparative Government.
• Tier Two: 3 credits, one course in Political Theory.
• Tier Three: 6 credits, two courses in American Politics and Public Policy.
• Tier Four: 12 credits, at least one course from each of International Relations and Comparative Politics.
• Tier Five: 3 credits, the Capstone Seminar (POLS 492).
• Course Schedule: The program provides a suggested course schedule for each semester, outlining critical and recommended courses.
• Study Abroad: Students are strongly encouraged to participate in CSU's study abroad programs to enhance their global perspectives.