Explore our world’s most pressing issues as you build the analysis and communication skills to lead, serve and shape the future.
Locations
- Statesboro Campus (In Person)
- Armstrong Campus (In Person)
- Online
Why Major in Political Science at Georgia Southern?
- Highly versatile degree builds high-demand skills.
- Excellent preparation for law school or other post-graduate studies in public policy, public administration or business.
- Tailor your studies with a focus that accelerates your chosen career path.
- Earn valuable real-world experience through internships or study abroad programs.
- Challenge yourself by joining one of our nationally-ranked teams: Moot Court, Model United Nations or Model Arab League.
- 124 credit hours to complete degree.
The world today is marked by many challenges that will require innovative and daring solutions, including issues ranging from war and peace to climate change and sustainability to human rights and the rule of law. The bachelor’s in Political Science at Georgia Southern prepares students to become active, responsible citizens ready to tackle global challenges.
You’ll expand your perspective and develop the skills to make an impact in a variety of fields, from government service to journalism to international relations. Within the major, students can further customize their degree with an emphasis in Law and Politics, Paralegal Studies or Global Security Studies.
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What Can You Do With a Political Science Degree?
Our world-class faculty train students in the skills necessary to compete in a global economy, such as oral and written communication, public speaking, analytical and quantitative skills, teamwork and problem-solving, and leadership.
You can find graduates of our program serving as foreign service officers for the US Department of State, as executives in international businesses, as informational scientists/analysts in the field of tourism, as directors of public policy for nonprofits, as journalists and as attorneys.
Where our graduates work:
- Federal, state and local government
- Staff of state or national officials
- Media organizations
- Law firms
- Non-profit organizations
- Public interest advocacy groups
- National committees of a political party
- Political campaigns
- Public relations firms
- Colleges and universities
What our graduates do:
- Foreign Service Officer
- Public Policy Analyst
- United Nations Liaison
- White House Advisor
- Lawyer
- Journalist
- Diplomat
- Development Director
- International Business Analyst
- Public Affairs Specialist
- Peace Corps Worker
- Media Specialist
- FBI Agent
- Educator
What You’ll Learn
The political science major studies how citizens interact with their government—and how governments respond to their citizens by creating and implementing policy. Courses include a focus on the American political system as well as political systems of countries from all regions of the world. Our courses also explore issues of international law, war, and peace. You’ll come away with a clear understanding of different political institutions, along with the principles, organization and methods of government. Depending on how you direct your studies, you can learn more about:
- National politics, including courses on American political thought, political parties and elections, political media, the U.S. Constitution, gender politics and more.
- International relations, exploring topics that include international law, international terrorism, U.S. foreign policy and others.
Law and politics, with a series of courses in constitutional law and judicial politics designed to prepare you for application to law school.
See the CurriculumConcentrations
If you already have a career goal in mind, choose an academic path that gives you a headstart. Students may select a concentration in Global Security Studies, an emphasis in Law and Politics and/or a Paralegal certificate. The emphasis in Law and Politics and Paralegal Certificate may be earned concurrently.
Global Security Studies (18 credit hours)
Earn a Global Security Studies concentration and build the skills to effectively address contemporary security challenges with courses in Homeland Defense & National Security, Homeland Security and International Law and Peace.
Law and Politics (15 credit hours)
Explore the intersection between legal systems and political dynamics while refining your analytical skills. Courses include Judicial Politics, Constitutional Law, Moot Court, Gender and the Law and more.
Paralegal Certificate (15 credit hours)
Earn your paralegal certificate and unlock career opportunities with courses that cover the foundations of law, before refining your skills in legal research and writing. Round out your education with elective choices that deepen your expertise.
Build Your Experience
The opportunities available to political science majors at Georgia Southern are as diverse as your career prospects. Tailor your academic experience to your interests and strengths.
Study Abroad
Broaden your understanding of the world by joining a study abroad program where you’ll experience firsthand the politics, culture and governance of another country.
Practice Diplomacy
Bring your education to life by participating in Model United Nations and/or Model Arab League, where you’ll have opportunities to practice your public speaking, research, negotiation and policy writing skills.
Intern with Impact
Gain valuable real-world experience and even more valuable connections with exciting internship opportunities, such as the Eagles in D.C. Legislative Internship.
Pearson Gardner is the Head of HR at Ohio Ordnance Works, a leading designer and manufacturer of defense systems. Pearson’s journey in HR began at Georgia Southern University, where he pursued a double major in Political Science and French, driven by a curiosity about people and the world. This experience sharpened his critical thinking and analytical skills, which have become core to his HR approach. A study abroad program in Bordeaux, France, broadened his perspective, laying the groundwork for his global outlook.
Take Action
Follow these steps to complete the Georgia Southern application:
- Create an application account.
- Complete our online application using the PIN you received after creating your application account.
- Once complete, pay the $30 application fee or upload a valid fee waiver. Previous Georgia Southern applicants and dual enrollment students do not need to pay the fee.
You can check your application status at My.GeorgiaSouthern.edu/admissions three days after completing your application. This page contains live information about your admission status, including a checklist of missing documents we need to make a decision.
Apply as a First-Year Student Transfer to Georgia SouthernPolitical Science majors have access to robust resources, including clubs, a young alumni advisory board, advocacy groups, scholarships, internship, research opportunities and more.
See Student ResourcesThe Department offers several scholarships, all with different application procedures and deadlines. For information, please visit Georgia Southern’s scholarships hub.
- Bo and Gloria Ginn Scholarship
Internship: Available for students who are residents of Georgia and accepted into the Department’s internship program. Students must agree to intern with a member of the Georgia Congressional delegation in Washington D.C. - Senator Paul D. Coverdell Memorial Scholarship
Student must be accepted into the Department’s internship program and agree to intern with a Georgia member of Congress for a summer internship. - Ron Pye Alumni Scholarship
First preference shall go to a female student in the Department who is a single mother of a child under the age of 18. Second preference shall go to any female student in the Department. Third preference shall go to any major. Students may be at any class level with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
- John H. Daily Political Science Scholarship
Applicants must be a beginning graduate student, regularly admitted to a graduate program in the Department, and for whom at least two years have passed since being awarded an undergraduate degree. The award of the scholarship will make a great economic difference between being able or unable to begin graduate school. The student must have high academic credentials.G. Lane and Christine S. Van Tassell Scholarship
Award should be given to students pursuing a degree in Political Science. The award may be given to outstanding seniors or to graduate level students.
Take the Next Step
Earn a high-demand degree that can launch a diverse range of fulfilling, impactful careers. Learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Georgia Southern.
Contact Us
Department Chair
Dr. Jamie Scalera Elliot
Phone: 912-478-5698
points@georgiasouthern.edu
Department of Political Science and International Studies
P.O. Box 8101
Statesboro, Georgia 30460
Phone: 912-478-5698