Transfer Articulation: Political Science
The study of political science pulls together the drama of politics and public issues with the development of skills of analysis and communication - skills that are useful in everyday life and a wide range of professions.
The political science program meets the career needs of two different sets of students. Some want primarily the traditional liberal arts education that provides a foundation to deal with a broad range of ideas and challenges. With today's economy, in which most people experience several major career changes, this is a valuable foundation. Other students want courses that will prepare them for specific career goals.
The majority of our graduates work in private business and have been quite successful. Others attend the major Texas law schools; teach (from junior high to university level); work in public service (at the federal, state, county, or city level); or go into political life (such as state legislator, judge, county commissioner, or lobbyist). There is an increasing need for trained people to work in nonprofit organizations. The department has implemented a program to provide the skills in administration, research, and writing that will prepare graduates to enter this exciting area. The department also advises pre-law students.
At SHSU, students can earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Political Science. The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Social Science Composite with a Political Science Emphasis are also available. As part of the program, students take a minor in another area, such as criminal justice, environmental studies, or business.
Applicants wishing to complete the B.A. must satisfy the university foreign language requirement and complete an additional fine arts course. The department requires applicants for the B.A. degree select a 3 hour Philosophy course from the university core (satisfies core and department degree requirements). Those wishing to receive a B.S. must complete 16 hours of lab science.
The Core Curriculum at Sam Houston State University (to be used by all incoming students as of fall 2014) contains 42 semester credit hours, encompassing nine component areas. Each component area has a minimum credit hour requirement and a selection of specific courses that may be used to satisfy the requirement. The Core Curriculum details Sam Houston State University courses and their Texas Common Course Number (TCCN) equivalents for college transfer students which comprise SHSU’s core curriculum.
Many SHSU disciplines including the sciences, business, and education require specific courses from the SHSU core as degree specific graduation requirements. To minimize cost and time to complete degree requirements always select SHSU/transfer core courses specified as degree requirements in your intended major. If you have not decided on a major, select core courses supporting your intended area of academic concentration.
Prior to enrolling in core classes, students are encouraged to review specific degree requirements for their major. Selection of major-specified core courses reduces the total number of hours required for graduation.
If you do not see a Texas Common Course Number (TCCN) mapping a specific core course to your transfer institution, please go to Transfer Course Equivalency Guide and select your institution from the drop-down menu. The result will list all currently mapped transfer courses from your institution to SHSU courses.
