Political science is the study of government—the most important decision-making part of society—and of the social, the economic, and the other institutions and practices that influence this decision-making process. On the one hand, it is a discipline that can trace its roots to the ancient Greek political community, the polis; but it is also a modern social science, which uses techniques such as content analysis, public opinion surveys, and statistical analysis to create and evaluate generalizations about how government and people behave.
As a liberal arts discipline, the department is dedicated to developing analytical skills and promoting critical thinking. Students are encouraged to reflect not simply on their career goals, but also on what type of persons they want to become, and on their rights and duties as citizens. The department offers students the opportunity to earn up to six credit hours in an internship program in which students gain practical experience by working for various federal, state, local or non-profit community agencies.
Political science prepares students for careers in various fields, not only in government, law, and education but also in business, journalism, urban planning, and many fields on which public policies have a significant effect.
The Department of Political Science at Texas State University-San Marcos offers Bachelor degrees in Political Science (with and without teacher certification) and Public Administration. We also offer minors in Political Science, Public Administration, and Political Communication. Pre-law advising is also available for students who are considering law school after graduation.
The Department of Political Science at Texas State University offers three Master's degrees and three certifications for our graduate students. Students have the opportunity for a close intellectual exchange with our large, full-time departmental faculty. Texas State is a depository for federal and state government documents as well as a member of CORAL (Council for Research and Academic Libraries).
As a liberal arts discipline, the department is dedicated to developing analytical skills and promoting critical thinking. Students are encouraged to reflect not simply on career goals, but also on what type of person they wish to become, and on the rights and duties of citizens. The department offers students the opportunity to earn up to six credit hours in an internship program in which students gain practical experience by working for various federal, state, local or non-profit community agencies.
Political science prepares students for careers in various fields, not only in government, law, and education but also in business, journalism, urban planning, and many fields on which public policies have a significant effect.
POLITICAL SCIENCE CERTFICATE PROGRAMS
Work is underway to pursue approval for a Ph.D. in Public Administration. Librarians have assisted with literature review, dissertation analysis, and statistical resources.