Political Science Program Overview

The Department of Government, Legal Studies, and Philosophy offers major and minor programs in Political Science. These programs are designed for students who seek the skills and substantive knowledge necessary to better understand the causes and effects of a wide variety of governmental institutions, processes, policies, and political behavior in preparation for exciting career opportunities both within and outside government.

All of Tarleton’s Political Science majors get foundational training in comparative politics, international politics, political philosophy, research methods, and statistics. They also select a concentration and develop a capstone project in line with their academic and career interests.

Political Science majors can choose from two areas of concentration: Self-Designed and 4+1 Accelerated Concentration to the Master’s of Public Administration (MAPA). Click on the links below for a complete list of course requirements.

Political Science Field of Study

The Field of Study Curriculum for Political Science is designed for students seeking a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government and consists of 18-24 lower-division semester credit hours that are fully transferable to Tarleton from other Texas public colleges and universities.

Political Science Field of Study Curriculum
GOVT 2304	Introduction to Political Science
GOVT 2305	United States Government
GOVT 2306	Texas State & Local Government
MATH 1342	Elementary Statistics
Directed Electives	GOVT 2311, Mexican American Politics PHIL 2307, Introduction to Social & Political Philosophy

Career Pathways

There are many career pathways for political science graduates. Aside being the number one major among law school applicants, political science majors work in government, industry, and non-profits sectors. Check out the American Political Science Association for some popular career choices among political science majors. Another option for graduates is to continue their education in a master’s, professional, or Ph.D. program.

Programs and Opportunities

Political Science Faculty

Name	Education	Expertise	Office	Phone	Email
Dr. Nathaniel Cogley	Ph.D., Yale University	African politics, comparative politics, international relations, and U.S. Federal Government	O.A. Grant 352	254-968-9631	[email protected]
Dr. Boleslaw Kabala	Ph.D., Yale University	American politics and political thought, political philosophy, constitutional law, critical theory, political theology, Augustine and ideology, and civic engagement	O.A. Grant 361	254-968-5631	[email protected]
Dr. Eric Morrow	Ph.D., Baylor University	Religion and politics, U.S. public policy, and Texas government	O.A. Grant 241	254-968-9141	[email protected]
Dr. Marcie Reynolds	Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago	American politics, interest groups, judicial decision-making, and state and local government	O.A. Grant 358	254-968-1826	[email protected]
Dr. Jesus Velasco	Ph.D., University of Texas	Latin American politics, foreign policy, and foreign views of the United States	O.A. Grant 365	254-968-9627	[email protected]