Political Science
Programs
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program is a liberal arts course of study that requires thirty-six(36) credit hours of political science courses, a minor, and satisfying the foreign language requirement*. The B.A. program prepares the student to enter the job market upon graduation or to continue study at the graduate level.
*Fluency in their native language may enable international students to test out of the foreign language requirement.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Political Science
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program is an applied science course of study that requires thirty-nine(39) credit hours of political science courses; there is no foreign language requirement. The B.S. program emphasizes the scientific approach and quantitative methods in the study of politics. Therefore, courses in logic, research methods, and statistical analysis are required. Students who choose the B.S. program may pursue either the general B.S. degree or the B.S. degree with a concentration*. The B.S. program prepares the student to enter the job market upon graduation or to continue study at the graduate level.
*The B.S. degree with a concentration does not increase the number of credit hours required for the completion of the program.
Minor in Political Science
While students majoring in history, sociology, criminal justice, economics, psychology, communications, and business, and students preparing for law school or international business have frequently found a minor in political science to be very useful in their careers, students majoring in many other programs have also found a minor in political science to be helpful because it helps them to critically analyze developments in their field, including in other countries, and is seen by graduate programs and many employers as evidence of a wide range of interests, skills, and knowledge. A minor in political science requires at least fifteen(15) credit hours of political science courses as approved by the department chairperson.
Double Major in Education
When a student successfully completes the Salem State College Education Program he/she will qualify to apply for an initial teaching license from the Massachusetts Department of Education. Current Massachusetts teacher licensing requirements call for a second major in the arts and sciences in addition to a major in education. The second major is your choice and should be selected on the basis of interest and the grade-level you desire to teach. The Political Science Department offers an appropriate second major for education students, and we are happy to meet with current and prospective students to discuss this option. Please contact Professor Richard Levy for additional information.
Transfer Credits
Usually, students may transfer no more than fifteen(15) credit hours of courses into the major (B.A. and B.S.). All other courses will have to be counted as free electives. There may be exceptions.
For further information, contact:
Professor Richard J. Levy
Chairperson, Political Science Department
Office: Meier Hall, Room 333C (North Campus)
Email: richard.levy@salemstate.edu
Phone: (978) 542-6161
Fax: (978) 542-6973
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