POLITICAL SCIENCE
Minor
An interest in politics, government, or current events often leads students to the study of political science.
But this major is more than just the study of political structures—it’s a broad understanding of history and culture combined with discussion of current events and cutting-edge statistical analysis.
From small-town elections to global international relations, you will research, study and analyze some of the largest problems facing our society today: How does a society balance freedom and equality? Is it possible to reconcile individual desires with community needs? Coker’s political science program challenges you to address these broad theological questions and relate them to today’s political debates. You’ll learn to communicate effectively and defend your views through debate and discussion, preparing you for a volatile political environment and teaching you how to adapt and thrive with change.
KEY CLASSES FOR YOUR SUCCESS
Social Class & Inequality
To study politics, you must understand the role of social equality in issues of power, privilege, and prestige. In this course, you will learn about the development of ruling classes and elites, as well as social mobility and bases of inequality with an emphasis on how they may impact our society in the future.
Public Opinion
How do you measure the perspectives and desires of the general public? What influences those perspectives? In this course, you will be introduced to major theories on the dynamics of public opinion, as well as the major methods of opinion assessment. Primary focus will be on mass media, propaganda, and contemporary social and political issues.
Politics of the Environment
The environment is becoming an increasingly common topic in modern political discourse. In this course, you’ll investigate a variety of environmental issues and the ways they affect public attitudes and governmental policies. Topics of discussion will include pollution, global warming, energy policies, sustainable development, demography, and resource depletion.
One Degree That Opens All These Doors
$57,316
Legislative Advocate
$90,529
Government Program Manager
$56,463
Campaign Manager
$83,328
Lawyer
$39,737
Community Organizer
$57,606
City Planner
$57,606
City Planner
$69,533
Communications Director
$40,077
Journalist
$39,709
Legislative Assistant
$50,701
Mediator
$51,095
Non-Profit Program Administrator
$56,517
Policy Analyst
$53,962
Political Scientist