Political Science

The BGSU Department of Political Science is devoted to the study of political power, political institutions, public policy, public opinion, citizen participation, political economy, and the international system.

We offer an undergraduate major and minor in political science, a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree, a minor in nonprofit administration, and a Bachelors of Science degree program in Fire Administration.

A degree in Political Science prepares students for success in graduate study, law school, and public service, as well as a variety of careers including work in the public, private, and non-profit sectors; law; education; global, national, state, and local politics.

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What Can You Do With a Political Science Major?

Political science majors gain the writing, communication, analytical, and data skills that are valued in a wide spectrum of potential careers.

News and Stories

Homelands Beckon for Travelers and Refugees Alike

When she was young, Andrea Danziger’s family lived in Frankfurt, Germany, and her time abroad played a role in her academic interests: She chose a double major in Political Science and German, with a minor in Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Law (PPEL). After spending a summer interning at the U.S. State Department in Munich, she took an interest in the Syrian Refugee Crisis. “As Germany has been such a prominent player in the crisis, the event captured my attention,” Danziger said.

Researchers to Study Air Service Incentives

In today’s competitive world of air travel, communities and airports vie to get and keep passenger routes. A new BGSU study will focus on the use of incentives to attract and retain air service. Drs. Russell Mills and Justin Rex of the Political Science department, along with William Burns of the Center for Regional Development, have been awarded an 18-month, $325,000 grant to study 350 airports to identify what incentives they offer to air carriers. “Often, communities and airlines that have successfully attracted air service don’t want to share what they’re doing because it’s so competitive,” said Mills.

ARMY VETERAN DESTINED FOR LEADERSHIP IN FIRE SERVICE

Charles Swank walked across the platform at BGSU’s May 2017 commencement a magna cum laude graduate of the Fire Administration program. He enrolled in the online program because it was flexible for his demanding family and work schedule, which included five children under the age of 10 and roles as a firefighter with the Washington Township (Dublin, Ohio) Fire Department and a lieutenant with the Fredericktown Community Fire District. His father, brother, uncles and cousins were all involved with firefighting.

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in Political Science are expected to be able to:

EVALUATE information and scholarship needed to place political problems in a broader historical, cross-national, and theoretical context.
ASSESS different theoretical and conceptual approaches to the study of politics.
APPLY theories and concepts to ANALYZE problems and issues in political science.
INTEGRATE appropriate evidence and critical evaluation of multiple or opposing perspectives to make effective arguments about significant political processes or problems.
DEMONSTRATE effective oral communication and presentation skills.

Accreditation and/or Program/Cluster Review
Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2022 - 2023. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

The Political Science program did Program/Cluster Review in 2022.

Professional Licensure (If applicable)
Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Political Science program does not lead to professional licensure.

Gainful Employment (If applicable)
Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The Political Science program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.

Updated: 12/03/2024 02:06PM