Political Science Undergraduate Major (BA, BS, HBA, HBS)

Political Science is the systematic study of politics wherever it takes place-in governmental institutions, the international arena, and civil society. Political science majors at Oregon State may choose the general political major, or one of the three options that focus on law and politics, international affairs, or environmental and energy politics. All political science majors learn to think critically, write clearly and speak persuasively. They learn the ideas of great political thinkers, learn the political fundamentals behind the headlines, and have engaging discussions from all points of view with other students and professors. Potential for Specialization Students may choose a general political science major or may choose from one of three transcript-visible options: Environmental Politics and Policy International Affairs Law, Politics, and Society Environmental and Energy Politics The Environmental and Energy Politics option under the Political Science major provides students with the opportunity to focus their undergraduate studies on topics involving: Historical and contemporary environmental problems Governmental and non-governmental efforts to address problems at the local, state, federal and international levels Interactions between key actors and institutions involved in environmental policymaking in the United States and internationally International Affairs The International Affairs option provides students with the opportunity to focus their undergraduate studies on topics involving: The political systems and dynamics of different countries and regions around the world Relations among countries and non-state actors Global issues, problems, and institutions Law and Politics The Law and Politics option offers students the opportunity to focus their undergraduate studies on topics involving: Constitutional principles and interpretation Judicial politics and how it shapes the law. Relationships between the various branches and levels of government in the United States Normative arguments regarding justice and equality in theory and in practice