Politics BAPOLS
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Minimum Required Credits: 120.0
Co-op Option(s): Three Co-op, Two Co-op, One Co-op, No Co-op
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 45.1001
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-0000
About the Program
The Politics major at Drexel University prepares students to analyze, interpret, and influence the political, social, and economic systems that shape everyday life. Students develop strong analytical, communication, and data-driven research skills while gaining a comparative understanding of how governments function, how public policies are created, and how individuals and institutions exercise power. Coursework reflects Drexel’s research strengths, including public policy, environmental politics, international organizations, human rights, and law and society, while offering students the flexibility to design a curriculum aligned with their professional goals.
Learning occurs through discussion-based classes, applied research projects, experiential assignments, and optional Cooperative Education (Co-op) placements. With support from faculty and advisors, students build a personalized academic plan that allows them to explore interests across domestic politics, global affairs, public law, civic engagement, and policy analysis.
Graduates are well prepared for careers in government, nonprofit organizations, law, business, and international affairs. Alumni pursue a wide range of professional roles, including legislative staffer, policy analyst, research associate, intelligence analyst, campaign manager and coordinator, government relations specialist, and legal assistant. Many students also continue on to graduate study in law, political science, public policy, international relations, and business.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the College of Arts and Sciences
Admission Requirements
There are no admission requirements for the Politics major beyond being accepted into the university at the undergraduate level.
Degree Requirements
| University Requirements | ||
| EXP 1001 | Introduction to Experiential Learning | 3.0 |
| WRIT 1100 | Composition and Rhetoric I | 3.0 |
| or WRIT 1110 | English Composition I | |
| WRIT 1200 | Composition and Rhetoric II | 3.0 |
| or WRIT 1210 | English Composition II | |
| Introductory Core Competencies 1 | 9.0 | |
| Select one course from each of the three categories of Introductory Core Competencies: | ||
Introductory: Inquire and Analyze | ||
Introductory: Collaborate and Integrate | ||
Introductory: Apply and Engage | ||
| College of Arts & Sciences Requirements | ||
| AS-I 1007 | Journeys in Arts and Sciences | 3.0 |
| AS-I 1008 | Data Fluency | 3.0 |
| AS-I 1009 | Interdisciplinary Ethics | 3.0 |
| Free Electives | 15.0 | |
| Program Requirements | ||
| POLS 2001 | Qualitative Research Methods in Politics | 3.0 |
| POLS 2002 | Quantitative Research Methods in Politics | 3.0 |
| Select three (3) of the following courses: | 9.0 | |
| Introduction to U.S. Politics | ||
| Introduction to Political Theory | ||
| Introduction to Comparative Politics | ||
| Introduction to International Politics | ||
| Politics Electives | ||
| Select eight (8) of the following courses: 2 | 24.0 | |
| Constitutional Law I: Foundations of Constitutional Law | ||
| Theories of Justice | ||
| Issues in Comparative Politics | ||
| United States Foreign Policy | ||
| Global Governance | ||
| International Political Economy | ||
| Environmental Politics | ||
| Technology and Politics | ||
| Security Studies | ||
| Civilians in Armed Conflict | ||
| United States Congress | ||
| United States Presidency | ||
| Constitutional Law II: Civil Liberties | ||
| Feminist Political Theories | ||
| Cities and Climate Change | ||
| Interest Groups and Lobbying | ||
| The United Nations in World Politics | ||
| Ethics in International Relations | ||
| International Human Rights | ||
| State and Local Government | ||
| Food Politics | ||
| City in U.S. Political Development | ||
| Animal Politics | ||
| Politics of Sports | ||
| Politics of Policing | ||
| Authoritarian Politics | ||
| Parties and Elections | ||
| Causes and Consequences of Military Interventions | ||
| Social Movements | ||
| Special Topics in Politics | ||
| Politics Thesis I | ||
| Politics Thesis II | ||
| Free Electives | 39.0 | |
| Optional Co-op Experience | ||
| Co-op is an option for this degree for full-time on-campus students. Co-op cycles may vary. Students choosing this option will be required to complete COOP 1001 as preparation for their co-op experience. COOP 1001 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned. | 0.0 | |
| Total Credits | 120.0 | |
- 1
A complete list of eligible Introductory Core Competency courses can be found here.
- 2
The following combinations are allowed: three (3) 2000-level electives and five (5) 3000-level electives; four (4) 2000-level electives and four (4) 3000-level electives; or five (5) 2000-level electives and three (3) 3000-level electives.
- 3
The 4000-level honors thesis classes may substitute for either 2000- or 3000-level electives. Students can only register for these with permission of the department head.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, students will be able to:
- Analyze political institutions, actors, and processes using evidence-based research methods.
- Evaluate public policies and their social, economic, and political impacts.
- Communicate complex political ideas effectively in written, visual, and oral forms.
- Apply quantitative and qualitative data analysis to real-world political and policy questions.
- Demonstrate ethical reasoning, civic responsibility, and global awareness in the study and practice of politics.