GPSBA - Government and Public Service

Bachelor of Arts

College of Information Science

Undergraduate

If you are interested in government, constitutional law, politics and public affairs, consider majoring in Government and Public Service. Students earning their Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and Public Service gain a thorough understanding of American government and its institutions; law, policy and justice; and intelligence, security and defense. Government and Public Service majors also develop the skills to research efficiently and effectively; to accurately analyze data; and to use new information, historical context and critical thinking to effect change. The B.A. can serve as a launchpad to graduate studies, law school or careers that demand a broad foundation and understanding of American policy and procedure.

- Advanced Application; Apply advanced knowledge of the major theories and concepts of government service and relevant subfields through an internship, capstone, practicum, or supervised research experience.
- Analyze Governmental Systems; Analyze the structure and functions of local, state, national, and international governmental systems and apply understanding of these to contemporary governmental problems.
- Critical Thinking and Communication Skills; Demonstrate critical thinking strategies, including reasoning, problem solving, analysis, and evaluation, through written assignments and projects.
- Government Service Academic Content Area Proficiency; Display academic proficiency in the subfields of Administration of Justice and Intelligence and Security.
- Study of Politics; Identify different approaches to the study of politics and apply these to contemporary political problems.
- Evaluate Political Phenomena; Demonstrate the ability to formulate and construct logical arguments about political phenomena and to evaluate these through empirical and theoretical methods.
- Civic Awareness and Responsibility; Examine and appraise the rights, responsibilities, and privileges of a citizen participating in and contributing to a diverse society.
- Critical Thinking and Communication; Demonstrate critical thinking strategies, including reasoning, problem solving, analysis, and evaluation, through written assignments and projects about fundamental concepts of international and domestic politics and public policy;
- Application of Theories and Concepts; Apply advanced knowledge of the major theories and concepts of political science and relevant subfields.