Political Science

Work for the public good with a Political Science degree from USCA

Take your first steps toward building a career that creates positive change: Become a political science major at the University of South Carolina Aiken.

At USCA, our political science degree program guides you in the theories and principles behind political science, which you can use during practical experiences that help you shape your future career. You’ll study political science within the context that interests you most: politics, governmental work, or pre-law.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from USCA, you’ll earn the skills and hands-on experiences you need to succeed in a variety of careers or graduate school.

Program Highlights

You want to make a positive difference in your community and beyond. As a political science major at USCA, you’re prepared to do just that, as you:

• Get real experience. Conduct research for class, take on special projects, or volunteer in our Social Sciences & Business Research Lab. Land internships and shadowing opportunities to experience possible careers in law, nonprofit work, or in supporting elected officials. Join the Political Science Club, where you will enjoy discussing politics in a civil, nonpartisan environment, or the Pacer Pre-Law Society if you’d like to prepare for law school. Or participate in mock trial competitions to learn legal ethics and professionalism.
• Find the mentoring and guidance you need. As a political science major at USCA, you’ll find your instructors are invaluable mentors. They can connect you with professional experts in a variety of fields, facilitate internships and shadowing opportunities, and more. If you need additional help, our Office of Career Services can provide career opportunities that reflect your interests and goals as a political science major.
• Benefit from scholarships exclusively for political science majors. While USCA remains one of the most affordable universities in the Palmetto State, we can also connect you with scholarships and other financial aid. At USCA, our Department of History, Political Science, and Philosophy offers three scholarships, including the USCA History/Political Science Scholarship, the Dorcey Lybrand Americanism Scholarship, and the Lonnie A. Garvin Memorial Scholarship.

Course Highlights

As a political science major at USCA, you’ll dig into the inner workings of local, state, and federal governments and get a deep understanding of political behaviors as you develop important writing and critical thinking skills. It’s the right foundation for a future career in multiple fields related to the public good, as well as for graduate work or law school.

Courses you may take include:

• Introduction to Law. Begin to understand the American legal system through an interdisciplinary approach, including meeting with practicing lawyers, and more.
• Scope and Methods of Political Science. Learn and practice the fundamental research methods of political science in the classroom and lab.
• Introduction to Public Policy. Apply your policy communication and writing skills by lobbying a state or local elected official with your classmates on an issue important to college students.

Add value to your bachelor’s in political science with a complementary minor

At USCA, many of our political science majors also minor or complete a course of study in a complementary subject, including:

• Political science minor
• Pre-law minor
• Social studies education cognate (to prepare for secondary teaching)