Overview
Political Science deals with the theory and practice of politics and the analysis of political behavior. Students who select this field of study will work in the four major areas of political science (American government, international relations, comparative politics, and political philosophy) and will obtain the comprehensive foundation of knowledge that is necessary for successful transfer to a four-year university program.
Mission
The Political Science program seeks to encourage student’s understanding of the process and function of politics in society through critical investigation of political theories and ideas, through an understanding of political practices in a democratic society, and through their role as informed and engaged citizens.
Why This Program
Completion of the program is designed to result in an Associate of Arts degree and meets the general-education requirements of all Idaho public universities. Course selection should be coordinated to meet requirements for your intended transfer institution, if known. Students who earn a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science often pursue careers in the following fields: law, government, business, international and national organizations, diplomacy, and education.
What You Will Learn to Do
- Articulate the major theories of various subfields of political science, identify their strengths and weaknesses and apply those theories to real world examples
- Critically evaluate political claims based on careful scrutiny of the underlying assumptions, arguments and evidence
- Access and organize political information from a variety of sources
- Articulate the complex interrelationships between political, economic, social, cultural and historical forces
- Identify and understand when, where and how political forces shape political actors behavior
- Formulate, propose and advocate possibilities for positive change in democratic society as engaged and informed citizens
Additional Opportunities
Internships are an important aspect of the Political Science major and CWI’s location provides a wide variety of opportunities in state government and the Idaho legislature.
Respectful Community
The College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
News and Blogs
Congratulations to Robert Harbaugh, College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for May 2019.
The Political Science program is proud to welcome guest speaker, Dr. Leif Hoffmann, to campus April 8.
Associate Professor of Political Science, Robert Harbaugh, named President-Elect of the Pacific Northwest Political Science Association.
Political Science is proud to welcome guest speaker, Dr. James Hanley, to campus Nov. 7.
The Political Science Program is proud to welcome guest speaker, Dr. Ross Burkhart, to campus March 19, 2018.
The CWI Political Science program welcomes guest lecturer, Dr. Isaac Castellano, Wednesday, April 26.