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Politics & Government

Bachelor of Arts

Degree Type

Major, Minor, Secondary Licensure

Department

Behavioral & Social Sciences (BASS) Department

Whether you want to defend the innocent as an attorney, cover political events as a journalist or become an international policy liaison, you’ll need a deep understanding of the complex mechanics of politics and government.

Program Overview

Politics & Government

Gain a multidimensional perspective of how political systems work.

In the Politics & Government program, you’ll be exposed to different and often conflicting points of view on a variety of important political ideas (e.g., democracy, freedom, equality, development and power). You’ll study how different individuals have looked at these ideas, as well as how such ideas have been practiced in real institutions and political controversies. Through hands-on learning in the field–in mock trials and Model UN competitions–you’ll develop the tools necessary for effective citizenship and cultivate critical reasoning. The dynamic experience of the program will make you question your assumptions about the world and your place in it and give you the ability to influence issues that matter to you.

An expanded worldview

Politics and Government students study different political ideas and how they have been practiced in real institutions and political controversies. They cultivate critical reasoning and develop the tools necessary to become global citizens.

Program Requirements

At Western, course rotations are crafted to encompass a variety of subject fields for a comprehensive education and versatile degree. For required courses and degree plans, visit the official University Catalog. Below is a general overview of courses at Western Colorado University related to this area of study.

Program Requirements

All standard majors require a minor in a second discipline or a second major.

A minimum of 36 credits is required including the following:

Course List
Code Title Credits
POLS 117Introduction to Political Ideas (GT-SS1)3
POLS 180Introduction to American Politics (GT-SS1)3
POLS 255Introduction to Comparative Politics (GT-SS1)3
POLS 260Introduction to World Politics (GT-SS1)3
POLS 309Political Theory I- Ancient to Early Modern3
POLS 310Political Theory II-Modern and Contemporary3
Select five of the following:15
POLS 250
Politics of the Environment
POLS 282
Issues in State and Local Government
POLS 300
Constitutional Law I
POLS 301
Constitutional Law II
POLS 331
The Politics of the Presidency
POLS 340
Politics of Social Movements
POLS 350
Human Rights
POLS 355
The Global South
POLS 360
American Foreign Policy
POLS 370
Political Economy
POLS 376
American Political Thought
POLS 380
The United Nations
POLS 499
Internship in Politics and Government
Select one of the following capstone courses:3
POLS 485
Studies in Political Theory:
POLS 486
Studies in American Politics:
POLS 487
Studies in International Relations:
POLS 488
Studies in Comparative Politics:
Total Credits36

A statistics course may be used to meet the POLS elective requirement.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
POLS 117 Introduction to Political Ideas (GT-SS1) (also Gen Ed) 3
POLS 180 Introduction to American Politics (GT-SS1) 3
Gen Ed General Education Courses (including ENG 102) 9
HWTR 100 First Year Seminar 1
 Credits16
Spring
POLS 260 Introduction to World Politics (GT-SS1) 3
MINOR Minor Course (1 of 7) 3
POLS POLS Elective (1 of 5) 3
Gen Ed General Education Courses (including ENG 103) 6
 Credits15
Year Two
Fall
POLS 255 Introduction to Comparative Politics (GT-SS1) 3
POLS 309 Political Theory I- Ancient to Early Modern 3
MINOR Minor course (2 of 7) 3
Gen Ed General Education Courses 6
 Credits15
Spring
POLS 310 Political Theory II-Modern and Contemporary 3
POLS POLS Elective (2 of 5) 3
STATS Minor Course (3 of 7) 3
Gen Ed General Education Courses 6
 Credits15
Year Three
Fall
POLS POLS Elective (3 of 5) 3
MINOR Minor Course (4 of 7) 3
Elective Electives 3
Gen Ed General Education Courses 6
 Credits15
Spring
POLS POLS Elective (4 of 5) 3
MINOR Minor Course (5 of 7) 3
Elective Electives 6
Gen Ed General Education Courses 3
 Credits15
Year Four
Fall
POLS POLS Elective (5 of 5) 3
MINOR Minor Course (6 of 7) 3
Elective Electives 9
 Credits15
Spring
POLS POLS Capstone 3
MINOR Minor Course (7 of 7) 3
Elective Electives 9
 Credits15
 Total Credits121

Spotlight

Politics & Government

Max Lindsey

Alumni

“The biggest lesson I learned [at Western] was learning how to balance a busy life while getting the most out of education, employment and other pursuits.”

Politics & Government

Madison Patton

Student

“I knew that I wanted a school that could cater to me and my needs. I knew that I would get that from being here.”

Politics & Government

Hannah White

Student

“Being so involved in so many different things you get to know all kinds of people. You get to make connections with people that just aren’t at Western.”

Careers

Take the first steps toward your dream career.

Career preparation is the primary focus of every academic program at Western. Our professors and Office of Career Services will help you identify your strengths, hone your skills, define your goals, and prepare for a fulfilling role in hundreds of professional fields after graduation.

Ready to apply or learn more about Western today?

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Find Your Career

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Scholarships

Western’s Scholarship Application portal allows you to search for, apply to and manage your scholarship opportunities. This platform houses over 300+ departmental and privately funded scholarship opportunities available to both new and returning students. Through the scholarship portal, students may identify scholarship opportunities based on academic program, campus involvement, academic standing, specific keywords and more. Students may click below to begin learning about what scholarship opportunities are available to them.

Please check individual scholarship opportunity start dates and deadlines as there are exceptions.

Find your scholarships!

Western’s Scholarship Application portal allows you to search for, apply to and manage your scholarship opportunities. This platform houses over 300+ departmental and privately funded scholarship opportunities available to both new and returning students. Through the scholarship portal, students may identify scholarship opportunities based on academic program, campus involvement, academic standing, specific keywords and more. Students may click below to begin learning about what scholarship opportunities are available to them.

Please check individual scholarship opportunity start dates and deadlines as there are exceptions.

Find your scholarships!

Alumni Association Future Alumni Scholarship

The Alumni Association Scholarship is a one-time scholarship of $1,000 and is applicable for the student’s junior or senior year at Western.

Any child or grandchild of an alumni is eligible to receive the Future Alumni Scholarship.

  • This is a one-time non-renewable scholarship of $1,000.
  • Only one Future Alumni Scholarship will be awarded per academic year.
  • GPA must be 3.2 or above (college).

Due date has been extended to April 1 for 2023. An Alumni selection committee, appointed by the Alumni Advisory Council, will review applicants and select awardee by June 1.

Apply

Alumni Legacy Scholarship

The Alumni Legacy Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western (incoming freshman or new transfer students are eligible).

Do you have a son or daughter looking at college? Have they considered attending Western? As an alumni, your son, daughter and/or grandchildren are eligible for certain benefits distributed through this scholarship, as follows:

  • This is a one-time scholarship of $1,000.
  • Nominee must be an incoming first-year student or new transfer.
  • The cost of orientation is reduced by half (a $45 value).
  • The admission application fee is waived (a $30 value).
  • GPA must be 2.5 or above (high school or college of transfer).

The applicant must fill out the application form found below. Application forms are accepted year-round. If the applicant meets the GPA guidelines, the scholarship will be awarded.

Apply

Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship

The Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western. This scholarship is not available to midyear transfers or students beginning in the spring semester.

Are you an alumni or employee of Western and know a prospective (or incoming) student who would be a great fit at Western? A recommendation from alumni and employees can support any new student and provide them a $500 scholarship their first year. (Western employees may not recommend a spouse or dependent receiving tuition benefits).

  • Any Western alumni/employee may nominate only one student per academic year to receive the $500 scholarship (distributed $250 per semester).
  • The scholarship is good for the first year only and is non-renewable.
  • The recommended student must be a full-time undergraduate student, attending Western for the first time.

The applicant must fill out the application form found here. The nominating alumni/employee must fill out the application form and submit the required documents by June 1. The recommended student must meet university admissions acceptance standards and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The Presidential Promise is guaranteed to students who have received a scholarship through the Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) and/or GearUp—and are eligible for a Pell Grant.

For students who meet these criteria, Western will cover the cost of tuition and fees through the combination of federal, state and institutional aid. For more information on the Presidential Promise, visit our scholarships page.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) or Central Plains (CP) tuition represents a substantial savings relative to normal, out-of-state tuition. Students eligible for the WUE or CP program will be charged 150% of Western’s total in-state tuition. For 2018-19, total in-state tuition was $8,934. WUE/CP tuition was $13,401. The WUE/CP discount is valued at $4,695.

For more information about the WUE and CP geography-based programs, visit Western’s Tuition Discount Programs Page.

Immediately upon acceptance at Western, every student is considered for a merit scholarship worth between $2,500-$4,500 per year for in-state students and $8,000-$10,000 for out-of-state students. The amount is based on the student’s GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Visit our Net Price Calculator at western.edu/cost to determine whether you qualify for a merit scholarship.

For more information about merit scholarships at Western, visit our scholarships page.

Get Involved

Model UN

Expand your community and your network.

There are so many ways that you can maximize your educational experience at Western. Take advantage of these opportunities to advance your career.

  • Events: Global Justice Film Series, visiting speakers, political debates and voter registration.
  • Internships: Students intern with political candidates, elected officials, nonprofit organizations and legal professionals.
  • Mock Trial: Introduces students to real criminal or civil cases to prepare for trial after graduation.
  • Model United Nations: Competes in the National Model United Nations event in New York City.
  • Politics Club: A student-led club that tackles political topics, provides professional development opportunities and works to bring dynamic debate to campus.

Award-winning Model UN team

A team of 10 Western students showcased their skills for a Model UN Conference in New York City. The team won two awards: outstanding position paper and overall distinguished delegation.

News & Research

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Model UN Provides Global Experience for Western Students

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Western’s Politics Club organizes ’speed repping’ event

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Additional Resources

Politics Resources

Politics Resources Volunteer Opportunities in US and abroad Relief Web Offers info on humanitarian and military emergencies as well as a comprehensive, weekly update on […]

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Department Chairperson

Heather Thiessen-Reily, Ph.D.

Professor of History

Administrative Assistant

Patricia McCarthy

Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences Administrative Assistant

Campus Location

Western Colorado University
Kelley Hall 240
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

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