Political Science
Department of 
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Cottey's political science courses offer students the opportunity to study the major institutions, ideologies, philosophies, politics, culture, social features, religious beliefs, and the art and literature contributing to the development of Western Civilization and the United States and their role in today's global society. An informed awareness of historical developments and political thought and systems will prepare students for a diverse range of careers as well as for lives of action and contribution in contemporary society.
Career Opportunities
Political science majors explore the origins, historical development, and functions of government and political power.
Students study the ways in which electoral, legislative, judicial, and administrative structures vary among countries; the reasons why governments change, fall, and engage in wars; and the behavior of public officials and other citizens who take part in politics.
Professors of political science attempt to provide students with a better understanding of political parties, interest groups, international relationships, public law, public administration, liberty, freedom, justice and power.
Major sub-branches include political theory and philosophy, comparative government and politics, international relations, and political behavior.
Political science graduates choose careers as educators, politicians, lawyers, researchers, journalists, political consultants, international relations specialists, foreign service officers, fundrasiers, city planners, consumer advocates, labor relations specialists, and lobbyists.
Internship and Directed Study Opportunities
As a political science major, your chances to gain learning experiences through internships and directed studies are almost boundless.
Students at Cottey College participate in internships throughout the year with a variety of businesses, organizations, and non-profit agencies. A successful internship provides students with an opportunity to apply their classroom learning to the workplace.
With the assistance of faculty and the transfer and career planning coordinator,political science majors can find a variety of local and national internship experiences.
Get Involved
Want to have fun and develop your leadership skills and your resume at the same time? Then get involved at Cottey College and in the Nevada community.
Cottey College has more than 35 student clubs and organizations in which to be involved. Plus, the Nevada and surrounding community offer an abundance of service opportunities.
Here are a few activities you might consider pursuing as a policial science major: join Cottey's Political Interest Group (P.I.G.); run for office with the Student Goverment Association; lead a voter registration drive; join Cottey's chapter of Amnesty International; volunteer for a political campaign; join Students Against a Vanishing Environment; attend a Nevada city council meeting; or write for The Spectrum (Cottey's student newspaper.)
4-Semester Sample Schedule
Students should consult the catalog of the college to which they plan to transfer for specific requirements in their major. This suggested schedule is designed to provide the Associate in Arts degree candidate with the appropriate Cottey College core curriculum and enough coursework in their field to complete the 62 hours required for an A.A. degree. Schedules may vary based on available classes and interests.
| First Year Fall Semester | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|
| ENG101 English Composition I | 3 |
| HIS111 United States History to 1877* | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 3 or 4 |
| POL121 Introduction to Political Science* | 3 |
| Physical Activity | 1 |
| Electives | 3 or 4 |
| First Year Spring Semester | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|
| ENG102 English Composition II | 3 |
| HIS102 History of Western Civ. since 1500 or HIS112 United States History since 1877* | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 3 or 4 |
| POL151 International Relations* | 3 |
| Physical Activity | 1 |
| Electives | 2 or 3 |
| Second Year Fall Semester | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|
| Humanities | 3 |
| POL101 United States Government* | 3 |
| HIS202 Twentieth Century Europe* | 3 or 4 |
| MAT103 College Algebra or higher | 5 or 6 |
| Electives |
| Second Year Spring Semester | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|
| Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 |
| Fine Arts Theory | 3 |
| Laboratory Science | 4 or 5 |
| Electives | 4 to 7 |
* Courses recommended for major
In choosing electives, students should aim for courses related
to the interests they anticipate pursuing.
For example:
- Students with interests in foreign affairs or international relations are wise to take courses in business, intermediate languages, or international relations.
- Students with interests in law are wise to take courses in speech communications, business, or ethics.
Faculty Advising
Preparing a class schedule, investigating majors, and researching transfer institutions can be confusing for a firstyear student. At Cottey College, academic advising assists the individual student in clarifying and achieving her educational goals.
Each student is assigned a full-time faculty member as an academic advisor. Together the advisor and student devise a balanced academic program, which encompasses the student's educational and career ambitions. The advisor reviews all registration decisions, the advisee's academic progress, and suggests transfer and career options.
This personalized approach to student advising allows the student to take responsibility for her own academic program, while tapping into faculty expertise.
For more information contact:
Enrollment Management
1000 West Austin
Nevada, MO 64772
1-888-5-COTTEY
www.cottey.edu
enrollmgt@cottey.edu