Bachelor of Arts [B.A] [Political Science] From University of California

First, the faculty recognizes the value of systematic empirical observation and quantitative analysis in the study of human behavior. Developments in computer science and in mathematics oriented toward the problems of the social sciences, and the refinement of techniques for the observational, experimental, and statistical study of human behavior, have contributed major new elements to social science. Students in the School of Social Sciences will become familiar with the mathematical, computational, and statistical tools underlying modern social science.

Second, many of the most interesting questions in the study of human behavior cannot be fixed within the traditional disciplinary boundaries. Some of the new and evolving areas which cross orthodox boundaries are political sociology, public policy, cognitive anthropology, psycholinguistics and neuroeconomics. Therefore many courses and course modules are built around these interdisciplinary social science phenomena rather than representing social science disciplines.

Third, the school emphasizes the design of hypotheses and of systems of interrelated ideas as an essential part of scientific pursuit. Consequently, the educational programs place substantial emphasis on understanding social science phenomena through the development of theories that can be used to guide empirical studies.

As a political science major at UCI, you explore how politics works at the individual, group, national, and international levels. Students are introduced to the findings and the methods for gathering information about political behavior and political processes. Course work emphasizes the development of analytic thinking and clear writing skills. Upper-division courses are organized around general areas of study, including American society and politics, comparative politics, international relations, public law, and political theory.

Students have many opportunities to pursue special topics in political science through independent study courses, field studies, the department’s honors program and internships. Many political science majors participate in such programs as the UC/DC Internship Program, in Washington, D.C. and the University's Education Abroad Program.