Bachelor of Arts [B.A] [Political Science: International Relations, Comparative Politics, and National Security] From West Virginia University

The Department of Political Science offers a rich set of courses for the advanced study of the world affairs and of America’s place in 21st century international system. As suggested by the name of this area of emphasis, three sets of courses constitute this area of emphasis: (1) International Relations, (2) Comparative Politics, and (3) National Security Analysis. Students interested in world affair are able draw upon these three sets of courses to construct a focus that meets their particular interests. Click on this link for the specific course requirements and electives for the International Relations, Comparative Politics, and National Security area of emphasis. Also, see this website’s section on study abroad programs and exchanges in comparative politics and international relations. Subject to Departmental approval, Political Science courses taken on these study abroad programs can count as electives for this track.

Courses on “comparative politics” explore the internal dynamics of national political systems beyond the United States. Our courses consider the national and regional diversity of such political systems with respect to their institutional structures, political cultures, and histories. Besides the fact that the study of foreign political systems is fascinating in and of itself, the comparative analysis of these systems provide a deeper theoretical understanding of political science—all in a way that includes insights into character of politics and institutions in the United States.