Political Science Major (B.A.) [offered through Honors Tutorial College]

Major Code BA1978*

Honors Tutorial College
35 Park Place
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.2723
honors.college@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/honors/tutorial-college

Kathleen Sullivan, Associate Professor and Director of Study
sullivak@ohio.edu

Program Overview

The Honors Tutorial program in political science is a particularly important part of our mission, home to a select group of academically-oriented and politically-engaged students. Whether the future career is law, teaching, governing, political consulting, or some other related field, the program in political science, along with the broader liberal arts orientation of the college, offers our HTC students an excellent start. The program is designed around the belief that our students, as talented and mature people, should enjoy freedom to explore the issues and possibilities of the field. Students complete eight tutorials and the equivalent of two years of study in a foreign language but are also able to personalize their program of study and produce original, independent research, in the form of an honors thesis. Tutorials, together with regular coursework, help students to develop a sophisticated understanding of the variety of approaches comprising the discipline of political science. The strength of the tutorial program in political science is the one-to-one or small group tutorial format. This approach facilitates the acquisition of verbal as well as written skills because of the intensive attention devoted to each tutorial student by the tutor. The student is expected to demonstrate knowledge of weekly assignments through papers, oral reports, or such projects as may be designated by the tutor. This provides invaluable experience in research, writing, and oral presentation, as well as develops a professional work ethic and sense of responsibility.

*This program was previously BA1908 which awarded the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree. Pending Board of Trustees approval (anticipated June 2024), the new program code will be BA1978 and will award the Bachelor of Arts effective the 2024-25 catalog year.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

Applicants are selected on the basis of superior academic ability and the potential for self-motivated study and research. Applicants typically are required to submit additional essays, and an interview with the director of studies is required for admission. More information, including materials and deadlines, is available at www.ohio.edu/honors/tutorial-college/apply.

Change of Program Policy

First-year students at Ohio University may apply to transfer into the Political Science tutorial program and the Honors Tutorial College. These students must meet the same entrance requirements as entering freshmen.

External Transfer Admission

First-year students at another institution may also apply to transfer into the tutorial programs offered by the Political Science Department and the Honors Tutorial College. These students must meet the same entrance requirements as entering HTC freshmen. They should contact the Honors Tutorial College office for guidance.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

A great number and variety of opportunities are available to political science graduates upon graduation. Some pursue careers in government service, non-profit agencies or the private sector. Some go on to law or professional school. Others find opportunities in teaching and research. Because the Honors Tutorial College is so unique, graduating students who apply to graduate or professional schools are given letters that not only describe the tutorial nature of the college, but also describe the content of each tutorial taken by the student.

Requirements

HTC Grade Requirements

Earn at least 120 semester hours and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher overall.

University English Composition Requirement

Complete one Written Communication course (ENG 1510 ) and one Advanced Writing course (FAW).

Quantitative Skills Requirement

Complete the University’s Quantitative Reasoning Requirement. More information can be found by viewing the OHIO BRICKS page (see Quantitative Reasoning heading within “Foundations Requirements”).

HTC Seminar

First-year students must complete the following course:

HC 2500 - Honors Seminar Credit Hours: 3

Transfer students

Transfer students may substitute an HC special topics seminar for their HC 2500 requirement.

Tutorials

Complete six tutorials from the following list. Hours are variable but typically are three credit hours.

POLS 2970T - Political Science Non-Thesis Tutorial First Year Credit Hours: 1 - 15
POLS 2971T - Political Science Non-Thesis Tutorial Credit Hours: 1 - 15
POLS 2980T - Political Science Non-Thesis Tutorial Credit Hours: 1 - 15
POLS 2981T - Political Science Non-Thesis Tutorial Credit Hours: 1 - 15
POLS 3970T - Political Science Non-Thesis Tutorial Credit Hours: 1 - 15
POLS 3980T - Political Science Non-Thesis Tutorial Credit Hours: 1 - 15

Thesis Tutorials

Complete two tutorials focused on the development and completion of a thesis.

POLS 4970T - Political Science Thesis Tutorial Credit Hours: 1 - 15
POLS 4980T - Political Science Thesis Tutorial Credit Hours: 1 - 15

HTC Thesis Requirement

Approval of a completed thesis or professional project by the advisor, director of studies, and Dean of the College.

Foreign Language Requirement

Complete a two-year sequence through 2120 in a single language or equivalent. Equivalent credit can be Advanced Placement or college transfer credit. Students who have prior knowledge of Spanish, French, or German must take the placement test before enrolling in these classes. (The placement exam does not count as college credit.) If you test into the 3000 level or above, the foreign language requirement is considered fulfilled.