Bachelor of Arts in Political Science - Legal Studies Specialization

Explore Political Science at Seattle University-understand political behavior at all levels with a BA program empowering change, justice, and civic understanding. Politics is how we make decisions that affect us all collectively. Politicians, political parties, institutions and laws come to mind when we refer to politics, but politics is much more than these. Politics takes place in Congress, in the workplace, in the classroom, at home, on the street-in a word, anywhere. It is about agreement and disagreement over interests and values, cooperation and conflict between collectives and access to a society’s resources. Politics is as much about collective decision making and the quest for a more just society as it is about power. Political science is the study of the fundamental values, interests, processes, tools and people that play a role in making decisions. Our political science curriculum links moral issues to empirical analysis of political life. It explores the realities of political behavior at local, state, national and international levels. Political science majors embark on a comprehensive exploration of fundamental concepts like power, justice, equality, and legitimacy. They delve into the intricate mechanisms of law and policy enactment and enforcement in the United States and around the world. This academic journey involves a meticulous comparison of political institutions, policy processes, and outcomes across different nations. Additionally, students investigate the dynamics of international cooperation and competition within the global system. By scrutinizing power dynamics between individuals, social groups, countries, and geographies, political science majors gain a profound understanding of how these forces collectively shape the complex world in which we live. Choosing a political science college major opens a gateway to understanding the intricate dynamics of governance, power, and societal structures. You, as a student, delve into the complexities of political systems, international relations, and public policy. Analyzing historical contexts and contemporary issues, you gain insights into the forces shaping societies globally. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. You explore topics like political philosophy, comparative politics, and political economy. This major not only equips you with a nuanced understanding of political processes but also cultivates the ability to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world, preparing you for diverse roles in government, diplomacy, or advocacy. The political science legal studies specialization addresses student interest in legal reasoning; the role of law in politics, society, and the economy; and the legal basics of modern democracy and theories of justice.

Applications are reviewed holistically to consider many factors. For specific program requirements, please review the program\u2019s admissions requirements. Competitive applicants typically have the equivalent of a 3.0 grade-point average or higher on a U.S.-based 4.0 scale. Applicants should provide copies of transcripts/grade reports for the equivalent of US grades 9-11, and grade 12 if it has been completed. We recognize that grade 9 is considered middle school/lower secondary in many countries; however, we still would like to see transcripts for at least 3 years of coursework.