Government and Politics BA
Students majoring in government and politics must complete 36 credits of major required courses. A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation. Up to 6 credits from the major and 6 credits from the minor may be applied toward the General Education requirements. Government and Politics is favored by students preparing for law school. Government and law majors interested in a career in teaching may also be admitted to QUEST, the five-year accelerated preparation program for teaching certification. Students should see college requirements for details of the general education requirements.
Degree Plan
NOTE: All students are required to complete the General Education Requirements of their campus in fulfillment of their Bachelor degree requirements.
Up to 6 credits from the MAJOR and up to 6 credits from the MINOR may be applied toward General Education Requirements. Minor is optional. Additional 15 credits of free electives will need to be taken in lieu of a minor.
Florham Campus
Required Major Courses (15 credits)
- GOVT1000 American Government & Politics
- GOVT1100 Global Politics
- GOVT2400 Political Ethics
- GOVT3500 Research Methods in Social Science
- GOVT4802 Current Events Seminar
Major Elective Courses (21-30 credits)
Select from 2000, 3000 and 4000 level courses in GOVT. At least (9) credits from 3000 level or higher.
Global Politics Concentration (15-30 credits)
(Florham Campus Only)
Students majoring in government and politics with a concentration in global politics must complete 36-45 credits of course work in the area of government and law. The goal of the global politics concentration track is to prepare students for careers in international corporations, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and departments and agencies of the federal government which manage foreign affairs. In addition to the courses required of all government and politics majors, students in this track must take a minimum of 15 GOVT credits with a global politics emphasis at a 2000 or higher level.
Select a minimum of 15 GOVT credits with a Global politics emphasis at a 2000 or higher level designated 2100-2199, 3100-3199 or 4100-4199. At least 9 credits must be taken at the 3000 level or above.
Legal Studies Concentration (15-24 credits)
(Florham Campus Only)
Students majoring in government and politics with a concentration in legal studies must complete 36-45 credits of coursework in the area of government and law. The goal of the legal studies concentration is to prepare students for law school or to provide students with a basic overview of law and legal institutions to help them in a variety of careers in government service, public policy, or the private sector. In addition to the courses required of all government and law majors, students in this concentration shall take the following courses.
Required Legal Studies foundation courses (6 credits)
Choose at least two courses from the following:
- GOVT1200 Introduction to Law
- GOVT2030 The Supreme Court
- GOVT2230 Judicial Process
- GOVT3220 American Constitutional Law
- GOVT3210 Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
- GOVT3240 Law and Society
- GOVT4200 The Constitution
Additional law courses (15-24 credits)
Take 15-24 credits from GOVT courses at 2000 level or above. At least 9 credits must be with a Law emphasis from the following list:
- GOVT 1200 Introduction to Law
- GOVT 2030 The Supreme Court
- GOVT 2216 Current Events
- GOVT 2230 Judicial Process
- GOVT 2281, GOVT2282, GOVT2283, GOVT 2284 Mock Trial
- GOVT 3200 American Constitutional Law
- GOVT 3210 Civil Rights & Civil Liberties
- GOVT 3320 Criminal La
- GOVT 3226 Criminal Procedure
- GOVT 3240 Law and Society
- GOVT 3245 School Law
- GOVT 4200 The Constitution
Metropolitan Campus
Required Major Courses (15 credits)
- GOVT1000 American Government & Politics
- GOVT2130 International Relations
- GOVT2400 Political Ethics
- GOVT2500 Social Analysis
- GOVT3313 Problems in Politics
Major Elective Courses (21 credits)
Select from 2000, 3000, and 4000 level courses in GOVT. At least (9) credits from 3000 level or higher.
International Affairs Concentration (15 Credits)
(Metro campus Only)
The international affairs concentration offers students the opportunity to focus on how states and other actors, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), interact in the global environment, and within the dynamics of globalization that shape policy outcomes affecting levels of cooperation and conflict. International affairs provides the student with analytical and foundational courses, and the flexibility to pursue individual career goals in government and private sectors, and in academics. In addition to the courses required of all government and politics majors, students in the international affairs concentration must take a minimum of 15 GOVT credits.