Political Science Program Overview
Our online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science program was designed for students who want to build knowledge that can prepare them to thrive in a variety of careers and those who wish to gain a foundation for law school.
Key topics addressed within our program include American politics at national, state, and local levels, comparative politics (differences in international political systems), and judicial politics. Through completion of the program’s courses, you’ll acquire a strong understanding of how governments are structured and how their various agencies function and interact with one another.
This flexible program can be tailored to your unique circumstances. Finish your BA in political science online at your own pace, in accordance with your personal needs and professional goals. Throughout the program, you’ll remain engaged in a supportive environment comprised of highly experienced faculty who want to help you meet your long-term goals.
BA in Political Science Focus Areas
Our program enables you to select a focus area based around a set of courses that align with your professional and personal interests. Your focus area options include:
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American Politics
Encompasses the institutions, individuals, and procedures (including elections, policy formation, and legislation) that constitute U.S. governmental bodies.
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Comparative Politics
Examines the parallels and distinctions in political systems across multiple countries through various research methods and methodologies.
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Policy and Public Administration
Explores policy, which involves devising solutions to public issues, and public administration, which entails executing those solutions
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Energy Policy and Public Administration
Looks at energy policy and public administration, which are like their general counterparts but focus specifically on the selection, allocation, and utilization of energy resources.
Alumni Pathways
As a graduate of our online BA in political science program, you’ll have the knowledge and skills needed to pursue careers in law or politics. However, the leadership, research, and ethical reasoning skills you’ll gain from our program mean you’ll be ready to succeed in a variety of roles, whether working at public organizations or private businesses. Below are just a few of the organizations our BA in political science alumni work for:
- Texas Health and Human Services
- The City of Odessa, Texas
- The City of Midland, Texas
- The City of Kent, Washington
- Yuma School District One
- Taylor Consulting Group
- Cigna
Careers for BA in Political Science Graduates
A BA in political science from The University of Texas Permian Basin can position you to follow one of many rewarding career paths, including:
Students must complete 42 credits from the following areas of study to complete general education requirements: communication (6 credits); U.S. history (6 credits), language, philosophy, and culture (3 credits); mathematics (3 or 4 credits); life and physical sciences (6 credits); political science (6 credits); creative arts (3 credits); creative arts (3 credits); social and behavioral science (3 credits); component area (3 credits).
A major in Political Science requires 36 sch in Political Science including 12 sch of required courses.
At least 24 sch of additional upper-level PLSC courses.
Admission Requirements
The SAT and ACT Exams are optional. Test scores will be used as supporting documents to determine admission and scholarship opportunities.
Transfer Student Admission Requirements
- Minimum of 24 transferable credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university
- GPA of 2.0 or higher in previous college-level coursework
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Dual-credit high school courses must be included
- Completed application
Use our transfer calculator to find out how your classes will transfer to UT Permian Basin and which classes will count toward your degree.
Incoming Freshman Admission Requirements
If you have completed less than 24 hours of transferable college-level work from a regionally accredited college or university after graduating from high school or receiving your GED, please provide the following:
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (including dual-credit work while in high school)
- Official high school transcript showing GPA, class rank, and expected graduation date or GED scores
- SAT and/or ACT scores from within the last five years (see below for minimum score requirements)
- Completed application
Official Transcripts
Official copies of transcripts must come directly from the school in a sealed envelope and should be mailed to:
UT Permian Basin
Office of Admissions
4901 E. University Blvd.
Odessa, TX 79762
Official transcripts in electronic format can be sent to admissions@utpb.edu.
Minimum Score Requirements for Freshman Admission
| High School Graduation Class Rank | SAT | ACT |
| Top 25% | No minimum score | No minimum score |
| 2nd Quarter | 1020 | 20 |
| 3rd Quarter | 1160 | 24 |
| 4th Quarter | 1280 | 27 |
Application Fee
The application fee is $40.
If you are a freshman applicant, you may request a fee waiver when you apply by sending us your official college application fee waiver form provided by the SAT or ACT. You may also request a fee waiver if the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) listed on your Student Aid Report is zero.
Associate Professor
College of Arts and Sciences
emmert_c@utpb.edu
Dr. Emmert received his PhD from Florida State University in 1988. He teaches multiple courses within the political science program. Dr. Emmert is an acknowledged expert in American politics, constitutional law, and judicial politics and behavior. He has published in some of the most esteemed periodicals in the political science field, including Judicature, American Politics Research (formerly American Politics Quarterly), the Journal of Politics, Social Science Quarterly, Political Research Quarterly, Latin American Research Review, and the Journal of East Asian Studies.
Associate Professor
Political Science Program Coordinator
College of Arts and Sciences
perry_r@utpb.edu
Dr. Perry received his PhD from Texas A&M University in 1995. He is an expert in both international and comparative political economy, political theory, and the American West and teaches courses in those and other areas. He has published in the Journal of Theoretical Politics, International Studies Quarterly, the Journal of Public Policy, and the Social Science Journal. Dr. Perry has also co-authored the books The Comparative Analysis of Nations and Toxic Chemicals in America: Policies, Trends, and Controversies in Public and Environmental Health.
