BA in Political Science

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.

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:

  • Lockheed Martin
  • Texas Health and Human Services
  • The City of Odessa, 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:

Political Science General Education

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).

Courses
Duration
Credits
ARTS 1301 - Art Appreciation
8 weeks
3
The study of art, its role in society, the creative process, and standards of artistic judgment.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
BIOL 1108 - Biology for Non Science Majors Laboratory
8 weeks
1
The laboratory will provide practical and interactive experiments and demonstrations of concepts covered in BIOL 1308.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
BIOL 1308 - Biology for Non-Science Majors
8 weeks
3
A survey of the fundamental principles that apply to living organisms. These include cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, physiology, biodiversity, and ecology.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
COMM 1115 - Communication Lab
8 weeks
1
Practical activities across the sub-disciplines of the field of communication.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Fall A 2025
COMM 1301 - Introduction to the Study of Communication
8 weeks
3
An introductory course that surveys the history, development, and future directions of the field of communication. Equal emphasis is placed on understanding application of theory to everyday situations and learning introductory approaches to research.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024 Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Summer B 2025
COMM 1315 - Introduction to Public Speaking
8 weeks
3
Introduces students to the theory and practice of public speaking, with an emphasis on invention, arrangement, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. Further emphasis is given to the reduction of anxieties associated with public speaking.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024 Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Summer B 2025
ECON 2301 - Principles of Macroeconomics
8 weeks
3
A description of major economic problems facing modern societies is presented together with how the capitalistic market system addresses these issues. The emphasis is on macroeconomics theory and practice.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
ECON 2302 - Principles of Microeconomics
8 weeks
3
Individual consumer and producer choices are analyzed. Emphasis is placed on supply and demand relationships, utility concepts, and cost and revenue curves as they relate to price theory and various forms of competition. Completion of ECON 2301 is recommended, but not required.
Prerequisites: MATH 1314 - College Algebra
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024
ENGL 1301 - Composition I
16 weeks
3
Composition I offers intensive instruction in the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, and proofreading), emphasizing the recursive nature of the process and the importance of the relationship among writer, audience, and subject. The course will also explore the connection between writing and critical thinking and the usefulness of writing as a tool for learning in all fields of knowledge. Students enrolling in Composition I will be expected to have a good command of standard written English.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024
ENGL 1302 - Composition II
16 weeks
3
Composition II covers argument, rhetorical analysis and the research paper. In this course students analyze and respond to texts of various kinds through essays and research papers. Students will learn to defend their points of view by using textual evidence and strong rhetoric. Readings and exercises help student learn to write broad-minded, well-informed essays in polished academic prose that moves and educates the reader.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Composition I
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024
ENGL 2322 - British Literature to 1800
16 weeks
3
Chronological survey of major works in British Literature from Anglo-Saxon times, through the Restoration and late 18th century.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Composition I ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025
ENGL 2323 - British Literature Since 1800
16 weeks
3
Chronological survey of major works of British Literature from the late 18th century (about 1800) to the Modern Period.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Composition I ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Fall 2025
ENGL 2327 - American Literature to 1865
16 weeks
3
Chronological examination of writers, works, and movements in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry through 1865.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025
ENGL 2328 - American Literature Since 1865
16 weeks
3
Chronological examination of writers, works, and movements in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from 1865 to the present.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025
GEOL 1101 - Physical Geology Laboratory
8 weeks
1
Laboratory methods in the physical geological sciences.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
GEOL 1102 - Historical Geology Laboratory
8 weeks
1
Laboratory methods in historical geology, with emphasis on paleontology.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
GEOL 1301 - Physical Geology
8 weeks
3
Survey of Earth’s structure, composition, and the dynamic processes that have resulted in the modern distribution of the Earth’s geographic regions, landforms, resources, and geologic hazards.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
GEOL 1302 - Historical Geology
8 weeks
3
Study of Earth’s origin, geologic time, and the major sequential physical and biological events that culminate in the modern distribution of ecosystems. Special emphasis is placed on the geological history of North America.
Prerequisites: GEOL 1301 - Physical Geology GEOL 1101 - Physical Geology Laboratory
Semesters Offered: N/A
HIST 1301 - History of the United States to 1877
16 weeks
3
A survey of major social, economic, and political developments in the United States from European colonization through Reconstruction.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024
HIST 1302 - History of the United States Since 1877
16 weeks
3
A survey of major social, economic, and political developments in the United States from 1877 to the present.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024
HIST 2322 - World Civilizations
16 weeks
3
A survey of the world's major civilizations and of their cultural, political, and economic interactions from roughly 1500 to modern globalization.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Fall 2024
MATH 1314 - College Algebra
16 weeks
4
Study of quadratics, polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions; systems of equations; progressions; sequences and series; and matrices and determinants.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Summer 2025 Whole Fall 2025
MATH 1332 - Contemporary Mathematics I
16 weeks
3
Modern applications of mathematics including graph theory, optimization, data organization, and social decision models.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024
MATH 2412 - Precalculus
16 weeks
4
College algebra (sets, functions, relations, logic), trigonometry (circular functions, logarithms, and exponential functions), and analytic geometry (standard form conic sections).
Prerequisites: MATH 1314 - College Algebra MATH 1324 - Applications of Discrete Mathematics
Semesters Offered: N/A
MUSI 1301 - Jazz, Pop & Rock
8 weeks
3
Historical introduction to jazz and the American popular song, including rock and roll.
Prerequisites: MUSI 1306 - Music Appreciation MUSI 1311 - Music Theory and Aural Skills I
Semesters Offered: N/A
MUSI 1306 - Music Appreciation
8 weeks
3
A non-technical survey course designed for the intelligent appreciation of Western and non-Western music styles represented throughout history. Recordings, videos, and live performance help illustrate the influence of music within the various fine arts.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 2305 - American National Politics
8 weeks
3
An examination of American national political institutions and processes. Satisfies state requirement in U.S. government.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 2306 - State and Local Politics
8 weeks
3
An examination of state and local political institutions and processes. Satisfies state requirement in Texas government.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PSYC 1301 - Introduction to Psychology
8 weeks
3
Foundation for the understanding of basic psychological principles affecting human behavior
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Spring B 2024 Summer A 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Summer B 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Fall A 2024 Fall B 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Spring A 2025 Spring B 2025 Summer A 2025 Whole Summer 2025 Summer B 2025 Whole Fall 2025 Fall A 2025 Fall B 2025 Whole Spring 2026 Spring A 2026 Spring B 2026 Summer A 2026 Whole Summer 2026 Summer B 2026 Whole Fall 2026 Fall A 2026 Fall B 2026 Whole Spring 2027 Spring A 2027 Spring B 2027 Summer A 2027 Whole Summer 2027 Summer B 2027 Whole Fall 2027 Fall A 2027 Fall B 2027 2028 Fall B 2028
SOCI 1301 - Introduction to Sociology
8 weeks
3
Students are introduced to the basic concepts and theories used to study the nature of social processes and the structure of society.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Spring B 2024 Summer A 2024 Summer B 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Fall A 2024 Fall B 2024
Required Courses

A major in Political Science requires 36 sch in Political Science including 12 sch of required courses.

Courses
Duration
Credits
PLSC 2305 - American National Politics
8 weeks
3
An examination of American national political institutions and processes. Satisfies state requirement in U.S. government.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 2306 - State and Local Politics
8 weeks
3
An examination of state and local political institutions and processes. Satisfies state requirement in Texas government.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 3301 - Research Methods for Political Science
16 weeks
3
An introduction to the research process. Focus on formulating hypotheses, the process of data acquisition, basic methodology, literature reviews, and research proposals.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 3302 - Statistics for Political Science
16 weeks
3
Focus on conducting political analyses. Course includes basic components of correlation and linear regression, the basic components of multiple regression, and instruction in writing empirical research papers.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
Upper-Level Courses

At least 24 sch of additional upper-level PLSC courses.

Courses
Duration
Credits
PLSC 3321 - Comparative Politics
8 weeks
3
A comparative examination of the political systems of selected economically developed nations.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 3330 - Judicial Politics
8 weeks
3
An examination of the U.S. judicial system, focusing on the role of law and courts in society, judicial system structures and processes, and judicial policymaking.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 4327 - International Relations
8 weeks
3
An introduction to the processes, theories, and institutions within international relations.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 4351 - Political Theory
8 weeks
3
A topical examination of the enduring issues in western political thought. Consideration will be given to the nature of citizenship, the function of the state, the sources and structure of authority and society, the magnitude of states, and the external relations of states.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 4353 - Congressional Politics
8 weeks
3
An examination of the U.S. Congress. Topics include congressional elections, constituency relations, institutional structures and processes, and policymaking roles.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 4354 - Presidential Politics
8 weeks
3
An examination of the presidency in the U.S. political system. Topics include presidential elections, public politics, institutional structures and processes, and policymaking roles.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 4357 - American West
8 weeks
3
An examination of the interplay among the politics, history, and the myths of the American West.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 4325 - Latin American Politics
8 weeks
3
An examination of Latin America history, political institutions, and political processes.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 4345 - Public Policy
8 weeks
3
An examination of the processes, theories and institutions of public policy making in the U.S. Specific policies include: economic policy, environmental policy, education policy, and crime policy.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 4347 - Public Administration
8 weeks
3
A survey of American public administration and the role of the bureaucracy in the formulation and implementation of public policy.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:

Admission Requirements

The SAT and ACT Exams are optional for the 2023-2024 school year. 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. 

LengthApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineCourses BeginCourses End
Whole Spring1/2/241/8/241/12/241/16/245/2/24
Spring A1/2/241/8/241/12/241/16/243/8/24
Spring B3/4/243/11/243/15/243/18/245/10/24
SemesterApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineCourses BeginCourses End
Whole Summer5/20/245/27/245/31/246/3/248/8/24
Summer A4/29/245/6/245/10/245/13/246/28/24
Summer B6/17/246/24/246/28/247/1/248/15/24
LengthApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineCourses BeginCourses End
Whole Fall8/12/248/19/248/23/24 8/26/2412/13/24
Fall A8/12/248/19/248/23/248/26/2410/18/24
Fall B10/7/2410/14/2410/18/2410/21/2412/13/24
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