Political Science - Mississippi University for Women

Political Science from Mississippi University for Women is a Campus Bachelor Public Administration degree that prepares you for a Human Services career. THE POLITICAL WORLD AWAITS . . . Political science introduces you to the many means whereby humans coexist in a world of scant resources. Politics normally conjures a picture of power struggle, formalized in governmental process (e.g., law-making procedures) but sometimes revealing a raw side of our nature--a side willing to literally fight to secure human well-being. This heroic depiction of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) is an appeal to a heritage and identity and could be perceived as a call to (armed) action. Thus, unity and weapons give the IRA power to agitate for an ideal, in this case political separation from the United Kingdom and union with the Republic of Ireland. This stirring symbol reminds us that process, preferably one that is thorough, inclusive and credible, is needed to prevent politics from devolving to a rudimentary tendency to always \"fight it out.\" However, process introduces its own challenges to politics. Needs can simply outstrip a government\'s capacity, and clashing agendas can make government response slow and incoherent. Las Vegas has an ever-growing service sector. So where do you house the thousands of newcomers without creating traffic gridlock and without stressing schools, hospitals and the overall environment? The government has indeed struggled to meet demand without compromising the quality of life for residents. Judging by this picture--not available as a postcard in casino gift shops!--process is not enough. WHERE POLITICAL SCIENCE COMES IN . . . Political science relishes the chance to investigate specific cases, such as those above, but mainly to set them in larger patterns of social behavior. Consider the larger questions raised by the Northern Ireland case: What compels groups to resort to armed conflict? How do the ideals of groups/movements stack up to reality both before and after the fight? What intervening measures (by the government , the fighters, or an outside force) may encourage peaceful conflict resolution? What must happen to make the peace durable and meaningful? Likewise, note some of the larger questions raised by the Las Vegas case: Which values win out when material needs exceed the political system\\\'s capacity to consider them in a deliberate way? Which challenges arise when the all-important urge for economic development drives the political process? Who represents the \\\"sides\\\" in the discourse over economic development and the challenges that follow it? Is a reformed political process possible, or are participants forever caught in the momentum of economic and social trends? The College of Arts and Sciences at the Mississippi University for Women offers a B.A. degree in political science , training students to acquire the knowledge and develop the skills to answer important questions of our time--both broad and case-specific. Courses in the major ultimately prepare students for careers in government and public service, and train them for graduate study in political science, public affairs/administration, public policy, and related fields. View more details on Mississippi University for Women . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Public Administration courses.