American Government -
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Government will demonstrate they have a detailed understanding of the U.S. Governmental system, including the major branches, political theories, and rights they protect. Graduates will be able to:

• Evaluate federalism in both theory and practice.
• Assess the role of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches in the governing and policy-making process.
• Examine the impact and function of administrative agencies on public policy.
• Analyze the foundations of the United States Constitution and its impact on American democracy.
• Examine the theoretical underpinnings of American political development in historical and contemporary contexts.
• Trace the evolution of civil liberties and civil rights in the United States.
• Analyze the role Christianity played in the formation of the American Republic.

Political Behavior -
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Government will show a strong understanding of the political processes that keep the government running, as well as the role of citizens in these processes. They will be able to:

• Analyze political behavior and citizenship in the United States.
• Explain the role and influence of various participants in the policy-making process.
• Assess political processes such as campaigns, elections, lobbying, and political appointments in the United States.
• Evaluate the ethical duties associated with citizenship in the United States.

International Politics -
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Government will investigate political systems from around the world and the issues that arise when global entities interact with each other. They will be able to:

• Compare and contrast various political systems from around the world.
• Explain how non-state actors and governments around the world influence each other.
• Analyze how globalization influences domestic politics.
• Compare and contrast various historical and contemporary political theories.
• Assess the role of conflict in historical and contemporary international politics.

Government Skills -
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Government will demonstrate the skills used in the administration of government affairs. They will be able to:

• Locate, analyze, and interpret data using qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
• Evaluate government-related research sources.
• Compose government-related written artifacts.
• Assess ethical issues common to the administration of government.

Legal Studies -
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Government will show a strong understanding of the legal aspects of government and how laws are used in society. They will be able to:

• Explain the legal reasoning for laws and how laws affect society.
• Assess the social influences that govern how we structure our laws.
• Analyze the legal principles of civil law.
• Analyze the legal principles of criminal law.
• Use legal communication skills appropriate for a specific audience and intended purpose.