Our Mission

Political Science Department Mission

Political science students at Ouachita Baptist University will be:

• liberally-educated, with broad exposure to political theory and practice, normative debates, and empirical evidence;

• capable of critical and analytical thinking as well as effective oral and written communication skills;

• prepared for graduate or professional studies in political science, public administration, international affairs, or law; and

• equipped for productive careers in the public sector, law, business, education, or community service as well as responsible citizenship.

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Political Science Department Student Learning Outcomes

• Students should have a basic knowledge of political institutions and processes of government.

• Students should have a basic knowledge of the methods, approaches, or theories used in accumulating and interpreting information applicable to the discipline of political science.

• Students should be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills or formulate and defend a thesis in a written format.

• Students should be able to demonstrate the basic research skills necessary to write a paper in the discipline of political science.

• Students should have a basic knowledge of the content of four subfields within political science: Methods, World Politics, Comparative Politics, and Political Theory.  (Political Science majors are required to take at least one course in each of these subfields.)

• Students will exhibit an aptitude for successful entry into graduate or professional schools.