Everyone has political opinions, but not everyone understands government and how it works. The political science program at Sul Ross State University is designed to prepare students for a wide variety of careers, including those in politics, public service, law, education, and the non-profit sector. Through the program, students explore different political systems, institutions, and theories as they seek answers to some of the big questions of government and politics including the role of government, what powers the central government should have, the size of government, and the role of government in promoting equality.
The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science equips students with the tools needed to lead at the local, state, or federal level. Students establish a network of support by becoming a part of University-led and national organizations that will continue to provide benefits in future careers. Students have opportunities to conduct research, to present on relevant topics, and to acquire first-hand knowledge about government through internship experiences. Throughout the program, students learn to engage with social and political problems, including those dealing with global equity and equality and to use critical thinking to develop logical solutions.
Minor in Political Science
Political science is also offered as a minor field of study. It requires 18 semester credit hours of political science courses and at least six semester credit hours must be in advanced coursework. PS 2305 Federal Government and PS 2306 State Government (general education requirements) may count toward the 18 required semester credit hours.
Program Coordinator:
Jessica Velasco
432.837.8742
jessica.velasco@sulross.edu
Political Science Careers
- Education
- Government/Public Administration
- Business which seeks employees with liberal arts backgrounds
- Public Relations
- Minority Affairs
- Political Science Education Research
- Government Related Business
- Federal, State, and Local Agencies/Public Administration
- Private Non-Profit Agencies
- Journalism
A political science degree also prepares students for
- Law School
- Paralegal careers
- Graduate work
| Jessica Velasco, D.P.A. Assistant Professor of Political Science & Public Administration LH 203 C-157 432.837.8742 jessica.velasco@sulross.edu |
Yen-Hsin Chen, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Political Science and Public Administration LH 308 C-157 432.837-8342 yen-hsin.chen@sulross.edu |
| Mark Saka, Ph.D. Chair of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Professor of History LH 210 C-157 432.837.8304 msaka@sulross.edu |
“I love SRSU for so many reasons, but I would have to say the good-hearted, hard-working people who staff and attend this school are the absolute highlight for me. However, the small class sizes which help students like me excel with personal attention from professors and interactive classes; simply unbeatable affordability; and the pure, natural beauty that lies on and surrounding the campus are also undeniable benefits and advantages that our community is able to enjoy here. This is the place, and these are the people who have inspired me over the years to expand my horizons and quench my thirst for knowledge about political science and communication and define my goals for the future. I surely would not have accomplished all that I have thus far without the encouragement and constant support from my wonderful advisors and mentors within my major and minor- Drs. Joseph and Jessica Velasco. With the care and special attention that students are offered here, I think that myself and many of my fellow students will be equipped and prepared to make big change in this world. Honestly, I could write many pages on why SRSU is better than many bigger schools in Texas!”
–Jessica Turner, Outstanding Political Science Student (2019-2020)
“I love SRSU because of the teachers that I have come across, especially in my political science courses. Every political science class that I have taken has helped me to not only better understand government, but also how to defend my own beliefs. These classes have genuinely helped me to be the best student I can be!”
-Lindsey Hall-Schwegmann, Outstanding Political Science Student (2018-2019)
“The faculty and staff we have are absolutely exceptional. They are able to help me in every aspect or problem I face. In addition, I have a baby, and my professors allow me to take him to class so that I won’t miss out. Our university is a university that simply cares about their students. I couldn’t have picked a better university to attend.”
-Marlene Loera
The 13th President of Sul Ross State University, Pete Gallego, was a graduate of the political science program at SRSU. After graduating from SRSU, he graduated from law school, practiced law, and served in both the Texas State Legislature as well as the United States Congress.
Pi Sigma Alpha is the national Political Science Honor Society, founded in 1920. Pi Sigma Alpha has over 730 chapters. Distinguished political science students at Sul Ross State University are invited to join the Omicron Phi Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha. Upon their induction, members of the honor society receive a certificate of membership, a lapel pin, and an honor cord to be worn at graduation, along with many other benefits. Membership requires a $40 fee.
Why Join?
To be eligible for membership, students must be the following requirements:
Students must be juniors, seniors, or graduate students currently enrolled in the political science program.
Undergraduate students must be at least juniors who have completed at least twelve semester credit hours of undergraduate political science course work, including at least one upper-division course, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in those courses.
Graduate students must have completed at least nine semester credit hours of graduate political science course work, in pursuit of a political science degree, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in those courses.
Eligible students are invited to apply in the spring of each year. For more information, please contact Dr. Jessica Velasco at jessica.velasco@sulross.edu.
2019-2020 INDUCTEES
Brandon Barnett
Collin Caldwell
Manuel Fausett
Lindsey Hall-Schwegmann
Isaac Mendez
Jessica Turner
2020-2021 INDUCTEES
Joana Chacon
Aleksandra Chapman
Billy Ray Cruz
2021-2022 INDUCTEES
Edward Hildreth
Fiza Javid
Samantha Perales
Samantha Osiris Sanchez
Asia Saucedo
All undergraduates must be advised in order to register/enroll in courses in a future term.
Academic Advisors provide students with schedule planning and degree checklists, identify academic support structures (tutoring) for at-risk students, help new students transition from other institutions, and assist students in deciding on a major. Academic Advisors also provide students with one-on-one instruction on how to use Lobo Online which is the student’s portal to academic and administrative services at Sul Ross State University.
Advisors accept student inquiries by appointment (Zoom, Teams, and Skype), over the phone, or as walk-ins. Students must be advised before registration and they must receive their advisor’s final approval of schedules and official degree plans.
Visit Academic Advising to learn more.
Political Science Major (Minor Required)
Freshman Year
Semester I, Fall
Semester II, Spring
ENG 1301
3 credit hours
ENG 1302
3 credit hours
HIST 1301
3 credit hours
HIST 1302
3 credit hours
Math
3 credit hours
Literature
3 credit hours
Lang, Phil, Culture
3 credit hours
Core Science Course + Lab
4 credit hours
General Core Component Area
3 credit hours
Core Social & Behavioral Sciences
3 credit hours
SRSU 1101
1 credit hour
–
–
Total: 16 sch
Total: 16 sch
Sophomore Year
Semester III, Fall
Semester IV, Spring
Science Core
3 credit hours
Creative Arts
3 credit hours
General Core Component Area
3 credit hours
PS 2306
3 credit hours
PS 2305
3 credit hours
Foreign Language
4 credit hours
PSY 2307
3 credit hours
Minor Coursework
3 credit hours
Foreign Language
4 credit hours
PS Class
3 credit hours
Total: 16 sch
Total: 16 sch
Junior Year
Semester V, Fall
Semester VI, Spring
Social research
3 credit hours
PS 3303 or 3307
3 credit hours
PS 4312 Internship
3 credit hours
PS 3305 or 3302
3 credit hours
PS 4312 or POLS 3000+
3 credit hours
Elective 3xxx/4xxx
3 credit hours
Minor Coursework
3 credit hours
Elective 3xxx/4xxx
3 credit hours
Minor Coursework
3 credit hours
Minor Coursework
3 credit hours
Total: 15 sch
Total: 15 sch
Senior Year
Semester VII, Fall
Semester VIII, Spring
PS 3308
3 credit hours
Minor Coursework
3 credit hours
PS 4302
3 credit hours
PS 4308 Capstone
3 credit hours
Minor Coursework
3 credit hours
Elective
3 credit hours
Elective 3000+
3 credit hours
Elective
2 credit hours
Elective
3 credit hours
–
–
Total: 15 sch
Total: 11 sch
Total Credit Hours Required for Bachelor of Arts in Political Science: 120
