History and Political Science B.A.

Robert Morris University offers a comprehensive, unique degree specializing in historical analysis and political science. This program is designed to provide students with the tools to professionally impact and help guide those decisions. When today’s graduates want to impact the world around them, studying history, political science, and ethics provides a strong foundation for multiple career paths. The History and Political Science degree is a unique pairing of two very complementary disciplines: by combining these subject areas into a comprehensive program, students gain a deeper understanding of human affairs than either degree could allow on its own. The History and Political Science B.A. offers multiple options to personalize your course of study to maximize the skills and expertise for your chosen career.  Students will develop highly-prized critical reasoning, problem solving, public speaking, and project management skills in a global context.

The History and Political Science degree prepares graduates for careers in:

• Law
• Intelligence Analysis
• Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs
• Political Campaigns and Offices 
• Public Policy
• Data Analyst
• Social Work
• Civil Service and Administration
• Urban Planning and Development
• Higher and Secondary Education
• Museums, Libraries, & Archives

Students in this program learn about American politics, law, international affairs, history, and government. Through a partnership with The Washington Center, students can spend a semester living and working on Capitol Hill. Capstone experiences include a multi-semester research project and a practicum. For students interested in law school, the Early Law Admission Program is also an option.  RMU offers professional opportunities through partnerships with regional private and public institutions. Graduates have completed internships at, among others:

• Offices of state Representatives and Senators 
• Smithsonian Museums 
• Heinz History Center
• Regional Law Offices
• National Parks and Memorials
• Soldiers and Sailors Museum
• 911th Air Support Wing (United States Air Force Reserve)

Social Sciences Graduates:

• Account for 70% of those admitted to law school (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Earn an average annual salary of $68,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Are just as likely to be employed shortly after graduation as Business or STEM fields (Science Daily, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Staffing Industry Analytics)

Degree Requirements and Courses

The 4-year plan below is for guidance only. Always review your individual check sheet for your degree requirements and progress. For full course descriptions, see the RMU Course Catalog. For more information, including on the Political Science Early Law Program, contact: Dr. Soren Fanning, Interim Department Head of Social Sciences and Associate Professor of History at fanning@rmu.edu

View Printable Course Sheet  View Course Map

RMU CORE COURSES  - 39 CREDITS REQUIRED

• CSEN1010 or CSCM2050 Reading & Writing Strategies or Intercultural Communications (Honors section: CSHR2050) - 3
• CSEN1020 Argument & Research (Honors section: CSHR1020) - 3
• CSCM1030 Public Speaking & Persuasion (Honors section: CSHR1030) - 3
• CSCM2040 Professional Communication in Workplace (Honors section: CSHR2040) - 3
• ECON1020 Principles of Macroeconomics – Minimum of “C” must be earned - 3
• HUMA1010 Humanities: Art and Music (Honors section: HUMA1015) - 3
• INFS1020 Fundamentals of Information Technology (Honors section: INFS1025) - 3
• MATH1050 or MATH1010 or MATH1020 Mathematical Reasoning and Application or College Mathematics or Pre-Calculus - 3
• PSYC1010 General Psychology (Honors section: PSYC1015) - 3
• HIST1100 United States History I ((Honors section: HIST1105) – Minimum of “C” must be earned - 3
• SOCI1010 or SOCI1020 Principles of Sociology or Contemporary American Social Problems (Honors section: SOCI1025) - 3
• ENGL Literature Elective Choose from 1040, 1050, 1060, 2030, 2040, 2055 (Honors section: ELIT2065), or 2080 - 3
• Natural Science Elective Choose from BIOL1040, BIOL1050, BIOL1060, BIOL1250, BIOL1320, CHEM1220, ENVS1140, ENVS1160, ENVS1170, GEOL1090 (HNRS GEOL1095), GEOL1100, GEOL1130, PHYS1060, or SCIE1020 - 3

MAJOR  - 33 CREDITS REQUIRED

(minimum grade of “C” must be earned for each course)

• GEOG1020 World Geography - 3
• HIST1200 United States History II - 3
• HIST1700 World Civilizations I - 3
• HIST1800 World Civilizations II - 3
• POLS1010 Introduction to Political Science - 3
• POLS1020 American National Government - 3
• POLS1030 Comparative Contemporary Political Systems - 3
• POLS1040 International Relations - 3
• HIST4803 or POLS4803 Political Science Practicum - 3
• HIST3900 or POLS3800 or SOSC3800 Social Science Research Methods - 3

RESTRICTED ELECTIVES  - 24 CREDITS REQUIRED

(minimum grade of “C” must be earned for each course)

• HIST3000+ Restricted Elective
• HIST3000+ Restricted Elective
• POLS3000+ Restricted Elective
• POLS3000+ Restricted Elective
• HIST3000+ or POLS3000+ Restricted Elective
• HIST3000+ or POLS3000+ Restricted Elective
• HIST3000+ or POLS3000+ Restricted Elective
• HIST3000+ or POLS3000+ Restricted Elective

CERTIFICATE  - 12 CREDITS REQUIRED

(minimum grade of “C” must be earned for each course)

• HIST3100 American Revolution
• HIST3120 Civil War
• HIST3260 World War II
• HIST3280 Vietnam War

CERTIFICATE  - 12 CREDITS REQUIRED

• Elective
• Elective
• Elective
• Elective

A cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher is required for graduation.