"Man is by nature a political animal."   Aristotle

"Of all studies, the study of politics is the one in which a man may make himself most useful to his fellow-creatures." Anthony Trollope

One of the oldest fields of study, Political Science, is an integral component of a liberal arts education. Beginning with Plato and Aristotle, through Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Marx, and Mill, to Jefferson, Madison, and Hamilton, serious thinkers have pondered at length fundamental questions about justice and political power. Thus, Political Science majors learn to inquire about timeless questions pertaining to the governance of human societies, including the origin and evolution of law and justice, the development and operation of political institutions and processes, the comparative performance of regimes, the exercise of political leadership, and problems of war and peace. It is our task to analyze competing theories purporting to throw light on these questions, subjecting them to the test of reason and experience.

The degree plan in Political Science at The University of West Florida is designed to teach students to do just that. It consists of 39 sh in Political Science, including a core of political theory and methods courses and required and elective courses in American, comparative, and international politics. In addition, the student completes another 21 sh of electives, which may comprise a minor or emphasis, or include additional courses in Political Science. Students are advised to supplement their political studies with courses in History, Geography, Philosophy, and Economics.

The degree planning sheet for students beginning their coursework in the Fall of 2006 has been updated and can be found below.  Current majors who wish to switch degree plans can do so by changing catalog years.  To be able to do so, however, you must have maintained continuous enrollment at UWF and not have changed your major previously.

For more information, please contact:

Alfred G. Cuzán, Chairman
Department of Government
The University of West Florida
11000 University Parkway
Pensacola, FL 32514
(850) 474-2337

Dr. Cuzán's webpage