Course Description

The Bachelor of Arts in political science program at City University prepares students for successful careers in all levels of government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. This program is the first of its kind in the country. The objective of the program is to train public servants, diplomats and leaders. Students will choose concentrations in public administration, conflict, governance & peacebuilding or international relations. The program can be completed in 4 years.

Career Opportunities

What is political science? In general, political science is an academic discipline that focuses on the study of power, politics and government. It has several branches. Since Somalia is recovering from a long conflict, the City University will offer public administration, conflict, governance & peacebuilding or international relations concentrations

Political science graduates have several career options. They can work in the bureaucracy as policy analysts or policy advisors. Those that want to continue their studies can also specialize in law or become academics. Moreover, many political science graduates choose to work in the non-for-profit organizations, media or private sector.

In the public sector, political science graduates formulate and implement policies. As well, they often develop, implement, and evaluate social programs and services.

City University Learning Outcomes (CULOS)

City University Learning Outcomes (CULOS) are general, transferrable knowledge and skills that every City University graduate is expected to have met, regardless of degree program. City University Learning Outcomes are developed through integrated curricular and co-curricular student experiences. These outcomes are achieved throughout the foundation program, the university-wide core courses, the degree program courses, and student experiences outside the classroom.

• Critical thinking: City University graduates will be able to engage in inquiry, value examination, and creative problem solving.
• Communication: City University graduates will be able to communicate effectively and clearly both orally and in writing.
• Languages: City University graduates will be able to communicate fluently in Somali and English, using the academic and professional conventions of these languages.
• Leadership & teamwork:City University graduates will be able to participate constructively and interact effectively with others to accomplish common goals.
• Technological competence: City University graduates will be able to properly use and evaluate technology in their professions both ethically and securely.
• Research: City University graduates will be able to systematically investigate into a research question, exploring, collecting, and analyzing evidence, to establish facts and make informed conclusions.
• Global awareness: City University graduates will be able to explain globalization and its impact on them and their society, while understanding their own and other culture, and reacting to difference in an enlightened and socially responsible manner.
• National & Islamic issues: City University graduates will be able to discuss the main features of Islamic civilization as well as the history and socio-politics of the Somali people.

Political Science Department Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the program, students will be able to:

• Subject-Matter Competency: Master major theories, concepts and methods of political science and its sub-field.
• Subject-Matter Relevancy: Use political science concepts and theories to explain and analyze global, regional and national political issues and events.
• Critical thinking: Identify and critically assess arguments, evidence and assumptions behind political positions and claims.
• Leadership and Teamwork: Develop leadership capacity and social responsibility through volunteer community service programs and internship projects.
• Research: Demonstrate competency in using social science research methods including quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Communication: Develop effective oral and written communication competency.
• 7. Global Awareness: Demonstrate the ability to make global-local links.