Do You Want Fries with That? A Review of the Bachelor's Program in Political Science

The study of Political Science has much to offer college students. The program broadens our understanding of ourselves and our world However; I argue that this is not a sufficient basis upon which to build a college major, especially in light of changing economic circumstances and changing educational demands from our students. Students increasingly come to college to earn degrees that will lead to employment, and most undergraduates do not perceive of the BA in Political Science as a gateway degree, but rather as a terminal degree. Our failure to offer the BA as a terminal degree harms our programs and our graduates. 1 offer three solutions to the dilemma of Political Science: eliminate the BA program entirely; use our elective offerings to guide students into gaining useful job skills while earning a BA in Political Science; and revamp the BA program to be a terminal degree program, offering real job skills integrated into our overall course offerings.