Undergraduate Catalog 2012-13

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Political Science and Criminal Justice Majors

Bachelor of Arts with a major in Political Science

The major in political science provides a comprehensive understanding of politics – a process by which benefits and burdens are given out through public means. It does so by acquainting students with the literature of the discipline in six areas of specialization (American politics, comparative politics, international politics, law, political theory, and public policy and analysis) and by equipping students with methodological tools necessary for sound and critical analysis of political institutions of behavior and of processes by which public policy is formed. The faculty also seek to engage students in a partnership of research and other scholarly endeavors and in service to the community.

There are 15 hours of required classes for the Bachelor of Arts degree.In addition, students are required to complete 36 hours from the six content areas, with a minimum of one course from each of the areas listed below.

Click here for a 4-year plan showing one way a student can complete the program below in 4 years if the student requires no remedial courses.

Degree Requirements: B.A. – Political Science

Additional program information:

• A student may substitute one or two reading courses "PSC 499: Readings and Practicum for Seniors" for courses required for the tracks above. Reading courses are designed primarily for students who have an interest or academic curiosity not satisfied by the existing curriculum but potentially covered by the expertise of the faculty in the department. Such courses are normally limited to a maximum of 6 semester hours for each student and require the consent of the instructor, the program coordinator, and the department chair. A readings course may not count as the only course in an area.
• An internship may not count as the only course in an area. Students majoring in political science or any major at NKU may apply for a legislative internship "PSC 496: Internship and Practicum in Political Science" in Frankfort, Ky., or the Washington Center in Washington, D.C. for one semester. Those accepted may take up to 15 semester hours.
• The degree of Bachelor of Arts is conferred upon those students completing all requirements for the major or minor in political science and other NKU requirements for the degree, which includes a minimum GPA of 2.50 in all major coursework and earning at least a C- in each course counted.
• Anyone pursuing teacher certification must schedule an appointment with the certification specialist in the College of Education and Human Services at the beginning of the sophomore year.

Bachelor of Arts with a major in Criminal Justice

The major consists of a 27-credit-hour core and 27 semester hours of additional requirements. Core courses provide a conceptual understanding of criminal justice institutions and processes, theories of crime and punishment, ethics, and social science research methods. Rather than training individuals for a particular occupation through instruction in specific vocational skills, the program offers a broad, liberal education focused on the cultivation of analytical and creative thought and on the ability to read, write, and speak effectively. The degree is available in a fully online format; interested students should contact Educational Outreach for more information.

Students majoring or minoring in criminal justice must earn at least a C- in each course counted as part of the major or minor. At least 24 hours of JUS courses must be earned in residence at NKU.

Click here for a 4-year plan showing one way a student can complete the program below in 4 years if the student requires no remedial courses.

Degree Requirements: B.A. – Criminal Justice

Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership

The organizational leadership program explores both theoretical and practical understandings of leadership. Students examine leadership in various types of organizations and across organizational levels and positions while recognizing leadership is not necessarily position-bound, but based on building relationships and effectively addressing challenges in all types of human groups, communities, and settings. Emphasis is placed on leadership in team and group settings and developing personal and professional leadership capacities. The program offers the chance for students to evolve from understanding leadership as a solitary, authoritarian phenomenon to a process that is inclusive and collaborative. Students who successfully complete the organizational leadership program will be able to understand theory, think critically, navigate and creatively solve complex problems, examine and handle ethical issues, facilitate intentional change, communicate effectively, utilize contemporary technology, and appreciate diverse and global perspective. Partnering organizational leadership requirements with a secondary area of study (minor or area of concentration) aligned with educational and career objectives equips students to collaborate, lead, and adapt to future needs in an area of interest.

Degree completion in organizational leadership is available in the following program delivery modes: (1) traditional face-to-face classes; (2) the Program for Adult Centered Education (PACE) program, an accelerated face-to-face evening program for adult learners; and (3) completely online. Online learning offers a flexible alternative and PACE offers an accelerated evening format in Highland Heights and at the Grant County Center in Williamstown, Ky. Traditional face-to-face and online program curriculum schedule and the PACE curriculum schedule are available on NKU’s website.

Students majoring in organizational leadership may not minor in an AACSB-accredited program. For questions about organizational leadership, email the program coordinator (orgleadearship@nku.edu).

If a particular course has a prerequisite that is not listed as part of the major requirements, then the prerequisite is given in italics below the course for which it is a prerequisite, and it is marked with an asterisk (*). These prerequisites must be completed IN ADDITION TO other program requirements.

Click here for a 4-year plan showing one way a student can complete the program below in 4 years if the student requires no remedial courses.

Degree Requirements: B.A. – Organizational Leadership

Students will less than 60 hours credit must complete these secondary classes (four classes):

The following leadership courses are available as electives: LDR 301 Leadership Practicum (variable credit 1-6 hours; repeatable for up to 9 hours), LDR 315 Leading People in Organizations, and the option to repeat LDR 394 for up to 12 credit hours as long as topics differ. Students who are not required to complete the four secondary classes may also take LDR 117 Introduction to Supervision, LDR 160 Leadership around the World and LDR 205 Human Relations in Organizations as elective courses.

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