Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Catalog Year 2024-2028

Based on VCCS Curriculum for POLITICAL SCIENCE

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement

• By meeting the following criteria, you are guaranteed admission to Hollins University:

• Virginia Community College students (VCCS) graduating from transfer-oriented degree programs with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a four-point scale are guaranteed admission.

• A GPA of 2.5 or higher on all college-level work is recommended for all students seeking to transfer to Hollins University.

• This policy applies for all undergraduate majors. All students declare a major after they arrive at Hollins.

• Program Specific Benefits

• By meeting the indicated criteria in addition to the GAA, students in this program receive the listed benefits:

• You will be guaranteed a seat in course GPS 216 (if needed) Spring semester of your junior year.

• You will receive a faculty advisor from day one.

Important Links & Dates

• Hollins University Transfer Information: https://www.hollins.edu/admission-aid/transfer-students/

• Register Intent to Transfer: through College Connect at www.TransferVirginia.org

• Admission Application: Preferred admission deadlines: February 1 for fall term or November 15 for spring term matriculation; apply at https://admissions.hollins.edu/apply/

• Financial Aid: https://www.hollins.edu/admission-aid/undergraduate-financial-aid-schola...

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: Apply at studentaid.gov

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org

• Connect with an advisor at your community college within your first year and your transfer counselor (transfer@hollins.edu) at Hollins University if you have questions regarding your transfer pathway. College Connect is available in your account at www.TransferVirginia.org

• Be sure to sign up for both American government and international focus courses as you build your political science schedule. You need 8 additional credits in American government and 4 additional credits in international.

• You must take at least 2 300-level political science classes, plus a third 300-level political class OR 2 300-level political science classes and a senior thesis.

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• The major has four areas of focus: international relations, comparative politics, political theory, and American politics.

• The political science program at Hollins emphasizes the relationship between politics in theory and politics in action. Students may practice what they learn in the classroom both on and off campus through on-campus clubs, independent studies, conferences and/or internships.

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Fulfills all Hollins general education requirements. Courses listed above satisfy Hollins major requirements.

• Dual Enrollment – Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Dual enrollment courses may count toward general education requirements. Completion of an Associate Degree through dual enrollment satisfies all general education requirements at Hollins, except for two courses: Core 101: First-year Foundations and Core 102: Conflict and Collaboration at Hollins. These are required for all students attending a college for the first time after graduating high school.

• Credit for Prior Learning: Credit for prior learning, including CLEP examinations and AP and IB test scores will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for Hollins credit. Visit www.transfervirginia.org "Check All My Credits" to see how your prior learning will earn credit.

• Catalog Year: Transfer students follow the requirements in the catalog year that they first enter Hollins but may elect to move to a later catalog if they wish.

• Total Credits: Typical semester courses at Hollins carry 4 credits, rather than 3 credits. This explains why credits completed at Hollins may be higher than those completed at the community college. This does not increase the number of courses required, nor the cost. For full-time students, Hollins bills per semester, not per credit. Typically, full time students take 16 to 20 credits at Hollins in one semester.

Is This College Right For Me?

• Known for its creative and highly engaged student body, Hollins University prides itself on its nationally recognized and award-winning undergraduate and graduate academic programs, its deeply committed alumnae/i network, its extraordinarily beautiful campus surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and its unique ability to ensure that each of its students can design a transformational college experience. Hollins is a small, close-knit community with fewer than 1,000 students, focused on holistic support for each student. The average class size is 13, and only women are admitted as undergraduate students. On-campus housing is guaranteed for undergraduates, and a scholarship of at least $20,000 is guaranteed for transfer students. A $2,000 scholarship is available for Phi Theta Kappa members. Top majors for transfer students include business, psychology and biology but all programs welcome transfer students. We are a small community with big outcomes for students; more than 90% of recent graduates are employed or in graduate school within one year of graduation.

• Learn more about our college at www.TransferVirginia.org - Transfer Partners

Did You Know That…

• Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• The Hollins political science major provides excellent preparation for a variety of careers. Political science majors find fulfilling work in such fields as law, journalism, international business, and public service.

• Political science alums have multiple opportunities to network and make connections, volunteer opportunities, internships, attending conferences and meeting prominent political leaders through a robust faculty and alumnae community. Some alums have returned as Hollins faculty members.

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org

Program Successes & Highlights

• Model United Nations (MUN) and Arab League (MAL) are projects of the American Model United Nations organization and the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations (NCUSAR). Both programs seek to foster greater understanding of the world by U.S. students. NCUSAR also sponsors internships, study trips to the region, international conferences, and networking opportunities. Hollins has taken part in MUN conferences since 2000 and MAL conferences since 2015. The university hosts the Appalachia Regional MAL conference annually during the Fall semester.

• Hollins has an active pre-law program, led by a local practicing attorney. UVA PROGRAM! Hollins students have taken part in U.Va's Roadmap Scholars' Program for pre-law students.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• 89% of applicants applying for the fall 2022 cohort were admitted to Hollins University.

• Learn more about applying at www.TransferVirginia.org and https://www.hollins.edu/admission-aid/transfer-students/

Do More With Your Degree!

• 90% of recent graduates were employed, in graduate school or engaged in service within six months of graduation.

• Consider a minor or certificate that complements your major and extends your learning. See the complete list of offerings at www.hollins.edu/majors-and-minors

• Political science students may study abroad by participating in a Short-Term trip or taking a full semester overseas. Funding opportunities are available to help with costs.

• Many political science students have published or presented at conferences in the field, thanks to the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF) program or the Student Performance and Research Conference (SPARC).

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• All Hollins students, other than Horizon students, complete two half-semester physical activity classes not for credit. Varsity athletes may count a sport for one of these requirements.

• Hollins courses are primarily taught on campus during the traditional workday.

• Students must take an additional 300-level political science course or write a senior thesis directed by a political science faculty member.