Undergraduate Programs

Political Science and Strategic Studies

The Bachelor program in Political Science and Strategic Studies provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics essential for understanding contemporary political dynamics. Students engage with foundational courses such as Political Thought, Political Sociology, and Comparative Politics, while also exploring specialized subjects like International Relations, Nationalism, and Democracy. The program emphasizes critical issues including Conflict Resolution, Peace Building, and the Politics of Development in Ethiopia, alongside global perspectives on African Politics, Middle East Politics, and International Political Economy. Key courses on Security Studies, Environmental Politics, and Media Politics prepare students to analyze and address complex challenges, culminating in a Senior Essay/Project that fosters independent research and critical thinking skills. This integrated approach equips graduates with the analytical tools necessary for careers in governance, diplomacy, and policy-making.

Program structure and content

Year I is dedicated to the Freshman Program

Year II Semester I

 

Politics and Government

  • Political Thought
  • Political Sociology
  • Introduction to Politics and Comparative politics
  • Nationalism and Identity Politics
  • Comparative Federalism and Local Government

Year II Semester II

 

Conflict and Peace

  • Introduction to  Security and Strategic Studies
  • Conflict Resolution and Peace building 
  • Social Revolutions and Dynamics  
  • Democracy and Human Rights
  • Research Methodology in Political Science

 

Year III Semester I

International relations and Diplomacy 

  • International Relations and Foreign Policy
  • International Law for Political Scientists 
  • International Organizations

State, Society & Government dynamics in Ethiopia

  • State and Nation building in Ethiopia
  • Ethiopian Foreign  Policy and Diplomacy
  • Politics of Development Dynamics in Ethiopia

Year III Semester II

 

Regional Politics and Strategic Relations

  • African Politics and International Relations
  • Middle East Politics
  • Politics in the Horn of Africa
  • Politics of Ethio-Eritrean Relations
  • Foreign Policy of Super and Regional Powers
  • International Political Economy

Year IV Semester I

 

Geopolitics and emerging  strategic issues

  • Geopolitics
  • Environmental Politics and Climate Change Negotiations
  • Comparative Study of Liberation Struggles in the Horn of Africa
  • Politics of Fundamentalism and Terrorism
  • Technology Revolution and National Security

Year IV Semester II

 

Management and Public Administration

  • Media and Media Politics
  • Management and Public Administration
  • Public policy Making and Analysis 
  • Senior Essay

Admission Requirements

  • Meet the EHEEE score cut‐off point set by the Ministry of Education for eligibility to join a tertiary education institution.

After Graduation

The program prepares graduates for diverse roles, including:

  • Diplomatic Activities: Engage in national, international, and global diplomacy.
  • Strategic Planning: Work in public, private, and non-governmental sectors.
  • Political Analysis: Analyze political systems at local, regional, national, and global levels.
  • Consultancy: Advise institutions on strategic political issues.
  • Public Relations: Serve as public relations and publicity officers.
  • Institutional Administration: Contribute to the management of governmental and non-governmental organizations.
  • Research: Conduct problem-solving research in political science and strategic studies.
  • Civil Service: Work as civil servants at various governmental levels.
  • Teaching: Instruct courses in political science and strategic studies.
  • Advisory Roles: Provide guidance to political leaders and policymakers.

Policy Analysis: Engage in political and policy analysis on strategic issues.