Badge in Applied Politics
UTC students who earn a Badge in Applied Politics gain knowledge and skills that prepare them for careers in the practice of politics, such as campaign management, community organizing, lobbying, advocacy, election administration, political party leadership, and even elected office.
Students earn the Badge in Applied Politics by completing the following:
- PSPS 1010 American Politics
- PSPS 2110 American Political Behavior
- Three courses selected from:
- PSPS 3120 Political Parties
- PSPS 3140 Campaigns and Elections
- PSPS 4200r Lobbying and Advocacy
- PSPS 4600r Election Administration
- PSPS 4110 Public Opinion and Voting
- PSPS 4220 Repairing American Democracy
- 150 hours of experiential learning in applied politics, which can be a 3-credit internship, a volunteer experience, or paid employment; applicable experiences include the Tennessee Legislative Internship Program, constituent relations internships, lobbying and advocacy internships, government relations internships, campaign volunteering, poll watching, or serving as a poll worker
- Reflection paper (which PSPS majors may complete as part of PSPS 4010 Senior Portfolio) addressing how these courses and experiences have prepared them as “scholar practitioners” in applied politics
- Students are awarded the Badge in Applied Politics upon submitting the reflection paper and documentation of completing all other requirements to the PSPS Department Head.
Students interested in pursuing the Badge in Applied Politics are encouraged to consult with the PSPS Department Head when registering for courses and planning their experiential learning. Some quick notes to be aware of: (1) Non-PSPS majors may simultaneously earn a minor in Political Science by completing the Badge requirements. (2) Courses that will show as fallthrough courses in MyMocsDegree may have (usually avoidable) financial aid implications—see the PSPS Department Head if that is a concern. (3) Be aware that campaign volunteering or employment may preclude later serving as a poll watcher or poll worker. (4) The 150 hours of experiential learning may be earned over multiple semesters and experiences. Be sure to keep verifiable documentation of hours completed. (5) The Badge does not appear on students’ transcripts but can be included on their résumés and verified for future employers by the PSPS Department Head or Administrative Associate.
Badge in Applied Politics courses benefit greatly from the contributions of applied politics professionals, who give talks in classes and lead skills workshops. Practitioner involvement in the Badge in Applied Politics is made possible by the generous support of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #175. UTC PSPS maintains autonomy over all course content.
