Classification: Major, Minor
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
The major introduces students to the various methods, concerns, and analytical issues in the basic subfields of the discipline: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.
In this major, students will acquire broad skills regarding the analysis of, and critical knowledge about: the agencies, functions and structures of the institutions of power; the nature of political behavior; and the principles and processes of governance. It prepares students for careers in government, law, development, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, and research areas.
Students can earn academic credit for internships in a range of settings such as the United Nations, multinational corporations, transnational financial institutions, cultural and political organizations, the White House, Capitol Hill, law offices and courts, political campaigns, and social service agencies. All students majoring in political science are encouraged to take part in a study abroad or exchange program to further broaden their academic experience.
The total number of courses required for the major in political science is 14 (43-45 semester hours).
A minor in political science allows students to analyze a variety of political phenomena, from the struggle for power to the search for the common good.
The total number of courses required for the minor is 6 (18 semester hours).
Required Courses
Major Required Courses
All of the following (22-24 sem. hrs.)
- POLS 151 Introduction to International Studies (3 sem. hrs.)
- POLS 155 American Politics (3 sem. hrs.)
- POLS 390 Internship in Political Science (2-4 sem. hrs.)
- POLS 401 Senior Seminar and Thesis in Political Science (4 sem. hrs.)
- MATH 151 Elementary Statistics (3 sem. hrs.)
- PHIL 240 Ethics, Equality and Justice (3 sem. hrs.)
- SS 394 Research Methods for the Social Sciences (4 sem. hrs.)
Three to four of the following courses in the American Politics subfield, one of which must be at the 300-level (9-12 sem. hrs.)
- POLS 201 Media and Politics (3 sem. hrs.)
- POLS 202 Political Leadership in American Democracy (3 sem. hrs.)
- POLS 230 Democracy in America (3 sem. hrs.)
- POLS 235 U.S. Congress (3 sem. hrs.)
- POLS 345 Public Opinion (3 sem. hrs.)
- POLS 360 The U.S. Judiciary (3 sem. hrs.)
Three to four of the following courses in the International and Comparative Politics subfield, one of which must be at the 300-level (9-12 sem. hrs.)
- POLS 213 Sustainability and Comparative Environmental Policy (3 sem. hrs.)
- POLS 261 Government and Politics in the Developing World (3 sem. hrs.)
- POLS 263 Politics of Globalization (3 sem. hrs.)
- POLS 340 Politics of the Emerging Nations in Asia (3 sem. hrs.)
- POLS 355 Approaches to International Relations (3 sem. hrs.)
- POLS 365 Governments and Politics in Industrialized Countries (3 sem. hrs.)
Note: Students must take take three courses in one subfield and four in the other.
Minor Required Courses
Both of the following (6 sem. hrs.)
- POLS 151 Introduction to International Studies (3 sem. hrs.)
- POLS 155 American Politics (3 sem. hrs.)
One of the following (3 sem. hrs.)
- MATH 151 Elementary Statistics (3 sem. hrs.)
- PHIL 240 Ethics, Equality and Justice (3 sem. hrs.)
Three additional political science courses (9 sem. hrs.)