Political Science, B.A.

The major requires seven core courses and six elective courses. The seven core courses are: United States Politics (PO 101), Comparative Politics (PO 102), International Relations (PO 103), Political Thought (PO 104), Qualitative Research Methods (PO 301), and Quantitative Research Methods (PO 302), and Quantitative Research Methods Lab (PO 302L). Students are strongly encouraged to take PO 301, PO 302, and the corequisite PO 302L by their junior year.

The six elective courses may be concentrated in one area to complete a concentration, or distributed across several areas. At least one of the six elective courses must involve Experiential Learning (see courses designated as EL further below), and it must be completed prior to taking the required 400-level capstone course.

At least three hours of these electives must be at the 400 level, and only nine hours of electives for the major may be chosen from lower-division courses. PO 105 is an elective for the major and satisfies the Quantitative Analysis (QA) requirement for the University Core. Prospective political science majors are strongly encouraged to take PO 105 to fulfil their QA requirement.

Political science majors are also required to take the Major Field Achievement Test during the second semester of their senior year. The test is administered by the political science department. Before taking an upper-level course in a given area, the department recommends (and in certain courses it is required) that students first take the 100-level foundational course corresponding to that area of study. The department sponsors the Mu Upsilon chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society. Membership is open to students whose academic record reflects outstanding achievement and demonstrated interest in the study of political science.

Program Learning Goals in Political Science

Students will: 

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the connections across established fields of study in political science, as well as the discipline’s relationship to the other social sciences.

2. Demonstrate transferable academic and intellectual skills in the study of local, national, and global politics. These include critical analysis, academic writing, data fluency, oral communication, and intercultural competence.

3. Understand how to participate in political and civic life with an appreciation for diverse value systems, ideologies, and cultures.

4. Demonstrate preparation for graduate school, law school, or other career opportunities according to interest.

Major Requirements: 37 credit hours

The political science core:

18 hours of elective courses, selected from among PO 105 and those PO courses not specifically required for the major. These elective courses may be concentrated in one area or distributed across several areas. At least three hours of these electives must be at the 400 level, and only nine hours of electives for the major may be chosen from lower-division elective courses.

Experiential Learning Requirement

Students majoring in political science must also complete at least one course designated as involving Experiential Learning (EL). This requirement must be completed before a student takes the 400-level capstone course.

Concentrations within the major of Political Science

Students majoring in political science may also complete a concentration within the major as a way of developing expertise through focus in a particular area. PO majors may elect one or more of the following concentrations.

Global Studies Concentration: 18 credit hours

This concentration is for those majors who wish to develop expertise in global politics. It is also useful preparation for advanced study in comparative politics or international relations, or for a government or private sector career dealing with foreign affairs.

And 15 hours elected from among:

PO 499: on a topic related to international relations or comparative politics (by petition).

Applied Politics Concentration: 18 credit hours

This concentration is for those majors who wish to transition into a job in practical politics.  It is also useful for developing tangible skills, networking, and understanding how the political system actually works.

PO 390 or equivalent course by petition.

And 12 hours selected from among