BA in Political Science

Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

The minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University's Core curriculum) required for the major: 39.

Each major must complete POS 101J, POS 104J, POS 203, POS 205, and POS 290. Introducing ideas that are fundamental to the discipline, these required courses should be the first priority for students upon entering the major. Students may choose from any of the Department’s other offerings to fulfill remaining credit hours with the requirement that at least 12 hours be completed at or above the 300-level. A grade of C- or better is required to receive major credit in the Department.

Students interested in an international studies major should consult the International Studies Program section in this catalog.

The Department administers an elaborate, carefully structured internship program, open to majors and non-majors alike. Political science majors are especially encouraged to take advantage of the variety of internship opportunities as part of their undergraduate program.

The Political Science Department strongly urges its majors to take courses in economics, history, sociology, and computer science. For a number of majors, courses in geography-anthropology, psychology, philosophy, and communication would also be useful. All political science majors are encouraged to undertake at least one year of university-level foreign language study. Additional language study is recommended for those majors with an interest in comparative or international politics and for those considering graduate school.

All students are reminded that, in addition to their meeting departmental requirements for a major leading to a baccalaureate degree, they must also meet the requirements of the school or college involved, as well as the Core curriculum requirements.

Political science courses are normally offered on the following schedule:

Every semester: POS 101J, 102J, 104J, 203, 205, 290, and internships

Yearly: POS 202, 256, 361, 365

Approximately once every two years: POS 120, 201, 233, 234, 258, 261, 262, 280, 310, 315, 333, 335, 336, 338, 339, 340, 342, 345, 347, 349, 360, 362, 374, 375, 385, 389, 390, 391, 392, 453, 459, 463, 464, 465.

The Honors Degree in Political Science.  For a B.A. degree in political science with honors, a student must achieve a 3.7 GPA or higher in courses taken in the major.

Minor in Political Science

The minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University's Core curriculum) required for the minor: 18.

Students who wish to complete a political science minor must take at least three of the following five courses: POS 101J, POS 104J, POS 203, POS 205, POS 290. Students may choose from any of the Department’s other offerings to fulfil remaining credit hours. A grade of C- or better in POS required courses is necessary to receive credit toward the minor.