The major in political science serves as preparation for:

  1. graduate study in politics, government, and related fields, including area studies, public policy, and public administration;
  2. law school;
  3. careers in government and public affairs; and
  4. work in the private and non-profit sectors that require knowledge of government and politics.

Along with specific requirements for any major, all students in the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree programs must meet all general education and graduation requirements under a single catalog.

Requirements for the Political Science major are 34 hours of Political Science, Global Programs and Studies, and International Relations courses and 4 hours of Political Research or Statistics.

Core Requirements22
PSCI 135
American Politics and Government
PSCI 145
Political Philosophy
IR 155
Comparative Politics
or IR 175
 International Politics
PSCI 361
Political Research (or a department-approved equivalent)
or MATH 263
 Introduction to Statistics
PSCI 494
Senior Seminar
or IR 494
 Senior Seminar
PSCI 496
Internship
Electives16
Select 16 credits of PSCI, GPS, and/or IR courses at the 200-level and above, of which at least 8 credits must be taken in PSCI, GPS, and/or IR courses numbered 300-level or above. No more than 6 credits can come from GPS 319, GPS 323, GPS 331, or GPS 332.
Total Credits38