BA

Political Science BA

Department/Division
School
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The Political Science major attracts students who want to achieve a better understanding of the political environments that shape human interaction. Majors are introduced to the dynamics of both domestic and global politics. Along with an understanding of political processes, they acquire a theoretical background for the study of political dynamics and the basic quantitative and qualitative tools for analyzing them. In addition to helping students prepare for graduate study, the major helps to prepare students for the world of work in government service, legal study, business, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), journalism, or teaching. 

All courses used to complete the major must have grades of "C" or better. 

Upon completion of this program a student is able to:

  1. Students will demonstrate a grasp of fundamental concepts, theories, actors, and processes in American Politics.
  2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the global context of politics, including comparative politics, international relations, and political thought.
  3. Students will demonstrate an ability to critically analyze political events, trends, and developments, using scientific reasoning, quantitative, and qualitative data.
  4. Students will demonstrate a deeper understanding of the role of politics and citizenship in society, enabling more effective engagement in civil life.
  5. Students will demonstrate proficient written and oral communication skills.
  6. Students will demonstrate an ability to evaluate different perspectives, identify biases, and make informed judgments concerning political issues.

Major Requirements

(Any course listed in the following sections may be satisfied by taking its cross-listed equivalent. Cross-listed courses count toward the major in the same manner as the courses listed.)

Core Courses

Take all 4 courses in this section. 

 

Course Code
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
16

Core Subject Areas

Take at least one course from each of the following three groups:

American Politics:

Take at least one course in this section.

Course Code
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
4

Political Thought:

Take at least one course in this section. 

Course Code
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
4

Comparative and International Politics:

Take at lease one course in this section. 

Course Code
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
4

Electives

Complete 12 credits from the following courses. Additional courses taken from the core subject areas also count as electives in this section. 

Course Code
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
12

See course descriptions for required prerequisites. 

CLAS General Education Requirements

Complete remaining CLAS General Education requirements.  Political Science majors complete 8 credits of quantitative reasoning and social science requirements as part of their degree program. 

Sub-Total Credits
44

University Requirement

The university requirements must also be fulfilled, and will count towards the minimum credit requirement for this program. These include:

General Electives

Take as many general elective courses as needed to complete a total of 124 credits. 

Total Credits
124