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2010-2011 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Political Science

Requirements for a Major in Political Science

Students seeking the B.A. or B.S. degree are required to take at least 36 credits in political science, including PLS 102, 103, 211, 231 or 232, 495, and seven additional courses, two of which must be in American politics, one in comparative politics, one in political thought, and one in international relations. Please see a list of elective courses by category below. At least four of these courses must be at the 300 level; independent studies, internships, P LS 495 and the B.S. cognate courses do not count toward the 300 level requirement. A total of no more than nine credits of internship and independent study may count toward the major, with no more than six credits in either category. Public Administration (PA) 307 may count as an American politics elective.

Students seeking a B.A. degree must demonstrate third-semester proficiency in a foreign language. Students seeking a B.S. degree must complete the following degree cognate sequence: STA 215, PLS 300, and PLS 315 or 341. When taken as part of the B.S. cognate, PLS 300, 315 and 341 do not count toward the 36 required credits for the major.

Political Science Elective Courses by Category:

American Politics

International Relations

Comparative Politics

Political Thought

Special Topics, Independent Study, Internship

  • P LS 380 - Special Topics in Political Science Credits: 3
  • P LS 399 - Readings in Political Science Credits: 1 to 3
  • P LS 490 - Internship Credits: 2 to 6
  • P LS 499 - Independent Research Credits: 2 to 6

Suggested Order of Coursework for a Major in Political Science

The flexibility in course selection makes it important for students to seek the advice of a faculty member in the department when choosing courses to fit their specific needs and interests. No sample curriculum will be appropriate for everyone, although these general guidelines should be helpful to nearly everyone. It is also assumed that some counseling will take place to match the curriculum with career plans. We strongly recommend study abroad and an internship.

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

Fourth Year



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