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2024-2025 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Political Science

Requirements

Students seeking the B.A. or B.S. degree are required to take at least 36 credits in political science, including PLS 102, PLS 103, PLS 211, PLS 231 or PLS 232, PLS 495, and seven additional courses, two of which must be in American politics; one in international relations; one in comparative politics; and one in political thought (200-level or higher). Please see a list of elective courses by category as follows. At least four of these courses must be at the 300-level; independent studies, internships, PLS 300, PLS 350, and PLS 495 do not count toward the 300-level requirement. 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 courses: STA 215, PLS 300, and PLS 350. When taken for the B.S. degree, PLS 300 and PLS 350 do not count toward the 36 required credits for the major.

Required Courses

B.S. Degree Requirements (additional)

B.A. Degree Requirements (additional)

  • Third-semester proficiency in a foreign language.

Elective Courses

American Politics

Choose at least two of the following:

International Relations

Choose at least one of the following:

Comparative Politics

Choose at least one of the following:

Political Thought

Choose at least one of the following; if completing only one course, selected course must be at the 200- or 300-level.

Special Topics, Independent Study, Internship

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. We also advise students to take elective courses in history, economics, and in other social science disciplines.

Year One

Year Two

Year Three

Year Four


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