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2026-2027 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [In Progress]

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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 39 credits in political science, including PLS 102, PLS 103, PLS 211, PLS 231 or PLS 232, PLS 495, and eight additional courses, by elective category as specified below.

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 39 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 (24 credits)

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.

American Politics (at least 6 credits)

Choose at least two of the following:

International Relations (at least 3 credits)

Choose at least one of the following:

Comparative Politics (at least 3 credits)

Choose at least one of the following:

Political Thought (at least 3 credits)

Choose at least one of the following:

Experiential Learning (at least 3 credits)

Complete at least 3 credits through a combination of the following:

Special Topics, Independent Study, Internship

These may count toward the 24 credits of electives. No more than nine credits of internship and independent study may count toward the major, with no more than six credits in either category.

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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