Declaration in or after Fall 2012

Last update: October 2025

Major Overview

The Political Science major and minor provide a systematic study of politics in the United States (federal, state, and local) and foreign countries. Students will have an opportunity to compare United States politics and policy to those of other nations and to study the relationship among states within the international system. Special emphasis will be placed on using theoretical tools to study the role institutions and social relations play in shaping political outcomes, as well as the relationship between politics and economics (political economy).

The key educational goal for political science students is analytical thinking. Students will recognize and understand various patterns in the distribution of political power and recurrent models of political behavior. Students will also gain insight into the relationship between the distribution of resources and power within society and political outcomes. As politics inherently involves how societies distribute life opportunities, students will also reflect upon the moral choices involved in political life. The department teaches students how to develop the capacity to conduct empirical research in order to illuminate and revise theoretical models of politics. Students will be expected to use a full range of data and to write clearly.

Political Science graduates pursue a wide range of careers. They may work in government offices (at all levels), political campaigns, private voluntary organizations, unions and community organizations, as well as the private sector. Some pursue teaching careers. A degree in Political Science is also excellent preparation for law school.

The department can arrange internships, which are typically linked to academic study.

University and College of Liberal Arts Requirements

Students will follow College of Liberal Arts Baccalaureate (B.A.) Degree Requirements.

Course Sequencing

Students must take

• Four introductory courses in American politics (POLS 1101 New Tab), foreign governments (POLS 1201 New Tab), international politics (POLS 1301 New Tab), and political philosophy (POLS 1401 New Tab).

• A writing preparation course (POLS 2597 New Tab)

• A four-course research methods-capstone course sequence (POLS 2503 New Tab, POLS 3501-3599, POLS 4896 New Tab)

• Three upper-level electives (numbered 2000-4999)

Courses should be sequenced so that students take the introductory course in a field before taking upper-level courses in the field. When possible, students should complete the introductory courses and the writing preparation course (POLS 2597 New Tab/POLS 2997 New Tab) by the end of their second year. This course is offered during the Spring and Fall semesters. Topics for the writing preparation course vary each semester and will be posted online before registration begins. Following these introductory courses, students can move on to the electives at the upper level (numbered 2000-4999), of which three are required.

Additionally, students should pay particular attention to the order in which they take the four-course research methods-capstone sequence (which is taken concurrent with the electives). The first course in this sequence is POLS 2503 New Tab Research Methods: Thinking Like a Political Scientist, a research design course that teaches students how to conduct empirical research, an essential skill for successfully completing the upper-level courses. Research Methods lays the foundation for the two required research preparation courses (numbered 3501 through 3599). These research-intensive courses focus on an advanced topic, like other upper-level courses, but they also place an emphasis on sharpening the research skills. The capstone seminar, generally taken in the Fall or Spring of the senior year, serves as the culminating experience of the Political Science major. Topics for research preparation and capstone courses change each semester and often address recent political events and dilemmas. Course descriptions for these courses will be posted online.

Major Requirements

Arrow-Large  36 credits required

Arrow-Large  Students must successfully complete the following courses with a grade of C- or higher

Arrow-Large  Not all courses are offered every semester. Please check the Class Schedule for actual course offerings each semester

Required Courses

3 upper-level Political Science courses numbered 2000-4999

With the exception of Political Science 2496.

2 Research Preparatory courses numbered 3501-3599

Capstone Course

Prerequisite: Senior standing

Highly recommended prior course work: C- or higher in Pol Sci 2503, 2496, and research preparatory courses (Pol Sci 3501 - 3599)

Distinction in Major

Distinction in Major recognizes highly motivated Political Science students who accept opportunities to demonstrate their interests and skills by undertaking additional research-oriented classes or in-depth Political Science oriented internships.

Students earn Distinction in Major by holding a GPA in the major of at least 3.8 at graduation and by completing at least one additional upper-level course (POLS 3580, POLS 3996, or an additional 4000 level capstone) or by enrolling in a 3+ credit Political Science internship (POLS 4585). Entry to junior and senior capstone courses requires permission by the Political Science faculty advisor. When applying for permission, students should note their interest in receiving distinction.

Minor Requirements

Arrow-Large 18 credits required

Arrow-Large  Students must successfully complete the following courses with a grade of C- or higher

Introduction

4 2000+ Political Science Courses

With the exception of Political Science 2496