Political Science, B.A.

Political science is devoted to the study of the theory and practice of government and politics. The political science program complements a student’s liberal arts education with an emphasis on understanding the theoretical and practical aspects of political philosophy, public administration, law, international relations, and American government and policy. Vocational alternatives for political science majors include teaching, public management, law, and foreign service.

Note

Political Science is a designated major. No grade below a “C-” will be accepted for credit toward the major. No more than 15 credits of lower division political science courses may be counted toward the credits requirement for the major. Up to 6 credits of POLS 4830 - Readings & Conference may be used as track-specific electives with approval.

General Education Requirement (32-36 Credits)

See General Education .

Core Course Requirements 12-13 credits
Knowledge Area Requirements 20-23 credits

Experiential Education University Requirement - EDGE Program (3 Credits)

NOTE: As of 7/12/2019, students pursuing this bachelor’s degree are no longer required to complete the EDGE courses for graduation.

See Experiential Education .

EDGE 1010 - Becoming an Engaged Learner 1 credit
EDGE 3000-level (EDGE 3010 , EDGE 3020 , EDGE 3030 , EDGE 3040 , or EDGE 3050 ) 1 credit
EDGE 4000-level (EDGE 4010 , EDGE 4020 , EDGE 4030 , EDGE 4040 , or EDGE 4050 ) 1 credit

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree Requirement (16 Credits**)

B.A. Degree - Foreign Language Requirement (16 credits)

** Note: One semester of a foreign language may also fulfill the General Education Humanities requirement. The 16 credits may be fulfilled by taking four semesters of a foreign language or by testing out of a language and purchasing the credits. These credits are typically counted in the degree total at the bottom of the page. Consult a Student Success Advisor for details.

Political Science Curriculum Summary (36 Credits)

Core Requirements (18 credits)

POLS 1100 - American National Government 3 Credit(s)
POLS 2000 - Research Methods in Political Science 3 Credit(s)
( POLS 2100 - Introduction to International Relations 3 Credit(s)
OR
POLS 2200 - Introduction to Comparative Politics 3 Credit(s) )
POLS 2300 - Introduction to Political Thought 3 Credit(s)
POLS 4890 - Internship 1 to 12 Credit(s) (3 credits must be obtained to meet degree requirements)
POLS 4990 - Capstone Seminar in Political Science 3 Credit(s)

Select One of the Following Tracks (18 Credits)

Other Electives

Free electives may be taken (to complete BA/BS requirements, recommended free electives from the Department, etc.) as required to reach 120 total credits.

Total Credits, B.A. Degree: 120

Print this Page