The Department of Political Science offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political
Science as well as a minor with an emphasis in Political Science or Public Administration.
The Political Science program is divided into five areas: comparative politics, international
relations, political philosophy, American politics, and political behavior. Majors
in Political Science are required to take at least one course in each of these areas,
to specialize in one of them, and to complete introductory courses in political science.
Admission Requirements
Satisfy the Application and Admission Requirements for Baccalaureate Programs.
Graduation Requirements
Major Requirements
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| PS A101 | Introduction to American Government | 3 |
| PS A102 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 |
| PS A492 | Senior Seminar in Politics | 3 |
| 12 |
| Comparative Political Economy | |
| Comparative Politics | |
| International Relations | |
| United States Foreign Policy | |
| History of Political Philosophy I: Classical | |
| History of Political Philosophy II: Modern | |
| The American Political Tradition | |
| American Political Development | |
| 12 |
A total of 120 credits is required for the degree, of which 42 credits must be upper-division; a minimum of 33 credits must be from PS courses.
Honors in Political Science
Students majoring in political science are eligible to graduate with departmental honors if they satisfy all of the following requirements:
- Meet the requirements for a BA in Political Science.
- Maintain a grade point average of 3.50 or above in courses applicable to the degree requirements.
- Complete PS A492 in the final term of study with a grade of A or B.
- Receive an honors score (based upon criteria established by the department) on a comprehensive examination for majors.
Departmental honors are awarded by the political science faculty.
