Courses are offered in four subfield areas:
American Politics
International Politics
Comparative Politics
Political Theory
To receive a major in political science, students should complete a course of study in political science, as well as at least three courses in departments other than political science. Each student majoring in political science must take a seminar course.
Political Science Coursework:
Students should take at least 30 hours of political science courses, including three introductory courses.
Elective and Seminar Courses:
Students are required to take 18 hours of political science elective courses, including a seminar. The introductory course in each category is a prerequisite for the intermediate courses and seminars in each category. Exemptions from this rule may be granted by the adviser with the concurrence of the instructor. No more than 6 credits of non-political-science courses that are cross-listed by the department will count towards the major.
By the upper sophomore year, political science majors should have worked out a comprehensive course of study in political science with their faculty adviser before registering for more political science courses. To do this, all majors must fill out a concentration form.
Transfer students who plan to major in political science should take a minimum of 18 credits in the department, regardless of the number of political science credits earned at other institutions.
The minor in political science consists of 18 credits, including two of the first six courses (introductory courses), and at least three upper level courses. No seminar is required, but if one is taken it will be credited toward the minor. No transfer or cross-listed courses offered by other departments will be credited toward the minor. Students interested in a political science minor need to file a Minor Concentration Form available in the department office.
The specialized tracks aid students to select introductory and elective sources that correspond to their interests in politics and law or international politics. Students majoring in political science are not required to take either of the two tracks of specialization offered by the department.
The International Politics Track.
The Political Science Department offers a special concentration in International Politics. The requirements for this concentration are:
1) Political Science 103, 104 and one other 100-level course
2) Four courses from Political Science 230-246, 250-269, 272, 286
3) Political Science 383 or 384
4) Two electives from other Political Science courses, one or both of which may be internships.
The Law and Politics Track.
The Political Science Department offers a special concentration in Law and Politics. The requirements for this concentration are
1) Political Science 100, and two other 100-level Political Science courses
2) Four courses from Political Science 212, 213, 250, 270, 280-289
3) Political Science 382
4) Two electives from other Political Science courses, one or both of which may be internships.
Pre-Industrial and/or Non-Western Civilization:
Undergraduate Program