BA Requirements

OVERVIEW

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science requires the completion of 14 courses. Seven courses are part of the mandatory core, and seven are electives, selected in accordance with each student's choice of option. It is recommended that 2000-level and 3000-level requirements are completed prior to enrolling in 4000-level courses.

MANDATORY CORE REQUIREMENTS

The core requirements for all students in the major are as follows:

Introductory Courses 

• POLS 1000 - Power, Politics, and Engagement in U.S. Government
• POLS 2810 - Quantitative Research Design in Political Science

Foundations Courses 

• POLS 3710 - Foundations of American Politics 
• POLS 3720 - Foundations of Political Theory 
• POLS 3730 - Foundations of Comparative Politics 
• POLS 3740 - Foundations of Global Politics 

The Capstone Course

• The Senior Capstone Seminar (POLS 4980 or 4981 or 4982)

ELECTIVES: OPTIONS AND ROADMAPS

In addition to the core requirements, all students must choose one of the four options offered in the BA program. Each option is adapted to a different objective, as described below, and includes a different program of electives. For each option, we provide a "course planner," listing the required courses, and "roadmaps" that indicate which courses to take each semester in order to graduate on time (with separate roadmaps for four-year students and for two-year transfer students). Students with questions should contact the Political Science Department Chair or the NSS Advising Center. 

• The General Political Science Option (Course Planner) provides broad exposure to the discipline and allows students maximum flexibility in choosing their own upper-division courses. Provides a broad preparation for careers in the public or private sectors. General Option Roadmap - Four-Year Plan and Two-Year Transfer Plan.
   
• The Global Politics Option (Course Planner) focuses on the changing nature of international politics and the emergence of a global political space. Prepares students for careers in the private and public sectors, including organizations in international relations. Global Politics Option Roadmap - Four-Year Plan and Two-Year Transfer Plan.
   
• The Prelegal Studies Option (Course Planner) provides undergraduate preparation for professions in law, education, and public service. Develops skills in legal analysis and research, and provides a critical understanding of the interrelationship between law and politics in American society. Pre-Legal Option Roadmap - Four-Year Plan and Two-Year Transfer Plan. 
   
• The Public Administration Option (Course Planner) provides undergraduate preparation for administrative careers in government service or nonprofit organizations. Public Administration Option Roadmap - Four-Year Plan and Two-Year Transfer Plan.