Political Science (B.S.)
The B.S. degree requires increased course work in behavioral research methods. Political science majors must have a minimum of 39 credits in political science courses with at least 21 of those credits coming in upper-division courses. Coursework also includes the university requirements (see regulation J-3), the general requirements for the B.S. degree, and:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Political Science Core Requirements | ||
| POLS 101 | American National Government | 3 |
| POLS 235 | Political Research Methods and Approaches | 3 |
| POLS 490 | Senior Experience (Requires Senior standing or 24 credit hours in political science.) | 3 |
| Select three introductory courses: | 9 | |
| Introduction to Comparative Politics | ||
| Introduction to Political Philosophy | ||
| Introduction to American Politics and Policy | ||
| Introduction to International Politics | ||
| Additional Political Science Upper Division Requirements | ||
| Select 18 credits from the following areas: 1 | 18 | |
| American Political Institutions and Behavior | ||
| American Political Parties and Elections | ||
| American Congress | ||
| American Political Culture | ||
| American Presidency | ||
| Federalism in Practice | ||
| Public Opinion and Political Behavior | ||
| Public Administration and Public Policy | ||
| American Foreign Policy | ||
| Politics of the Environment | ||
| Public Policy | ||
| Public Administration | ||
| Natural Resource Policy | ||
| International and Comparative Politics | ||
| European Politics | ||
| Game Theory | ||
| Introduction to Asian Politics | ||
| Politics, Policy and Gender | ||
| International Organizations and International Law | ||
| World Politics and War | ||
| Politics of Development | ||
| Political Violence and Revolution | ||
| Public Law | ||
| Constitutional Law | ||
| Civil Liberties | ||
| Political Philosophy | ||
| Contemporary Political Philosophy | ||
| Courses in upper-division related fields | ||
| Select 20 credits depending on student interest and in consultation with advisor 1 | 20 | |
| Additional research methods course | ||
| Select one additional research methods course in consultation with advisor 2 | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 59 | |
Courses to total 120 credits for this degree
- 1
Thesis and internship credits cannot be used to satisfy this requirement.
- 2
One additional research methods, math, or science course chosen in consultation with your advisor.
| Fall Term 1 | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| POLS 101 | American National Government | 3 |
| ENGL 101 | Writing and Rhetoric I | 3 |
| Oral Communication Course | 3 | |
| Mathematical Ways of Knowing Course | 3 | |
| Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Term 1 | ||
| ENGL 102 | Writing and Rhetoric II | 3 |
| Scientific Ways of Knowing Course | 4 | |
| Elective Course | 2 | |
| POLS 205 OR POLS 208 OR POLS 209 OR POLS 237 | 3 | |
| POLS 205 OR POLS 208 OR POLS 209 OR POLS 237 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fall Term 2 | ||
| POLS 235 | Political Research Methods and Approaches | 3 |
| Scientific Ways of Knowing Course | 4 | |
| UPDV Related Field, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| B.S. Course Requirement | 3 | |
| POLS 205 OR POLS 208 OR POLS 209 OR POLS 237 | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Term 2 | ||
| Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing Course | 3 | |
| International Course | 3 | |
| UPDV Related Field, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| UPDV Political Science, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| Elective Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fall Term 3 | ||
| UPDV Political Science, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| UPDV Political Science, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| UPDV Related Field, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| Research Methods, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Term 3 | ||
| UPDV Political Science, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| UPDV Related Field, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| UPDV Related Field, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| B.S. Course Requirement | 3 | |
| Elective Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fall Term 4 | ||
| UPDV Political Science, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| UPDV Related Field, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| B.S. Course Requirement | 3 | |
| Elective Course | 3 | |
| Elective Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Term 4 | ||
| POLS 490 | Senior Experience | 3 |
| UPDV Political Science, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| UPDV Related Field, Major Elective Course | 3 | |
| B.S. Course Requirement | 3 | |
| Elective Course | 2 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
The degree map is a guide for the timely completion of your curricular requirements. Your academic advisor or department may be contacted for assistance in interpreting this map. This map is not reflective of your academic history or transcript and it is not official notification of completion of degree or certificate requirements. Please contact the Registrar's Office regarding your official degree/certificate completion status.
1. Students exhibit knowledge of diverse positions in comparative politics, political behavior, political philosophy, public policy, and international politics.
2. Students can critically assess texts and arguments about political topics.
3.Students can design and execute a research project using the appropriate method for investigating their thesis.