Major in Political Science

Students may seek an academic major or minor in political science.

A major in political science provides students with valuable, comprehensive knowledge of American government and global politics, preparing them to analyze complex political problems and recognize potential solutions in both the public and private sector. Students gain an understanding of political structure, theory, and methodology. They develop their research skills and sense of intellectual property using libraries, archives, and online sources. They develop their writing skills and learn the responsibility for clearly presenting and interpreting political issues using the language of the discipline. Students with a major in political science will be able to analyze complex political problems and recognize potential solutions in both the public and private sectors.

Intended Program Outcomes

The student who graduates with a major in political science will be able to

• Analyze and participate in the formulation and implementation of public policy at the local, state, federal, and inter-national level by building consensus and using effective lobbying techniques.
• Participate in and/or influence government at all levels through an understanding of the establishment, structure, and interaction of such governmental institutions.
• Use effective writing, research, analysis, advocacy, and coalition-building skills to develop and influence policy at the national and international levels.
• Conduct, analyze, and evaluate theoretical and empirical research for specific problems to affect domestic and international policy by applying political theory, systems, and processes in organizational environments.
• Apply knowledge of ethical principles and issues to public-policy and politics.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in political science requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 30 credits for the major; 41 credits in general education requirements; and 49 credits in the minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 15 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

Requirements for the Political Science Major

Coursework for a major in political science includes the following:

• Required foundation courses (6 credits): GVPT 100 and 101
• Required statistics course: (3 credits) STAT 200
• Core courses (9 credits): GVPT 170 (or 200), 280, and 444 (or 457)
• Supplemental major courses (9 credits): Any 400-level GVPT courses
• Required capstone course (3 credits): GVPT 495

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all the requirements for the BS in political science. Coursework for the major is indicated by . Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an advisor whenever taking advantage of other options.

Political Science Degree Courses

First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)

Note: Placement tests are required for math and writing courses.

• EDCP 100 Principles and Strategies of Successful Learning (3)
  (strongly recommended as first course)               
• LIBS 150 Introduction to Research (1)
• WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)
• MATH 106 Finite Mathematics (3)
  or a higher-level math course               

Introductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits) 

• GVPT 100 Introduction to Political Science (3)      
• SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology (3)
  or other behavioral and social sciences course               
• Both BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3)
  and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1)
  or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology or other biological and physical sciences lecture and laboratory course(s)
• WRTG 291 Research Writing (3)
  or other communications/writing course
• IFSM 201 Concepts and Applications of Information Technology (3)
  or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software
• PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3)
  or a foreign language course or other arts and humanities course
• GVPT 101 Introduction to Political Theory (3)      

Foundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits) 

• HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3)
  or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865 or other arts and humanities/historical perspective course (discipline must differ from other humanities course)
• GVPT 170 American Government (3)
  or GVPT 200 International Political Relations
• PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
  or other behavioral and social sciences course (discipline must differ from first)
• NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)
  or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy or other biological and physical sciences lecture course
• GVPT 280 Comparative Politics and Government (3)  
• SPCH 100 Foundations of Oral Communication (3)
  or COMM 380 Language in Social Contexts or other communication, writing, or speech course
• STAT 200 Introduction to Statistics (3)  
• CMIS 111 Social Networking and Cybersecurity Best Practices (3)
  or other interdisciplinary issues/computing course

Additional Required Courses (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses) 

• WRTG 391 Advanced Research Writing (3)
  or other communications/upper-level advanced writing course       
  
• GVPT 444 American Political Theory (3)
  or GVPT 457 American Foreign Relations
• GVPT 401 Understanding 21st-Century Global Challenges (3)
  or other supplemental major course
• GVPT 403 Law, Morality, and War (3)
  or other supplemental major course
• GVPT 406 Global Terrorism (3)
  or other supplemental major course

Capstone Course for Major (to be taken in the last 15 credits) 

• GVPT 495 Advanced Seminar in Political Science (3)

Minor and/or Elective Courses (46)
(to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses)

Total credits for BS in political science: 120

• Political Science Degree Planning Worksheet