Requirements for the Major in Political Science
To complete the major in Political Science, a student must complete a minimum of 36 credits, which include the following:
- American Government and Politics, PLSC 110 (3 credits)
- Comparative Politics, PLSC 140 (3 credits)
- International Relations, PLSC 220 (3 credits)
- Normative Political Theory, PLSC 380 (3 credits)
- Political Science Research Methods, PLSC 385 (3 credits)
- One Senior Seminar Capstone
- One course from the following:
- PLSC 260 Public Administration and Policy
- PLSC 270 Introduction to Judicial Process and Behavior
- PLSC 360 The Policy Process
- Additional Political Science courses to reach a total of 36 credits
Integrated Computer Science/Political Science Major
The ICS/PLSC major will provide students with a foundation in computer science and a richer understanding of societal and global governance. Computational politics involves the usage of computational methods, such as analysis and prediction models, to form solutions to the questions of political science. Nearly every domain of political science requires an understanding of data science and computer science. Campaigns depend on algorithms to predict participation. Cyber security is one of the fastest growing and most vital areas of defense. Social media platforms are vehicles for mobilization and manipulation. Most state and local governance take place on computers and in a digital format. In October 2023, President Biden released an Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Basically, computers and computational analysis have deepened their reach into our personal and professional lives, and we need people with the skills of civics, an understanding of democratic values and institutions, and a deep knowledge of computers to best lead humanity forward. The ICS/PLSC major equips students to excel in this emerging field.
Requirements for the Minor in Political Science
To complete the minor in Political Science, a student must complete a minimum of 18 credits, including PLSC 100 or 110, selected in consultation with the department minor advisor to fulfill one of the following emphases:
General Emphasis: At least one course in four of the following subfields: American Politics; Public Administration and Law; International Relations; Comparative Politics; and Political Theory.
Subfield Emphasis: 12 credits taken in one or two related subfields (Comparative Politics and International Relations; American Politics and Public Administration or Law).
