Majors & Minors in Political Science

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)
  • Political Methodology, PLSC 280 (3 credits)
  • Normative Political Theory, PLSC 380 (3 credits)
  • One course in Public Administration (PLSC 260 or 360), and/or Public Law (PLSC 370, 372 or 376)
  • One January Session course or approved equivalent
  • One Capstone seminar
  • Two additional courses, one from the subfields of American/Public Administration/Public Law and one from International Relations/Comparative Politics.

International Relations Track

Students wishing to pursue an International Relations Track should complete the basic requirements for the Political Science major and the following courses in International Relations and Comparative Politics:

  • PLSC 228; 332; 333 (9 credits)
  • PLSC 330, 339, or 340 (3 credits)
  • Two courses in Comparative Politics from at least two regions (6 credits)

In addition, students pursuing this track should take at least two (2) years of a foreign language and other appropriate courses as recommended by the department. Students are also encouraged to participate in an overseas or off-campus program that is either language-based or has a political science or international relations component.

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).