Download Political Science program information sheet

Political science is the study of government and politics or of public issues and the institutions and processes through which conflict over such issues is resolved. Study in political science offers a solid foundation for a liberal arts education regardless of career objectives. Majors have opportunities for practical experience working in political campaigns and serving as interns for local governments or the state legislature. Those interested in careers in teaching, government, business, journalism, and law will find political science an excellent preparation for such vocations. Students with majors in political science may earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, which has a two-year foreign language requirement, or a Bachelor of Science degree.

In addition to the departmental degree requirements, a minimum of 50 hours in the University Core Curriculum must be met.

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Political Science Major

This checksheet link is only for students who declared
a Political Science major before Fall 2004. 

This second checksheet link is for students who
declare their major during Fall 2004 or later.

42 semester hours

Required courses ~ 27 hours

• POLS 101-Introduction to Political Science, 3 hrs.
• POLS 102-Introduction to American Politics, 3 hrs.

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• POLS 202-Introduction to Public Administration, 3 hrs. /or/
  POLS 203-Introduction to the Policy Process in the United States, 3 hrs.

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• POLS 271-International Politics, 3 hrs.
• POLS 281-Comparative Politics, 3 hrs.
• POLS 331-Political Inquiry I, 3 hrs.
• POLS 332-Political Inquiry II, 3 hrs.

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• POLS 309-American Political Theory, 3 hrs. /or/
  POLS 345-Man vs. the State, 3 hrs. /or/
  POLS 445-Political Theory I, 3 hrs. /or/
  POLS 446-Political Theory II, 3 hrs.

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• Required Social Science Course in either:  Sociology, Economics, or Psychology, 3 hrs.

Elective courses ~ 15 hours

• Fifteen hours selected from political science courses as directed by advisor.
• Criminal Justice courses that may be used as Political Science electives:
  • CRIM 301-Introduction to Criminal Justice Administration
  • CRIM 302-Criminal Law

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Political Science Minor

This checksheet link is only for students who declared
a Political Science minor before Fall 2004.

This second checksheet link is for students who
declare their minor during Fall 2004 or later.

24 semester hours

Required courses ~ 18 hours

• POLS 101-Introduction to Political Science, 3 hrs. /or/
  POLS 102-Introduction to American Politics, 3 hrs.

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• POLS 271-International Politics, 3 hrs. /or/
  POLS 281-Comparative Politics, 3 hrs.

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• POLS 202-Introduction to Public Administration, 3 hrs. /or/
  POLS 203-Introduction to the Policy Process in the United States, 3 hrs.

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• POLS 331-Political Inquiry I, 3 hrs.
• POLS 332-Political Inquiry II, 3 hrs.

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• POLS 309-American Political Theory, 3 hrs. /or/
  POLS 345-Man vs. the State, 3 hrs. /or/
  POLS 445-Political Theory I, 3 hrs. /or/
  POLS 446-Political Theory II, 3 hrs.

Elective courses ~ 6 hours

• Six hours selected from political science courses as directed by advisor.
• Criminal Justice courses that may be used as Political Science electives:
  • CRIM 301-Introduction to Criminal Justice Administration
  • CRIM 302-Criminal Law

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Political Science/Government (Teacher Education)

Students who intend to teach history, government, economics, psychology or sociology at the secondary school (high school) level must declare a Social Science Secondary Education Major.

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Social Science Associate

The Social Science Associate degree program in social sciences is designed for students who anticipate the need for only two years of college education. Basically it reflects the training received in the first two years of a regular four-year program, and a student may, if he or she desires, continue on to a baccalaureate degree. At the same time a student with an associate degree will have the satisfaction of having recognition for his or her efforts, and will be able to produce a tangible certification for prospective employers.  This degree does not qualify the student to teach high school. Certification for high school teachers requires completion of the Social Science Secondary Education degree.