Political science is the study of government, politics and public issues and the institutions and processes through which conflict over such issues are resolved. The major is grounded in the field's theoretical traditions and provides a strong background in the fundamental branches of the discipline: American politics, comparative politics, international politics, public policy, public administration and political theory. Political science students develop analytical and methodological skills that permit them to critically assess contemporary political events and identify practical solutions to problems that arise in society and government. The major offers a solid foundation for a liberal arts education, regardless of a student's career objectives, and is particularly well-suited to those interested in government, law, teaching, business and journalism. As undergraduates, political science majors have the opportunity to gain practical experience in the field by working for political campaigns and serving as interns for a state legislature, local or state courts, or various law-related organizations. Students with majors in political science may earn either a Bachelor of Science degree or a Bachelor of Arts degree, which has a two-year non-English modern or classical language requirement.

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 for students who declared
a Political Science major during Fall 2012 or later. 

This second checksheet link is only for students who
declared their major before Fall 2012.

42 semester hours (effective Fall 2011)

Required courses ~ 24 hours

• 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-Research Design and Data Collection, 3 hrs.
• POLS 332-Statistics and Data Analysis, 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-Ancient Political Theory, 3 hrs. /or/
  POLS 446-Modern Political Theory, 3 hrs.

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• POLS 499-Senior Seminar in Political Science, 3 hrs.

Elective courses ~ 15 hours

• Fifteen hours selected from political science courses as directed by advisor.

Social Science course ~ 3 hours

• Majors must also complete one course in one of these disciplines: economics, psychology, or sociology (for a total of three credit hours).

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Political Science Minor

This checksheet link is for students who declared
a Political Science minor during Fall 2012 or later.

This second checksheet link is only for students who declared
a Political Science minor before Fall 2012.

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-Research Design and Data Collection, 3 hrs.
• POLS 332-Statistics and Data Analysis, 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-Ancient Political Theory I, 3 hrs. /or/
  POLS 446-Modern 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.