Political Science

Degree Requirements

  1. Three of the four introductory courses, two of which must be completed before taking the junior qualifying examination. The third may be in progress at that time.
    1. Introduction to Political Behavior (210).
    2. Introduction to Comparative Politics (220).
    3. Introduction to Political Philosophy (230).
    4. Introduction to International Politics (240).
  2. Economics 201.
  3. Statistics: one of Mathematics 141, Economics 311, Sociology 311, or Psychology 348.
  4. Political Science 470.
  5. Four additional units in political science.
  6. Junior qualifying examination. Students will write a junior literature review and research design in a regular course in place of a portion of the other assignments for that course. Course choice is left to the student, but this must be completed during the junior year.

Competence in a foreign language is strongly recommended for all majors, especially for those with interests in comparative and international politics. All courses in political science are offered as conferences. Some incorporate occasional lectures or a seminar format. Political Science 470 (thesis) may include one or more fall semester conferences made up of all political science thesis students and faculty members, depending upon enrollments.