Major requirements are: 18 hours of core courses that cover major political science sub fields (i.e., American government, international relations, comparative politics, theory, public law and policy, and research methods); 15 hours of political science electives, 12 of which must be taken at the 300 level or above, and one of which must be a 400 level senior seminar, which includes a substantial research requirement. Grades of C- or better are required for courses applied towards the major. At graduation, a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for all political science courses taken. For a semester-by-semester guide to the course requirements for the Bachelor of Arts curriculum, including all of the concentrations described below, see the departmental website.
Students who wish to focus their studies in a specific sub field may elect one of the following concentrations under the Bachelor of Arts program:
American Politics
This concentration develops skills that benefit students interested in graduate and professional school, administrative careers, and business careers that involve government relations and policy. Major requirements are: 21 hours of core courses; 9 hours of courses specifically related to the study of political processes, institutions, political culture, and political events within the American system.
International Politics
This concentration develops skills that benefit students interested in graduate or professional school, careers in government service, international organizations, issue advocacy, and businesses with international interests. Major requirements are: 15 hours of core courses; 12 hours of concentration electives in regional and world politics; 3 hours of concentration electives in any political science sub-field.
Law and Justice
This concentration develops skills that benefit students interested in graduate or professional school (particularly law school), law enforcement, judicial administration, and careers with agencies involved in the administration of justice. Major requirements are: 18 hours of core courses; 12 hours of emphasis electives in either the justice system or law and theory.
Public Policy
This concentration prepares students for careers with public institutions where they will work with the processes, formulation, implementation, and evaluation of public policy at international, national, state, and local levels. Major requirements are: 15 hours of core courses; 15 hours of concentration electives.