Course descriptions
Political Science serves students whose primary interest is in some phase of public affairs (law, politics, government service) or international relations (foreign service), in gaining a better understanding of the entire field of governmental organization and functions.
Major Courses
- A minimum of nine credits in Political Science 1000-level courses from the following subdivisions: Theory and Methodology (POLS 1002), Comparative Politics (POLS 1202 or 1207), International Relations (POLS 1402), and American Politics (POLS 1602). It is recommended that these courses be taken during the first two years of study.
- A minimum of 24 credits in Political Science numbered 2000 or higher (none on a pass-fail basis):
- At least one course in four of the following six subdivisions (total of 12 credits):
- Theory and Methodology: POLS 2023, 2062, 2072Q, 2073Q, 3002, 3012, 3017, 3019, 3022W, 3030, 3032, 3042, 3062, 3072, 3082, 3672
- Comparative Politics: POLS 2222, 3202, 3203, 3205, 3206, 3208, 3209, 3211, 3212, 3214, 3216, 3228, 3235, 3237, 3239, 3240, 3245, 3249, 3250, 3252, 3255, 3256
- International Relations: POLS 2450, 3040, 3247, 3402, 3406, 3410, 3412, 3413, 3414, 3418, 3422, 3428, 3429, 3430, 3432, 3434, 3437, 3438W, 3442, 3447, 3450, 3457, 3462, 3464, 3472, 3476, 3710
- American Politics: POLS 2602, 2607, 2622, 3600, 3601, 3602, 3603WQ, 3604, 3606, 3608, 3610, 3612, 3613, 3615, 3617, 3618, 3622, 3625, 3627, 3632, 3642, 3647, 3652, 3662, 3667, 3720, 3850
- Public Administration, Policy and Law: POLS 2062, 3802, 3807, 3812, 3817, 3822, 3827, 3832, 3834, 3837, 3842, 3847, 3852, 3857
- Race, Gender, and Ethnic Politics: POLS 2602, 3019, 3030, 3082, 3210, 3216, 3218, 3247, 3249, 3252, 3418, 3464, 3632, 3633, 3642, 3647, 3652, 3662, 3667, 3672, 3807, 3834, 3837
- Other 2000 level (or higher) Political Science courses totaling a minimum of 12 credits.
- Students must take at least one three credit W course within the major. Advanced information literary exit requirements are incorporated into all W courses in the major, and students who successfully complete political science W courses will have met this requirement.
- At least one course in four of the following six subdivisions (total of 12 credits):

