Degree Information

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Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science

 To obtain a B.A. degree in Political Science, students must:

  • Complete each of the five core courses in Political Science: PS 0200 American Politics, PS 0300 Comparative Politics, PS 0500 International Relations, PS 600 Political Theory, and PS 0700 Research Methods.​ 
  • Complete a minimum of three courses in a primary field of focus. You select one of the four areas of study (American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, or Political Theory) in which to take at least 3 upper level classes. This is your “primary field.” 
  • Complete a minimum of three courses outside your primary field of focus. This is considered the “breadth requirement.” (Note that these do not have to be in the same field as each other but simply outside of the primary field). 
  • Within the above requirements, one of these must be an analysis course (129x, 139x, 159x, or 169x) or a 1700 course. This course satisfies one of the courses for the primary field or the breadth requirement. 
  • Within the above requirements, one of these must be your capstone course, taken in your senior year (either PS 1281, 1381, 1581, or 1681). Ideally, you will complete a capstone course within your primary field.  The capstone course also satisfies one of the writing-intensive course requirements for Arts and Sciences. It satisfies one of the three courses in your primary field. 
  • The last requirement for the major is to take a minimum of 12 Arts and Sciences credits in another department (example disciplines include anthropology, history, economics, or sociology) or a related concentration in regional studies. A minor, second major, or certificate also satisfies this requirement. Courses must be taken within the College of Arts and Sciences to count as your related area. These courses must either be in the same department as each other or be a minor/major/certificate. 

 Advanced Degree Options

Outstanding and motivated students seeking an even more challenging academic experience, especially those who are considering graduate school, may wish to pursue an advanced degree. The Department offers two such options to students: a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Philosophy (B.Phil.).

These degrees are ideal for ambitious students interested in undertaking significant and original research projects under close faculty supervision. Students interested in either of these degrees MUST begin the process no later than the first semester of their junior years. In almost all cases, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree is not an appropriate degree for students desiring to go to law school.

Students interested in advanced degrees should speak with a Departmental advisor for more information. Please see the advising tab to see how to do so.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Political Science

The B.S. degree is intended for students interested in rigorous training in formal and/or quantitative analysis of politics.

To obtain a B.S. degree in Political Science, students must:

  • Fulfill the requirements for a B.A. in Political Science
  • Select their secondary field as Methods and Models, completing the courses PS 1702 and PS 1710.
  • Complete 12 credits of additional coursework in cognate fields approved by their faculty sponsor.
  • Produce an original paper of high quality as a thesis, and defend that thesis in front of their faculty sponsor and a committee from the Department.

Bachelor of Philosophy (B.Phil.) in Political Science

The B.Phil. degree, which is overseen jointly by the Department of Political Science and the University Honors College (UHC), is designed for students who wish to pursue a rigorous academic program with a pronounced interdisciplinary character.

To obtain a B.Phil. degree in Political Science, students must:

  • Fulfill the requirements for a B.A. in Political Science
  • Complete 12 credits of additional coursework in cognate fields approved by their faculty sponsor.
  • Produce an original paper of high quality as a thesis, and defend that thesis in a manner approved by both the Department and the University Honors College.

View course requirements on the Undergraduate Studies Majors, Minors, and Certificates page.

Minor in Political Science

To earn a minor in Political Science students must:

  • complete one core course in a substantive field (0200 American Politics, 0300 Comparative Politics, 0500 International Relations, or 0600 Political Theory)
  • complete four upper-level courses in the same substantive field as the core course, under the direction of an undergraduate advisor.

For example, a student interested in American Politics might earn a minor by completing the core course (PS 0200) and four upper level courses in American Politics (e.g., PS 1211 Legislative Politics, PS 1212 American Presidency, PS 1261 American Public Policy, and PS 1275 Religion and Politics. Students interested in completing a minor in Political Science should consult with an undergraduate academic advisor to ensure that the correct coursework is completed.

View course requirements on the Undergraduate Studies Majors, Minors, and Certificates page.

Global Studies and Area Studies Certificates

A variety of certificate programs is available to Political Science majors who wish to add a global or regional focus to their degree. Certificates are available in the following fields (click on the link for more information):

Graduation with Honors

Students earn Honors in Political Science if they achieve and overall GPA of 3.50 and a GPA of 3.70 in Political Science courses.