Political Science, BA

Requirements

The BA with a major in political science requires 30 hours of political science courses passed with a grade of "C-" or better and a maximum of 13 hours below the 30000 level.

In keeping with the liberal arts tradition, BA students should gain a comprehensive understanding of political science. To this end, students pursuing the BA degree must take introductory courses in three political science subfields (choosing from American Politics, Political Theory, Comparative Politics, International Politics, Judicial Politics, Methodology). As they advance to upper-level courses, students are required to explore a breadth of topics, though they will have the opportunity to concentrate their upper-level classes in a particular subfield. Students also have the option of participating in one of several active learning experiences for class credit, including internships, Moot Court, and Model United Nations.

Students intending to do graduate work in international or comparative fields are encouraged to continue foreign language study beyond the 20000 level.

A minor is required; any minor approved for the BA degree is acceptable.

A maximum of 6 hours from the following courses may be applied toward major requirements:

Any topics courses may be repeated provided the specific subject matter changes. The three-hour seminar taken in conjunction with the Washington Center Internship Program may be counted in addition to six hours of internship.

Specific requirements are as follows: Political Science BA, 30 hours

1. Any 3 of the following classes: 9 hours

Students cannot receive credit for both course and course.

2. POSC 32xx3 (Upper-level political theory) or POSC 39xx3 (Upper-level methods): 3 hours*

3. Five 30000-level or above course: 15 hours*

4. Any Political science course (an elective): 3 hours

*The requirements in 2 and 3 must come from at least 3 different subfields of political science.