Requirements

Students majoring in political science are required to take the department's introductory course in each of the four subfields. We strongly encourage students to complete all four introductory courses by the end of the sophomore year. In addition to these introductory courses, political science majors must take at least six upper-division courses (courses numbered above 110 level) in POLS or listed under the POLS course list for each semester's course schedule, for a minimum total of 10 courses and a maximum of 14 to complete the major. Of the six upper-division courses, at least one must be in American government, one in political philosophy, and one in either international relations or comparative politics. For outstanding students, there is the possibility of undertaking a two-semester honors thesis in the senior year. Majors are also strongly encouraged to take courses in related fields like history, economics, and sociology. Proficiency in a modern foreign language is highly recommended as well.