The major in political science offers systematic study of politics, including the way people are governed and govern themselves in a wide variety of settings. The curriculum focuses on fundamental principles, enduring issues of politics, forms of government, public policy, public law, and public administration from both domestic and international perspectives. It explores political, cultural and philosophical influences on public policy and policy-making. By enabling students to understand the role of government at local, state, and national levels in domestic and foreign settings, the program prepares graduates to become more effective global citizens as well as preparing them to enter or advance careers in government service, private corporations, nonprofit organizations, or advanced study in law, business, journalism, or graduate school.

The student who graduates with a Major in Political Science will be able to

• Explain political theories and the forms and structures of government and discuss their impact upon the political process and policy development.



• Discuss how public policy shapes societies.



• Compare and contrast public decision making and its implementation in domestic and foreign settings.



• Describe how various governmental and nongovernmental organizations contribute to global politics.



• Apply effectively a variety of approaches and methodologies to the analysis of political, administrative, and policy problems.



• Demonstrate awareness of the ethical issues associated with the study and application of political science in the theoretical and practical realm.

A degree with a major in political science requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 30 credits for the major (indicated by Δ); 41 credits in general education requirements (GERs); and 49 credits in the minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 15 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

Coursework for a major in political science includes the following:

• Required foundation course (3 credits): GVPT 100
• Core courses (15 credits): GVPT 101 (or 444), 170 (or 475), 200 (or 401), and 280 and STAT 200 (Note minimum requirements for upper-level coursework.)
• Supplemental major courses (12 credits): Any upper-level GVPT courses
• Required related course (3 credits), which may be applied anywhere in the degree: MATH 107 or MATH 106

The following course sequence will fulfill all the requirements for the Major in Political Science. Since some recommended courses fill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an advisor whenever taking advantage of other options. Information on alternate courses (where allowable) to fulfill general education requirements (in communications, arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary issues) may be found on the GER page.

First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)
Note: Placement tests are required for MATH and WRTG courses.

LIBS 150 Information Literacy and Research Methods (1)

WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)

MATH 107 College Algebra (3)
or MATH 106 or a higher-level math course

Δ GVPT 100 Introduction to Political Science (3)

Introductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)

SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology (3)
or other ANTH, BEHS, ECON, GEOG, GVPT, PSYC, SOCY,
or eligible AASP, CCJS, GERO, or WMST course to satisfy the first behavioral and social sciences requirement

Both BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3)
and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1)
or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology
or other course(s) to satisfy the biological and physical sciences lecture and laboratory requirement

WRTG 291 Expository and Research Writing (3)
or other course to satisfy the communications writing requirement

IFSM 201 Introduction to Computer-Based Systems (3)
or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software

PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3)
or a foreign language course
or other ARTH, ARTT, HIST, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, THET, dance, or literature course to satisfy the arts and humanities requirement

Δ GVPT 280 Comparative Politics and Government (3)

Foundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits)

HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3)
or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865
or other ARTH or HIST course to satisfy the arts and humanities requirement in historical perspective (discipline must differ from other humanities course)

Δ GVPT 101 Introduction to Political Theory (3)
or GVPT 444 American Political Theory

PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
or other course to satisfy the second behavioral and social sciences requirement (discipline must differ from first)

NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)
or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy
or other course to satisfy the biological and physical sciences lecture requirement

Δ GVPT 200 International Political Relations (3)
or GVPT 401 Problems of World Politics

SPCH 100 Foundations of Speech Communication (3)
or COMM 380 Language in Social Contexts
or other course to satisfy the communications/ writing or speech requirement

Δ STAT 200 Introduction to Statistics

IFSM 304 Ethics in the Information Age (3)
or other course(s) to satisfy the interdisciplinary issues/computing requirement

Additional Required Courses (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

WRTG 391 Advanced Expository and Research Writing (3)
or other course to satisfy the communications/upper-level intensive writing requirement

Δ GVPT 444 American Political Theory (3)
or GVPT 101 Introduction to Political Theory

Δ GVPT 403 Law, Morality, and War (3)
(or other supplemental major course)

Δ GVPT 406 Global Terrorism (3)
(or other supplemental major course)

Δ GVPT 457 American Foreign Policy (3)
(or other supplemental major course)

Δ GVPT 404 Democratization (3)
(or other supplemental major course)

Minor and/or Elective Courses (to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (49)
(to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses)

Total credits for BS in Political Science: 120