Tracks for Political Science MajorStudents majoring in Political Science will choose one of the following four tracks: Politics, Law and Politics, Global Politics, or Business and Politics.
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Requirement Worksheet
This option is designed for students who desire a general liberal education in politics, or who may wish to pursue the Ph.D. in political science or to attend law school. The required curriculum aims to assure liberal breadth, acquaintance with the methods of political science, and some knowledge in depth of one of the subfields of political science. It also cultivates mastery of the English language, habits of careful reading, and the theoretical, logical, and mathematical reasoning abilities that are required in graduate work. Students who prefer to combine this option with preparation for law school should choose from the cognate course options in the Law and Politics track.
Required Major Courses: Thirty-three semester hours in Political Science, including:
(A) POSC 2401, 2401, 2601 and 2801;
(B) Seven upper division courses chosen from at least three of the Groups I-IV.
NOTE: At least two of the upper division courses must be designated as "writing development" courses.
Recommended Cognate Courses: Six semester hours from any of the following courses: ECON 2003, ECON 2004, ENGL 3210, MATH 1390, MATH 1400, and 3001 and/or 3100 of any foreign language.
This option is designed especially for students who wish to combine liberal education in politics with preparation for law school. The required curriculum aims to assure liberal breadth, familiarity with the nature of American law, and solid grounding in the politics, economics, and history of the society from which that law arises. It also strives to foster the mastery of the English language, the habits of careful reading, and the logical and mathematical reasoning abilities that are demanded by the LSAT.
Required Major Courses: Thirty-three semester hours in Political Science, including:
(A) POSC 2401 and 2801, and either POSC 2401 or 2601;
(B) POSC 4241, 4251, and 4601;
(C) POSC 4216 or 4376;
(D) One upper division course from Group I;
(E) One upper division course from Group IV;
(F) Any two additional POSC courses (can include 2401 or 2601).
NOTE: At least two of the upper division courses must be designated as "writing development" courses.
Recommended Cognate Courses: Six semester hours from any of the following courses: ECON 2003, ECON 2004, ENGL 3210, MATH 1390, MATH 1400.
This option is intended for students who wish to combine liberal education in politics with preparation for careers in international politics or business. The required curriculum aims to assure liberal breadth, knowledge of types of regimes found in the modern world, and a basic grasp of international politics, security, political economy, and organization. Students choosing this option also might consider further study in specialized MA programs.
Required Major Courses: At least 33 credits in Political Science, including:
(A) POSC 2201, 2401 and 2601;
(B) Two upper division courses from Group II;
(C) Either POSC 4601 or 4611;
(D) Either POSC 4621 or 4631;
(E) One of POSC 4201, 4211, 4216, and 4376;
(F) One of POSC 4641, 4701, 4711, 4721, 4731, and 4741;
(G) Any two additional POSC courses (can include 2801).
NOTE: At least two of the upper division courses must be designated as "writing development" courses.
Recommended Cognate Courses: Six credits, either from a third year of foreign language or from ECON 2003 and 2004. Students in this track should also take elective courses in the histories and literatures of the foreign countries and cultures that interest them most.
This option is designed for students who wish to combine liberal education in politics with specialty courses that intersect with political economy, philosophy, and political regulation of business. The required curriculum aims to assure liberal breadth, along with knowledge and understanding of the institutions, processes, and historical context of advanced capitalist democracies. Many students choosing this track will double-major in economics or management. Many will choose to go on to business school, a public policy masters program, or other graduate work. Others will work in the private sector or for a government agency.
Required Major Courses: Thirty-three semester hours in Political Science, including:
(A) POSC 2201, and two of POSC 2401, 2601, and 2801;
(B) POSC 4321;
(C) Two of POSC 4411, 4621, and 4861;
(D) Three of POSC 4216, 4231, 4281, 4331, 4341, 4406, 4641, 4851, and 4986;
(E) Any two additional POSC courses*
Required Cognate Courses:
(A) ECON 2003
(B) ECON 2004
NOTE: At least two of the upper division courses must be designated as "writing development" courses.
*One of these courses may be the intro course not taken to fulfill (A) above.
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