Political Science, B.A.

Political Science (36-hour major; 18-hour minor)

A major in political science requires PSC 303  and PSC 490  and an additional 30 hours of advanced political science or public administration coursework with at least 24 hours at the 300 level or higher. PSC 141  and PSC 142  do not count toward the major or minor. Students with a major in political science may choose the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science. A minor in political science consists of 18 hours of political science coursework at the 200 level or higher, including at least 12 hours at the 300 level or higher. Students may elect to pursue one of the following areas of emphasis:

Major in political science with an American politics and public service emphasis (36 hours)

This major emphasis prepares students who are interested in careers in politics, public service or graduate programs specializing in American politics or public administration.

This emphasis requires:

• PSC 200 - Introduction to Politics Credit(s): 3

• or

• PSC 211 - Introduction to Pre-Law Credit(s): 3

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• PSC 303 - Political Research Methods Credit(s): 3
• PSC 447 - The U.S. Congress Credit(s): 3
• PSC 448 - The American Presidency Credit(s): 3
• PSC 490 - Senior Seminar Credit(s): 3

Major in political science with national security emphasis (36 hours)

This major emphasis examines global security issues, both traditional (e.g., war and peace) and non-traditional (e.g., environmental issues, mass migration and nonstate actors).

This emphasis requires:

• PSC 240 - World Politics: Power and Money Credit(s): 3
• PSC 303 - Political Research Methods Credit(s): 3
• PSC 332 - International Politics Credit(s): 3
• PSC 490 - Senior Seminar Credit(s): 3

Major in political science with international development emphasis (36 hours)

This major emphasis examines the necessary and sufficient conditions attendant to economic, social and sustainable development.

This emphasis requires:

• PSC 240 - World Politics: Power and Money Credit(s): 3
• PSC 303 - Political Research Methods Credit(s): 3
• PSC 332 - International Politics Credit(s): 3
• PSC 333 - International Political Economy Credit(s): 3
• PSC 334 - International Human Rights Credit(s): 3
• PSC 490 - Senior Seminar Credit(s): 3

Major in political science with pre-law emphasis (36 hours)

This major emphasis prepares students for the demands of law school and careers in the legal profession by exposing students to the foundations of legal writing, analysis and research. It also prepares students to understand how law influences politics, social institutions and ethics in America.

This emphasis requires:

• PSC 211 - Introduction to Pre-Law Credit(s): 3
• PSC 303 - Political Research Methods Credit(s): 3
• PSC 305 - Appellate Advocacy Credit(s): 3
• PSC 403 - American Constitutional Law I Credit(s): 3
• PSC 404 - American Constitutional Law II Credit(s): 3
• PSC 490 - Senior Seminar Credit(s): 3