The Department of Political Science offers both a major and minor course of study in political science.

For a Major in Political Science

Demand Sequence for the Program in Political Science (POLS)

POLS 1101       U.S. Government
POLS 1102       Introduction to Political Science
POLS 2210       Comparative Politics
POLS 2220       International Relations
POLS 3300       Research Methods in Political Science
POLS 4430       Senior Seminar in Political Science 

Students majoring in political science must also complete an additional 18 semester hours of elective courses chosen from among the three and four thousand level courses listed for the program in this catalog.  At lease one of these courses must be in the field of American politics and public policy (POLS 3310, 3311, 3312, 3313) and one in the fields of international relations (POLS 3320, 3321, 3322) or comparative politics (POLS 3350, 3351).  Political science internships (POLS 4400) can earn a full semester (12 hours) of credit toward graduation, but only six (6) hours can be credited toward completion of the major course.

For a Minor in Political Science

Demand Sequence for the Program in Political Science (POLS)

POLS 1101       U.S. Government
POLS 1102       Introduction to Political Science
POLS 2210       Comparative Politics
POLS 2220       International Relations

Students minoring in political science must also complete an additional 6 semester hours of elective courses chosen from among the three and four thousand level courses listed for the program in this catalog.  In the minor course of study, political science internships cannot substitute for elective course credit. 

Assessment of Objectives

Assessment of the objectives of the program in political science is based on successful completion of each major course with a grade of C or better and successful completion of POLS 4430: Senior Seminar in Political Science.  To enroll in POLS 4430 students must have completed POLS 1101, 1102, 2210, 2220, and an additional nine (9) semester hours of elective courses in the political science program.  In special circumstances, these requirements may be waived by permission of the faculty of the program.

Special Opportunities

The program in political science supervises a variety of internships in local, state, and national government and in the local legal community.  Students interested in pursing one of these opportunities should consult with the program faculty.  The program also includes service learning opportunities in several of its courses.  Again, students should consult with program faculty concerning these courses prior to registration.