Political Science Degree Program
Political Science is the study of government and public policy and of the political behavior of individuals, groups, and institutions. In choosing a degree track in the department, the student is allowed to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree with the general education requirements outlined by the College of Liberal Arts.
Areas of Specialization
Pre-law Study
The department offers a suggested course of study designed to prepare students for law school. This plan is especially designed for those interested in legal careers in public service or politics. It consists of a major in political science which includes the following courses:
PSC 141 - Introduction to American Government: Theory and Politics (GOV 2301)
PSC 142 - Introduction to American Government: Structure and Functions (GOV 2302)
PSC 301 - Judicial Process
PSC 302 - Topics in the Development of American Law
PSC 402 -
PSC 403 - American Constitutional Law
and 12 semester hours selected from the following:
PSC 310 -
PSC 312 -
PSC 313 - State Governments
PSC 412 - Public Opinion & American Democracy
PSC 433 - American Political Thought
PSC 441 - International Law
PSC 447 - The U.S. Congress
PSC 448 - The American Presidency
PSC 449 - Urban Affairs
PSC 450 - Urban Political Problems
Electives could include:
ACC 231 and 232
BLW 335 and 437
CJS 413 and 414
PHI 163
Practical Politics
The department offers a suggested course of study designed to prepare students for active participation in political life, especially at the local level. It leads to a major in political science and includes the following courses:
PSC 141 - Introduction to American Government: Theory and Politics (GOV 2301)
PSC 142 - Introduction to American Government: Structure and Functions (GOV 2302)
PSC 306 - Political Parties & Interest Groups
PSC 312 -
PSC 313 - State Governments
PSC 344 -
PSC 403 - American Constitutional Law
PSC 412 - Public Opinion & American Democracy
PSC 449 - Urban Affairs
PSC 450 - Urban Political Problems
The following electives are strongly recommended:
SOC 139 and 253
ECO 341
GEO 439
Political Economy
The major in political science with a political economy emphasis consists of 15 semester hours from the following courses:
PSC 141 -
PSC 142 -
PSC 312 -
PSC 332 -
PSC 412 -
15 semester hours from the following courses:
ECO 231, 232, 331, 337 and 480
18 semester hours from the following courses:
advanced economics
advanced political science
GEO 310, 365 and 439
FOR 435
BLW 335 and 437
Basic degree requirements are the same as those for the major in political science, except no minor is required.
Political Science Majors and Minor
Political Science Majors
- A major will take PSC 303 and 33 hours of advanced Political Science courses for a total of 36 semester hours. Students with a first major in Political Science may choose the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.
- A second major requires PSC 303 plus 24 advanced Political Science courses.
Political Science Minor
- A minor consists of 18 advanced Political Science hours.
Undergraduate Honors Study in Political Science
A student may apply for Honors in Political Science if he or she meets the criteria described under the title "Departmental Honors Study" in the introductory section devoted to the College of Liberal Arts in the General Bulletin. Applicants may procure admission forms from the Chair of the department. An honors committee of the department reviews applications, approves admissions, suggests individual projects and administers all regulations pertaining to honors study.
The number of semester hours of credit for the honors course (PSC 398H) is determined by the scope of the project undertaken. At the completion of the project the student will receive a written and an oral examination. He or she must also submit to the department a copy of the research project to be retained by the department. Before registering for the honors course, a student must receive written permission from the Dean of Liberal Arts.