Requirements

What does a political science major require?

The Political Science major requires a minimum of 11 courses (31 credit hours) for the graduating class of the year of 2028 and beyond, and a minimum of 10 courses (30 credit hours) for the graduating class of the year 2027 and prior. In taking these courses, students must complete the following requirements:

Class of 2028 and beyond

Requirements (11 courses, 31 credits):

• 1-credit Why Political Science? course

• Introduction to Political Theory

• 1 course in American Politics (introductory or intermediate)*

• 1 course in International Relations (introductory or intermediate)*

• 1 course in World Politics (introductory or intermediate)*

• 1 Methods course (Quantitative Methods, Qualitative Methods, or Research Design and Methods)

• 3 intermediate courses in either one of four tracks or a general course of study

• 2 writing seminars, taken in junior or senior year

*In addition to the Introduction to Political Theory course, students must take a course in each of the other fields of political science: American Politics, International Relations, and World Politics. One of these must be an introductory course, the other two can be introductory or intermediate-level courses.

Class of 2027 and prior

Requirements (10 courses, 30 credits):

• 1 course in American Politics (introductory or intermediate)**

• 1 course in International Relations (introductory or intermediate)**

• 1 course in World Politics (introductory or intermediate)**

• 1 course in Political Theory (introductory or intermediate)**

• 4 intermediate courses in either one of four tracks or a general course of study

• 2 writing seminars, taken in junior or senior year

**Majors must take a course in each of the four fields of political science: American Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics, and Political Theory. Two of these must be introductory courses, the other two can be introductory or intermediate-level courses.

Can I customize my degree?

You are encouraged to select a Track as you complete your degree, emphasizing your coursework to one of the four fields of Political Science: American Politics, Political Theory, World Politics, and International Relations.

While not required, these Tracks give students the chance to deepen their knowledge and experience in a specific field of study, focusing their learning in the field they’re actively pursuing. This depth of knowledge within the chosen field is a great option for every major to take advantage of.

Completion of a Track involves four courses:

• The Track’s Introductory course

• Three intermediate-level courses in that field of study

You can specialize in an area of interest or field of Political Science:

American Politics: The study of American politics offers a dynamic and comprehensive exploration of politics in the United States. Course topics include democracy, Congress, political behavior, public opinion, religion and politics, the judiciary, political parties, elections, race and ethnicity, and the impact of the media on politics.

International Relations: The study of international relations focuses primarily on the interactions between countries. Course topics include foreign policy, international security, international political economy, international organizations, and various issues in global governance.

World Politics: The study of world politics considers political and economic issues within specific regions and countries of the world. Topics include political systems, institutions, processes, and behaviors across different countries. Course topics include the study and comparison of various political systems, democratization, authoritarianism, development, political economy, institutions, elections, processes, and behaviors.

Political Theory: Political theory asks the most fundamental questions about politics. Course topics include constitutional law, political thought, the politics of conscience, democracy and virtue, Catholicism and politics, religious freedom, and liberalism.