For Students

The Political Science Department offers a diverse and flexible curriculum designed to help students prepare for meaningful careers in government, public service, law, journalism, teaching and other related areas.

While the department encourages students to sample broadly according to their own interests, some advance planning is necessary to fulfill major requriements in an efficient and timely manner.

Declaring a major in Political Science

To declare a major in Political Science Department, or for more advising, students should make an appointment with Dr. Sabo (ZH 207) to discuss their interests and the program. Although it is not required, we recommend that students complete the Language 120,  Political Science 220 and 281, and Statistics 185 requirements before declaring.

Gateway courses -- Pols 220 and Pols 281

The political science gateway courses -- Pols 220: Principles of American Political Behavior and Pols 281: Principles of International Relations -- should be taken early for several reasons.  First, they are prerequisites for many of the upper-division courses.  More importantly, these introductory courses are designed to prepare students to succeed in upper level courses by introducing them to the foundational concepts, theories, and methods of political science. 

Senior Requiements -- Pols 400/401 or Pols 390/490 and Pols 450 and Pols 460

All political science majors must complete a senior capstone experience, fulfilled by either Pols 400 and Pols 401 (Internship and Internship Seminar, respectively) or by Pols 390 and Pols 490 (Political Analysis and Senior Research Seminar).  THESE COURSES ARE TAUGHT ONLY IN THE FALL SEMSTER, so students must enroll on one sequence or the other in the fall semester before they intend to graduate.

The other senior required courses for the major -- Pols 450: Classical Political Studies and the Contemporary World and Pols 460: Senior Colloqium -- ARE OFFERED ONLY IN THE SPRING, so students must enroll in these course the final spring before they expect to graduate.

Work closely with your advisor during your junior year to make sure you are on track to graduate according to plan.

Planning to study abroad?

The Political Science department strongly encourages students to study abroad.  However, because the senior requirements must be met on campus, students should plan to study abroad during their sophomore or, ideally, junior year.  Talk to your advisor about your study abroad plans early and often.