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Academic Catalog 2022/2023

Political Science

Bachelor of Arts
School of Sciences, Sustainability, and Health

The Political Science major provides students with an understanding of politics and government as practiced in the United States and throughout the world, a knowledge of global political relationships, opportunities to develop skills that are useful both in the course of participating first-hand in politics and in the rigorous analysis and communication of complex information, familiarity with methods used in the study of political science, and preparation for professional careers in law, government, international affairs, and the teaching of politics and the social sciences.

Students pursuing the major in Political Science must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher in the major in order to graduate.

Integrative Studies Requirements

40 credits minimum

Major Requirements

40 credits

Core Courses

20 credits

Choose three courses:

  • ISPOSC 210 United States Politics
  • ISPOSC 220 International Relations
  • ISPOSC 240 Introduction to Comparative Politics
  • ISPOSC 330 Modern Political Thought

Foundational Writing

POSC 250 Political Writing and Research

Capstone Experience:

Choose one course:

  • POSC 410 Advanced Topics in American Politics
  • POSC 420 Advanced Topics in International Politics

Program Electives (20 credits):

In addition to 20 credits in core courses, students must take another 20 credits in courses that the department offers as POSC or ISPOSC or IIPOSC options at the 200-level or higher, with at least 12 of those credits at the 300-400 level.

Certification as a Social Studies Teacher

Political Science is an approved major for students seeking Secondary Social Studies Certification. Students will need to take the following additional certification requirements:

Dual Major in Education

  • Secondary Education

Requirements for Certification

IHHIST 161 American Encounters to 1877
IHHIST 162 American Encounters from 1877
IHHIST 111 The Ancient and Medieval World
IHHIST 112 The Modern World
ISECON 104 Introduction to Macroeconomics
ISPSYC 101 General Psychology
One course in Environmental Studies

Select one of the following:

  • 100- to 200-level course in Sociology
  • ISANTH 110 Cultural Anthropology

Electives

Select courses to reach a total of 120 credits including 40 credits at the upper-level for the degree.

Degree Requirements

120 credits
40 credits at the upper-level