A minimum of 36 credits in political science including at least 18 credits from courses at or above the 300-level;

1. At least four courses at or above the 300-level must be in one of the five subfields in the curriculum:

American

Theory

Global

Public Lawii




2. At least one course at the 400-level to meet the writing-intensive requirement. We recommend, but do not require, that the 400-level class is in the chosen subfield. (If it is in the chosen sub-field, it will be counted towards the four courses required in your chosen subfield). Internships cannot be used to satisfy the 400-level course requirement, but honors seminars or independent studies could be counted if they are appropriate and with permission.

Independent study courses are used to deal with topics not covered by regular departmental offerings and after classroom courses dealing with the same subject have been completed. Prior to registering for independent study; students must have their proposed research project approved by a faculty member willing to direct the research. The student's prospectus must outline the topic of the proposed research, indicate its importance to political science, and describe the methodology to be employed and methodological problems that may be encountered. Students may not register for independent study unless a copy of the prospectus, properly signed, has been filed with the department: Independent study courses may not be used in lieu of classroom courses.

Public Administration, Public Affairs courses and Criminal Justice 353 and 414 are acceptable as political science courses in meeting the 36-credit requirement in political science, but PAD and CRJ 400- level courses cannot be used to satisfy the requirement of a 400-level course which requires a major research or writing project.

The Political internship (POS 338) is open to juniors and seniors only. A maximum of 3 credits from POS 338, the former POS 431; UNI 391, and 392 will be applied toward a major in Political Science. Approval of the undergraduate coordinator is required prior to enrollment.

The Department recommends that students take the 200-level survey and topical courses.

The Department offers a two-course sequence (Pos 416Z and 417Z) in empirical methodology for social scientists. POS 416Z and Pos 417Z are both required for all Public Affairs majors. They will satisfy some of the requirements for a minor in computing in the social sciences.

ⁱ  CRJ 414 may be used in this sub-field.
ⁱⁱ CRJ 353 may be used in this subfield.

The Department of Political Science has an approved minor program for undergraduate students interested in political science but not enrolled in the field as a major.  The requirements are straightforward:

• a minimum of 18 graduation credits from course work with an R POS prefix,
• R POS 101M,
9 or more credits (of the 18 total) at or above the 300 level and/or in courses requiring at least one prerequisite course.

For more information contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies or the Humanities Office in 016.