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Political Science ProgramPhotos of Students and Faculty

the Bachelor's Degree - Overview

Undergraduate majors must take five foundation courses:

  • POS 201 Introduction to the American Political System
  • POS 325 Introduction to Political Philosophy
  • POS 371 Introduction to Comparative Politics
  • POS 373 Introduction to International Relations
  • POS 451 Empirical Political Analysis.

All students intending to become POS majors should take POS 201 prior to taking any other POS course. Students are encouraged to take the foundation courses, including POS 451, prior to taking other 400 level courses.

POS 325 Introduction to Political Philosophy is a prerequisite to advanced courses in political philosophy (POS 425-435).

POS 371 Introduction to Comparative Politics and 373 Introduction to International Relations are prerequisites to advanced courses in comparative and international politics (POS 471-478).

In addition to the foundation courses, students are required to take 16 hours of POS electives, of which 12 credits must be at the 400 level.

This brings the total hours in the major to 32.