Academics

Department of Politics > Requirements

Politics Major
The major in the department consists of a minimum of eight courses:

Two introductory courses 110 and 120. Under unusual circumstances an upper-level course may be substituted for an introductory course.

Six advanced courses. The advanced courses must include at least three at the 300 level or higher, and one from each of the five subfields of politics in the following fashion:

American politics (220, 221, 222, 223, 224, or 226).

Comparative politics (210, 212, 216, 217, or 219).

International relations (240, 245, or 340).

Political theory (353, 354, 355, 356, or 357).

Public law (360 or 365).

One senior studies requirement (470, 480, 490, or 491).

In order to graduate with a degree in politics, a student must attain a minimum 2.0 GPA in the major. The department encourages study beyond the required courses, especially at the 300 level and in courses arranged as individual tutorials, independent research, internships, and senior theses.

Politics Minor
The department offers a minor with these requirements:

Six courses including 110, 120, and one course at the 300 level. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in the minor.