Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

Degree Requirements

Required: 36 credits minimum, 20 credits upper division.

Required Courses

• POLS 320: Scope and Methods of Political Science

• POLS 476: Capstone

Select two of the following

• POLS 102: Theory & Practice American Government

• POLS 207: Contemporary Issues in Public Policy

• POLS 200: Introduction to Global Studies

• POLS 222: Introduction to Political Science

Select one of the following

• POLS 321: Ancient Political Thought

• POLS 322: Modern Political Thought

• POLS 324: American Political Thought

Experiential Learning Requirement

Students must engage in experiential learning. Pre-approved options include study abroad, LCWS (Learning Community Work Study), service learning, applied practicum, and/or internships 

Or through one of these additional courses:

• POLS 415: Model United Nations

• POLS 485: Experiential Practicum

Political Science Electives (15 minimum credits) at least 8 credits need to be upper division

Emphasis Areas

In addition to the program requirements, students fulfill the 36 credits minimum for the major by selecting one of three emphases: 1) General, 2) International Relations, or 3) Law and Public Policy.

General Emphasis

36 credits minimum, 20 credits upper division. Note: Additional courses may be substituted with the approval of the Department Chair.

Any Political Science course listed in the catalog can be applied to the general emphasis

International Relations Emphasis

36 credits minimum, 20 credits upper division. Note: additional courses may be substituted with the approval of the Department Chair.

Select two of the following

• POLS 341: European Government and Politics

• POLS 360: International Relations

• POLS 365: American Foreign Policy

• POLS 367: Comparative Politics

• POLS 461: International Law and Organization

• POLS 482: Selected Topics (1-4 credits)

Select two of the following

• POLS 382: History and Politics of Latin America

• POLS 384: History/Politics Modern Middle East

• POLS 388: History and Politics of East Asia

• POLS 443: Government and Politics of Africa

Law and Public Policy Emphasis

Required: 36 credits minimum, 20 credits upper division. Note: Additional courses may be substituted with the approval of the Department Chair.

Required Courses

• POLS 207: Contemporary Issues in Public Policy

Select two of the following

• POLS 210/POLS 310: Multiculturalism, Race & Politics in U.S.

• POLS 303: Parties, Interest Groups & Pub Opinion

• POLS 307: California Politics

• POLS 317: Politics of Community Development

• POLS 365: American Foreign Policy

• POLS 403: Public Administration and Public Policy

• POLS 412: Civil Rights Movement

• POLS 416: Social Movement & Politics Global Change

• POLS 418: Women and Politics

• POLS 419: Internet and Politics

• POLS 427 :American Political Institutions

Select one of the following

• POLS 105: Introduction to Law and Legal Process

• POLS 401: American Constitutional Law

• POLS 404: Constitutional Law in Criminal Justice

• POLS 405: Freedom of Communication

• POLS 414: Environmental Law and Policy

• POLS 461: International Law and Organization

• POLS 481: Law and Society