Bachelor of Science in Political Science
The BS with a major in political science requires 30 semester hours of political science courses passed with a grade of C-or-higher and a maximum of 13 hours below the 30000 level. Any topics courses (31xx3, 32xx3, 33xx3, 34xx3, 35xx3, 39xx3) may be repeated provided the specific subject matter changes. Six hours of associated requirements are also needed.
Students intending to purse graduate work in the social sciences or business are encouraged to pursue the BS degree. A minor is required; any minor approved for the BS degree is acceptable.
Degree Requirements
- POSC 20093: Scope and Methods of Political Science
Choose 6 hours from the following:
- POSC 10133: American and Texas Government OR POSC 20123: Introduction to American Politics (students cannot receive credit for both 10133 and 20123)
- POSC 20203: Introduction to Political Theory
- POSC 20303: International Politics
- POSC 20403: Introduction to Political Law
- POSC 20503: Introduction to Comparative Politics
Choose one (1) of the following:
- POSC 39003 Topics in Political Science Methods
- POSC 39013 Survey Research
- POSC 39023 Game Theory in International Relations
- POSC 39033 Foreign Policy Analysis
- POSC 39043 Case Study Research
- POSC 39053 Experimental Methods in Political Science
- Choose five (5) upper-level (at 30000 level or above) courses
- Choose any Political Science course for 3 additional hours
- ECON 10233: Introductory Macroeconomics
Choose one (1) of the following:
- MATH 10283: Applied Calculus
- MATH 10043: Elementary Statistics
- MATH 10524: Calculus I
- INSC 20153: Statistical Analysis
(a grade of C- or better is required in each of the associated requirements)
A maximum of 6 hours, may be applied toward major requirements:
- POSC 31990 International Residential Study
- POSC 33023 International Organizations Research
- POSC 34073 Moot Court
- POSC 40003 Senior Honors in Political Science
- POSC 40910 Washington Internships
- POSC 40960 Civic Literacy Internships
- POSC 40970 Independent Study in Political Science
The three-hour seminar taken in conjunction with the Washington Center Internship Program may be counted in addition to six hours of internship credit.
For students who declared a major before fall 2023, see previous BS in Political Science requirements.