Bachelor of Arts

The 40-unit political science major allows students to choose from a wide range of courses and subjects within a general framework.

A 22-unit common core of courses studies foundational political theories and thinkers (POLS 205); the American political system (POLS 200); research design and methods of political science (POLS 302); comparative political approaches and systems (POLS 303); theories and analysis of international relations (POLS 304); and a senior research seminar (POLS 498).

Beyond this common core, as part of the additional 18 units required for the major, each student must complete at least one upper-division course in each of the four major fields of political science. The department recommends that students take a political science-related internship to address any outstanding units after the upper-division electives are completed.

Major Core Requirements

Please Note:

Passage of all major core requirements requires a grade of 'C' or better.
POLS 302 (passed with a C or better) is a prerequisite for POLS 498

Major Electives

One course must be taken from each of the following areas: Political Theory, International Relations, Comparative Politics, and American Government and Politics.

For any remaining elective units after the four area studies courses are completed, students may enroll in an internship (POLS 439) or choose a fifth course from our upper-division
offerings. The department recommends POLS 307 and POLS 315 as additional electives. POLS 250 may also be used towards any outstanding major electives.

Total units for degree: 40

Political Theory Electives

Choose one of the following seven courses:

International Relations Electives

Choose one of the following eight courses:

Comparative Politics Electives

Choose one of the following nine courses:

American Government and Politics

Choose one of the following nineteen courses:

Summary Units

Total GE units: 48
Major Core Requirements units: 22
Major Elective units: 18
University Elective units: 37

Total units required to graduate: 120

Note: courses fulfilling major requirements (except internships) must be taken for a letter grade. All political science courses offered by the department are listed here. The department also encourages international study for political science students and will arrange for appropriate credits for courses of study at international universities. And since politics and economics are so closely tied together, the department recommends each student complete a basic course in economics. The department also strongly recommends that students take SSCI 299 Sophomore Year Experience (SYE) for elective or GE Area E credit. Please speak with your POLS advisor if you have any questions about what courses to enroll in.