Politics (B.A.)

Our innovative politics major prepares you for the challenges of modern society:

We want you to understand how political, economic, cultural, sexual, and racial power structures work. Our interdisciplinary, transnational, and cross-cultural curriculum is designed to be flexible, and it includes nontraditional coursework that emphasizes analysis of the relationships of power. You have the freedom to choose from course options to develop traditional and/or more innovative methods of study, especially at the intermediate, seminar, and tutorial levels.

Our politics major will prepare you for careers in public service, foreign relations, NGOs, international organizations, and international business. And you'll be well prepared to enter law school or graduate programs in a variety of disciplines, such as the environment, human rights, international and global affairs, journalism, and business.

For students interested in global affairs, we have a Concentration in International Studies. Click on the link for details.

Coursework

Our rigorous coursework is founded on small classes, intense dialogue, and close collaboration with faculty who work at the cutting edge of their fields. By the end of your four years, you'll be expected to have developed intermediate competency in a second language, which may help shape the area of your interest.

Concentration in International Studies

If you want to focus your studies on global issues, you can declare a concentration in international studies. The concentration requires an extra international politics course beyond the regular major. You’ll choose your upper-level politics courses from the wide range of globally focused courses offered by the department. You’ll also take four credits of a second language beyond the regular politics language requirement. For more details click here.

Concentration in International Studies
Major requirements
Requirements through Spring 2023 Requirements effective Fall 2023

100 level requirements (3 courses, 9 credits)

  • POLT 10100 - US Politics (3 credits)
  • POLT 14000 through POLT 14900 - Any one 100 level Political Theory Course (3 credits)
  • POLT 12100 through POLT 12900 - Any one 100 level International Studies Course (3 credits)

100 level requirements (3 courses, 12 credits)

  • POLT 10100 - US Politics & Policy (4 credits)
  • POLT 14000 through POLT 14900 - Any one 100 level Political Theory Course (4 credits)
  • POLT 12100 through POLT 12900 - Any one 100 level International Studies Course (4 credits)

300 level requirements (6 courses, 18 credits)

  • POLT 30100 through POLT 32000 - US Politics - 1 course (3 credits)
  • POLT 32100 through POLT 34099 - International Studies - (1 course, 3 credits)
  •  POLT 34100 through POLT 35099 - Political Theory - (1 course, 3 credits)
  • POLT 36100-37099 - Public Policy - (1 course, 3 credits)
  • Elective - Any 300 level POLT course (1 course, 3 credits)
  • Elective - Any 300 level POLT course (1 course, 3 credits)

300 level requirements (4 courses, 15-16 credits)

  • POLT 32100 through POLT 34099 - International Studies (1 course, 4 credits)

Three other courses at the 300 level in three of the four subfields (one can be an internship for 3 or 4 credits). Choose 3 of the following:

  • POLT 30100 through POLT 32000 - US Politics - (4 credits)
  • POLT 32100 through POLT 34099 - International Studies  (4 credits)
  •  POLT 34100 through POLT 35000 - Political Theory - (4 credits)
  • POLT 38000 through POLT 38199 - Internship - (3-4 credits)
  • POLT 36100-37099 - Public Policy - (4 credits)

400 level requirements (2 courses, 6 credits)

  • POLT 40100 through 40299 - Seminar (3 credits)
  • POLT 40100 through 40299, Seminar
    OR 
    POLT 40300 through 40499 Tutorial 
    OR 
    POLT 40500 through 40599 Internship
    OR
    POLT 49900 through 49999 Directed Study 
    (3 credits)

400 level requirements (2 courses, 8 credits)

  • POLT 40100 through 40299 - Seminar (4 credits)
  • POLT 40100 through 40299, Seminar
    OR 
    POLT 40300 through 40499 Tutorial
    OR
    POLT 49900 through 49999 Directed Study 
    (4 credits)

“Floater” Course (1 course, 3 credits)

  • 1 additional course at any level (3 credits)

EXCEPT: If the floater is taken during the senior year, it must be filled at the 200, 300 or 400 level

Language requirement (0-8 credits)

  • Foreign language proficiency - students must demonstrate intermediate competence (10200) by coursework or examination.

Additional requirement (0 credits)

  • Third International Studies Course (part of above 36 credits)
  • This course could also meet either the floater, 300-level elective, or 400-level
 Please note we will work closely with continuing students to ensure they graduate on time.

Language requirement (0-12 credits)

  • Foreign language proficiency - students must demonstrate intermediate competence (20200) by coursework or examination.

A grade of C or better is required in all courses to count towards the major

Degree Requirements

For more information on what's required to graduate with a major in Politics click here. These requirements are valid through Spring 2023.

Changes to the Politics Majors effective Fall 2023

Please note that we have revised our majors and minors as of Fall 2023.  For information on the requirements, please see the revised requirements for the Politics Majorat the page on Revised Majors and Minors (effective Fall 2023).

Please also note that we will be working with continuing students to be sure that they graduate on time.

Revised Majors and Minors requirements as of Fall 2023