Bachelor of Arts Degree

Prerequisites, when required, are listed in the individual course descriptions. Prior consultation with the instructor of any advanced course is invited. Students wishing to pursue a major or minor in political science are requested to declare the major or minor with the department chair as soon as possible. All political science courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better.

Major in Political Science
36 semester hours

  • Required Courses
    20 semester hours
    • POLS 151, POLS 251, POLS 301, GLST 325, and POLS 499
  • Public Policy Requirement
    4 semester hours
    • One 300-level course designated as a public policy course indicating that it explores the art and science of policymaking at the state, local, and national level. Courses that qualify are: POLS 345, 346, 354, 370.
  • Research and Writing Requirement
    4 semester hours
    • One 300-level course designated as an “intensive writing course” indicating that it has a substantial research/writing component. Courses that qualify are: POLS 345, 354, 361, 365, 372, 373, GLST 331, 357, 383, 384, and 385.
  • Electives
    8 semester hours

    • Any POLS course or GLST 210, 331, 357, 383, 384, 385, 431, or NORD 322.

Majors should plan their course of study in consultation with their departmental advisor.

Concurrent Attainment

No more than 8 semester hours taken to satisfy other major or minor requirements may also be applied to the political science major. No more than 4 such semester hours may also be applied to the political science minor.

Residency

A minimum of 12 semester hours for the major and 8 semester hours for the minor must be taken in residence at PLU.