Overview

Four options are offered in the Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, each adapted to a different objective as follows:

I. The General Political Science Option is a general program of undergraduate preparation for active participation in public life or for graduate study.

II. The Global Politics Option is a general program of undergraduate preparation focusing on the changing nature of international politics and the emergence of a global political space and preparing students for graduate study and active participation in public life.

III. The Prelegal Studies Option provides undergraduate preparation for professions in law, education, and public service. While a strong emphasis is placed on developing skills of legal analysis and research, courses in this option also provide students with a critical understanding of the interrelationship between law and politics in American society.

IV. The Public Administration Option provides undergraduate preparation for career government service or positions in nonprofit organizations.  This option may be coordinated with a public service internship (see Cooperative Education).

Major Requirements

The total number of units required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science is 120 units, of which 43 units are in the major.  Consult with an advisor for the specific number of units required in all areas of the degree including GE and free electives.

Major requirements consist of a common core of two lower-division and five upper-division courses (22 units) to be taken by all political science majors, and seven elective courses (21 units) in a selected political science option.

Advisement

POLS 1000 is a prerequisite for all Political Science courses in the major and minor programs. It is recommended that 2000- and 3000-level requirements are completed prior to enrolling in 4000-level courses. Furthermore, it is recommended that all required courses are taken before electives in the major options and in the minor programs. The senior capstone requirement should be taken at the end of your BA major program.