Academic Planning: Political Science

The top 5 things to consider when planning a major in political science

  1. Students must complete two introductory level courses (POL 1201, POL 1401, POL 1101 (periodic) during their first year or as a sophomore. Advanced Placement (AP) or Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) equivalent courses will count towards this requirement.
  2. Students are to take POL 2001W, Political Science Research Methods, during the Spring term of their sophomore year. (This is the Writing Enriched course in the major.)
  3. Political Science juniors or seniors are required to take the 4000-level seminar course offered by the discipline. (Offered only in Fall semester.)
  4. Students are highly encouraged to take STATS 1601 for their math requirement if they are considering graduate school in any social science. For those pursuing legal careers, Symbolic Logic is an appropriate and useful course to take for the math requirement.
  5. Students who wish to pursue internships and especially study abroad should plan ahead. Internships are particularly valuable for careers in politics and government, while study abroad is 'essential' for those considering careers in international relations.