Political Science, BALAS
for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Political Science
Students must complete one concentration in consultation with an academic advisor.
- Citizen Politics Concentration
- Civic Leadership Concentration
- General Political Science Concentration
- International Relations Concentration
- Law & Power Concentration
- Public Policy & Democratic Institutions Concentration
- World Politics Concentration
5 Year BALAS /MA in Political Science and European Union Studies
The Department of Political Science, along with the European Union Center, offers a 5 year BALAS/MA in Political Science and European Union Studies. In order to be admitted to this degree program, students apply through a joint application process to their BALAS –granting program and the European Union Center during their third year of studies. Requirements for this degree program are identical to those for the stand-alone BALAS and for the stand-alone MAEUS. Students will receive both degrees when the requirements are met for the degrees; BALAS and MA degrees will be conferred separately and independently. More detailed information may be obtained from department and EUC offices.
Departmental distinction
These eligibility requirements are effective for all students with catalog year of Fall 2025 or later. Students with earlier catalog years may receive (high) distinction as determined by these eligibility requirements or by the requirements in effect at the time of their admission to the university.
To be eligible for distinction, a student majoring in Political Science must complete one of the following two tracks:
- Coursework Honors Track. On this track, a student must:
- Earn a university grade point average on this campus of at least 3.0,
- Earn a political science grade point average on this campus that is in the top 10% of PS majors in their graduating class, and
- Complete 30 hours of advanced (300 and 400 level) political science coursework on this campus.
- Research Honors Track. On this track, a student must:
- Earn a university grade point average on this campus of at least 3.0,
- Earn a political science grade point average on this campus of at least 3.25,
- Be admitted to and maintain good standing within the departmental research honors program,
- Complete required coursework in the departmental research honors program,
- Complete a senior thesis, and
- Earn a grade point average in PS 495 and PS 496 (or equivalent coursework) of at least 3.67.
Admission to the departmental honors program requires the following:
- Completion of 9 hours of political science coursework on campus,
- Of these 9 hours, at least 3 must be advanced political science (300- level or above),
- An on-campus political science grade point average of at least 3.50, and
- Application and affirmative vote of a departmental committee.
High Distinction
To be eligible for high distinction, a student majoring in Political Science must:
- Earn a university grade point average on this campus of at least 3.0,
- Earn a political science grade point average on this campus of at least 3.25,
- Be admitted to and maintain good standing within the departmental research honors program,
- Complete required coursework in the departmental research honors program,
- Complete a senior thesis, and
- Earn a grade point average in PS 495 and PS 496 (or equivalent coursework) of 4.0.
for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Political Science
- Students will be able to apply central concepts of the scientific method to the study of politics, and demonstrate an ability to draw inferences from data.
- Students will have a foundational knowledge of facts, concepts, and typologies in their chosen subfield in political science.
- Students will be able to demonstrate basic knowledge of central theories in their chosen subfield and show how to evaluate those theories.
- Students will be able to define political science and its subfields, drawing contrasts with other social sciences.
- Students will be able to apply concepts, methods, and theories to research projects, internships, and/or off-campus experiences.
for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Political Science
Department of Political Science
Political Science Faculty
Political Science advising
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
overview of college admissions & requirements: Liberal Arts & Sciences