Political Science, B.A.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

(120 units)

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science requires 48 units in the major: 39 units in Political Science and nine upper-division units in related disciplines such as American studies, anthropology, criminal justice, economics, geography, history, philosophy, psychology, sociology and statistics. POSC 100 , a graduation requirement for all students, is not part of the major, but is a prerequisite to further work in political science. No more than 12 units total may be in the lower division.

Introductory Requirements (3 units)

POSC 200 - Introduction to the Study of Politics (3) or
POSC 201 - Methods and Skills in Political Science (3) or
department-approved substitute

Political Philosophy Requirement (3 units)

POSC 340 - Political Philosophy (3)

Breadth Requirements (12 units)

Choose four from the following:

Research Methods Requirement (3 units)

Choose one of the following:

Related Fields (6 upper-division units)

Students must complete six approved units in related disciplines. The department maintains a list of pre-approved courses that students can obtain from an adviser, the department office or their Titan Degree Audit (TDA). Students who wish to use other courses from related disciplines should obtain the approval of a department adviser.

Upper-Division Writing Requirement

Political Science majors fulfill the university’s upper-division writing requirement by completing two upper-division classes specially approved for this purpose. Please check with the department office for a current list of qualifying classes.

Electives for the Major (21 units)

Choose seven other courses in political science sufficient to achieve a total of 42 units. Three of the courses (9 units) must be at the 400-level. The upper-division writing requirement is normally fulfilled by choosing appropriate electives.