Political Science Major (BA) - Political Change and Advocacy Emphasis

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Ten courses are required to complete a Political Science major. Core requirements form a developmental arc and should be taken in order. Great Questions of Modern Politics introduces students to the major. Political Research and Analysis is a prerequisite for the Senior Capstone. Students choose one of three thematic emphasis areas for elective coursework: public service, law and leadership; political change and advocacy; or regional and international security. Alternatively, students may choose a “build their own” approach in consultation with their major advisor and with approval of the department chair.

Political Change and Advocacy

This emphasis prepares students for careers in nonprofit organizations, campaign management, community organizing and/or political lobbying, as students learn about political systems and institutions so that they can become more effective in advocating for change. This track is appropriate for students interested in domestic or international affairs. Students might explore the following topics: creation of persuasive campaigns; political psychology; political messages and elections; dynamics of public opinion; analysis of gender, race, class, and other inequalities.

Optional Interdisciplinary Concentration

Political science majors have the option to complete an interdisciplinary concentration in public policy. Please see below for details.

Political Science Core Requirements

Political Theory (choose one):

Senior Capstone (choose one):

Internship Experience in Political Science:

This requirement can be fulfilled by completing a political science LEAP course, individual internship, or an internship as part of the Senior Practicum. This may also include study abroad if the program includes an internship or volunteer component. Serving as a teaching assistant, research assistant, work study student, or community volunteer may also count for this requirement, if the experience is registered properly for credit and approved by the department chair.

NOTE: Students who use PSCI 5100 to fulfill both the Capstone and Internship requirements must take an additional 3000-level elective to ensure completion of 10 courses for the major.

Political Change and Advocacy Emphasis

Interdisciplinary Experience (one course):

Students must complete one course related to politics that is offered by a department outside of Political Science. Students should work with their major advisor to select an interdisciplinary course that complements their thematic emphasis. Pre-approved courses are listed below. All students majoring in Political Science must submit a fully completed program sheet, which is signed by the student’s major advisor and department chair.

Emphasis Electives (four courses):

Students must take four Political Science elective courses with at least two at the 3000 level or above. Students must choose courses that form a cohesive thematic emphasis. Course options are listed below.

PSCI 1110 - American Government and Politics
(required and/or recommended for most upper-level courses on domestic politics)
PSCI 1250 - American Politics Under Investigation
PSCI 1430 - World Politics
(required and/or recommended for most upper-level international courses)
PSCI 1500 - Parties and Elections in the United States
PSCI 3300 - Public Health Policy
PSCI 3410 - Food Politics and Policy
PSCI 3430 - Gender Politics and Policy
PSCI 3640 - Contemporary Political Ideologies
PSCI 3680 - Politics and Society in Developing Areas
PSCI 3690 - Politics of Urban and Metropolitan America
PSCI 3700 - Public Policy and Public Administration
PSCI 3730 - Democracy, Authoritarianism, and Democratization
PSCI 3740 - Political Psychology

Optional Interdisciplinary Concentration

Students pursuing a political science major may also choose to complete an interdisciplinary concentration in public policy.

Public Policy Concentration

The public policy concentration educates students about public policy and helps them to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to create innovative, socially responsible solutions to the most critical issues facing society. The program forms an arc, beginning with an introduction to ethical public policy, building skills with methodology coursework, and culminating with a capstone experience in which students engage directly with a public policy issue in a semester-long applied project or internship. Students will acquire an extensive set of skills in policy evaluation and analysis, equipping them to become agents of change to improve the quality of life for people and their communities, at home and abroad. The public policy concentration is open to students majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice , Economics , Environmental and Climate Studies , Legal Studies , Political Science , or Public Health .

Concentration Requirements

PSCI 1200 - Introduction to Ethical Public Policy

One foundational methods course chosen from the following:

Two public policy courses:

Two electives chosen from the following:

(these courses help students to engage in policy analysis or navigate political/legal systems effectively)

Two electives chosen from the following:

(these courses help students to develop expertise in specific policy areas)

One senior capstone chosen from the following:

The capstone should be completed in the student’s major area and should include an applied public policy research project or internship.