Political Science, B.A.

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Major Requirements

This bachelor’s degree program requires a minimum of 124 credits. As part of the overall 124 credit minimum, satisfying the requirements for the major in Political Science includes completing a minimum of 42 credits (11 courses) in the major.

The following courses are required of all Political Science majors:

POL 1100 - Politics of the United States Credits: 4
POL 1500 - Comparative Politics Credits: 4
POL 2000 - Political Science Methods Credits: 4
It is recommended that POL2000 - Political Science Methods be completed by the end of the student’s sophomore year.
POL 4800 - Senior Seminar Credits: 4

Political Science Writing Intensive Requirement

Beginning with the 2018-2019 academic year, all Political Science majors are required to take a writing intensive course within the discipline. Please note: POL2000 is no longer writing intensive. Political Science writing intensive courses will rotate among a selection of upper division courses.

United States Politics and Government

At least two courses are to be in the area of United States politics and government and are to be selected from:

POL 1400 - Politics of Public Policy Credits: 4
POL 2010 - Political Ethics Credits: 4
POL 2120 - Government, Business and Society Credits: 4
POL 2121 - Public Administration Credits: 4
POL 2122 - Law and Society Credits: 4
POL 2181 - American Political Thought Credits: 4
POL 2300 - The Politics of Food Credits: 4
POL 3111 - Massachusetts State and Local Government Credits: 4
POL 3112 - Congress and The Legislative Process Credits: 4
POL 3113 - The American Presidency Credits: 4
POL 3122 - Issues in Public Policy Credits: 4
POL 3130 - Campaigns and Elections Credits: 4
POL 3140 - Mass Media and American Politics Credits: 4
POL 3141 - Political Communication Credits: 4
POL 3150 - Criminal Law Credits: 4
POL 3151 - American Constitutional Law Credits: 4
POL 3152 - Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Credits: 4
POL 3153 - Politics & Religion Credits: 4
POL 3160 - United States Foreign Policy Credits: 4
POL 3161 - Politics of Immigration and Human Movement Credits: 4
POL 3171 - Music and Politics Credits: 4
POL 3600 - Special Topics Credits: 4 (When course pertains to US topic)

World Outside the United States

At least two courses are to deal with the world outside the United States and are to be selected from the following:

POL 2200 - Globalization Credits: 4
POL 2510 - International Politics Credits: 4
POL 2581 - Intro to Political Theory Credits: 4
POL 3520 - Modern China Credits: 4
POL 3525 - Politics of the Middle East Credits: 4
POL 3530 - Democracy, Development and Violence Credits: 4
POL 3531 - Politics of Developing Nations Credits: 4
POL 3540 - International Political Economy Credits: 4
POL 3541 - Cyber Security: The Intersection of Technology and Policy Credits: 4
POL 3600 - Special Topics Credits: 4 (When course pertains to International topic )
POL 4599 - Issues and Cases in United States Foreign Policy Credits: 4

Remaining Courses

The remaining three courses may be taken from either of the two areas listed above, or qualified students may take some or all of them from the following:

POL 4700 - Directed Study Credits: Variable
Moot Court may only be taken twice for credit toward a Political Science major (4 credits max).
POL 4850 - Public Service Internship Credits: 8 (Fall or Spring Session/8 credit) Internship Credits / Units: 8
This Public Service (Fall or Spring) Internship is an 8 credit/2 course equivalent, with four credits (1 course equivalent) counting toward Political Science and four credits (1 course equivalent) toward electives.
POL 4851 - Public Service Summer Internship Credits: 4 (Summer Session/4 credit) Internship
POL 4852 - Public Service Fall or Spring Internship Credits: 4 (Fall or Spring Session/4 credit) Internship
Students can complete up to 12 internship credits; one fall or spring (8 cr.) and a fall/spring or summer internship (4 cr).

Political Science Major Notes

Only two (2) Political Science courses may be double-counted between a Political Science major and a Pre-law minor.
Only two (2) Political Science course may be double-counted between a Political Science major and an International Studies major.

Major GPA

Political Science majors must achieve a final grade point average of 2.00 or better in the major. The GPA for the Political Science major will be calculated by taking the average of courses designated POL.