The Political Science Major provides students with broad training across the five sub-fields of the discipline: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy and administration. The Political Science major, like all studies in the Liberal Arts, equips students with knowledge and skills applicable across a broad spectrum of employment in the public and private sectors. Political Science majors are trained to be independent and critical thinkers; to be discerning and active observers and listeners; to communicate persuasively; to constructively engage and solve intellectual and practical problems; to adapt and function effectively in a number of distinct occupational and institutional settings; and to function comfortably in a multiethnic, multiracial, and globalizing society. Political Science students are strongly encouraged to complete an internship and/or study abroad.

Requirements

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Political Science include a minimum of 36 credits of political science courses as well as a support option such as a second major or minor. An additional 52-54 credits are required to meet college-wide and university-wide distribution requirements. Many of the department, college, and university requirements can be met in a number of ways, thereby affording students the opportunity to shape their own programs of study. Further unrestricted choice of courses is provided in the free electives that students take in meeting the minimum total of 120 credits required for the B.A. degree.

For a detailed description of university, college and departmental requirements as well as course descriptions, please consult the current Colorado State University catalog.