B.S. in Political Science (120 cr)
The Political Science degree serves several student populations, including high school graduates wishing to pursue careers in political science, transfer students from two-year colleges, and public school teachers who need to enhance their content in social studies. The Political Science degree has an appeal to students who are interested in current events, politics, law, comparative politics, American cultures, social issues, and policy making. The program serves undergraduates in other majors, including social work, criminal justice, education, and history.
Studying politics includes basic information about government and political processes, as well as exploring issues of power, conflict, peace, citizenship, civic virtue, representation, and justice. Through political science courses, students learn about political institutions and processes and develop the capacity to think critically about political controversies, public policies, and their outcomes. This knowledge and these skills are transferable across disciplines and careers and are essential for developing citizens prepared to make a difference in their community, country, and world.
General Requirements
- A grade of C (2.0) or above is necessary in all English composition course required for a degree. Students must take W131 or the equivalent within the first 25 credit hours for which they are enrolled.
- Students must complete a second writing course with a C (2.0) or better within the first 50 credit hours for which they are enrolled (see Composition and Communication below).
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (C) is required for a degree.
- No course with a grade below 2.0 will be accepted in the field of concentration.
- For a bachelor's degree a minimum of 30 hours (total) at the 200-level or above, and at least 15 hours in the field of concentration must be completed at IU East.
- Complete a minimum of 36 credit hours in courses at 300 and 400 levels.
- Complete a minimum of 120 credit hours-100 hours must be in the Arts and Sciences Concentration area.
General Education (39 cr)
Composition & Communication (9)
- ENG-W 131 Elementary Composition I
- Choose one secondary Composition course:
- Choose one Communication course:
- SPCH-S 121 Public Speaking
- CMCL-C 223 Business Communication
College-level Mathematics (3)
- Choose 1 MATH-M course at or above MATH-M110 (excluding M117). We recommend that you take MATH-B111 (for Business and Social Science Majors).
Natural Science & Mathematics (9)
- Choose one Natural Science with lab:
Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Astronomy, Biology, Physical Geography - Choose enough additional Natural Science or Mathematics courses to complete 9 credits
(The course used for the College-Level Mathematics requirement above may not be used for this requirement)
Humanities & Fine Arts (9)
- Political science students must take two History courses, one at the 200 level or higher in US History and one at the 200 level or higher in World History; consult with an advisor.
- Choose 3 additional credits from at least 2 of the following disciplines:
Fine Art, History, Philosophy, Religious Studies, English, Theater, Music, World Language & Culture, Telecommunications, Communication Studies
Women's Studies (WOST W201 only) (Only one studio course)
Behavioral & Social Sciences (9)
- Choose 9 credits from at least 2 of the following disciplines:
Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Geography (G110 and higher), Criminal Justice, Economics (either E103 or 104), Women’s Studies (WOST W200 only)
Additional Requirements (3-5 cr)
First-Year Seminar (0-2 cr)
Students entering the program with less than 12 credit hours of transferable credit are required to complete the First Year Seminar (UCOL-U 101).
Information Literacy (3)
- CSCI-A 110 Introduction to Computers & Computing (or equivalent)
Degree Requirements (30 cr)
The major requirements for the B.S in the Political Science degree consist of 30 credit hours in the following components:
Major Core Requirements (9)
- POLS-Y 103 Introduction to American Politics (3)
- POLS-Y 105 Introduction to Political Theory (3)
- POLS-Y 107 Introduction to Comparative Government (3)
Advanced Core Requirements (9)
- POLS-Y 212 Making Democracy Work (3)
- POLS-Y 307 Indiana State Government and Politics (3)
- Choose one additional POLS elective (300-400 level recommended)
Quantitative Requirements (6)
- POLS-Y 205 Analyzing Politics (3)
- POLS-Y 316 Public Opinion and Political Participation (3)
- Other courses may be selected with advisor approval
Ethical Reasoning Requirement (3)
- POLS-Y 345 Comparative Revolutions or
- POLS-Y 401 Psychology & Politics of Hate
Diversity Requirement (3)
- POLS-Y 324 Women and Politics or
- POLS-Y 325 African American Politics
Capstone (3)
- POLS-Y 490 Senior Seminar in Political Science or
- HIST-J495 Proseminar for History Majors
Electives
Choose additional courses to reach 120 credit hours total.
