Political Science

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)
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)
Humanities & Fine Arts (9)
Behavioral & Social Sciences (9)

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)
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)

 
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.