B.S. in Political Science (123 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, international relations, American cultures, social issues and policy making. The program serves undergraduates in other majors, including social work, criminal justice, education, and especially history that political science plans to link via a cognate area.
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 121 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)
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)
- Choose 9 credits from at least 2 of the following disciplines:
Fine Art, History, Philosophy, Religious Studies, English, Theater, Music, Foreign Language, Telecommunications, Communication Studies
(Only one studio course)
Behavioral & Social Sciences (9)
- Choose 9 credits from at least 2 of the following disciplines:
Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, History, Political Science, Geography (G110 and higher), Criminal Justice
Additional Requirements (3-5 cr)
First-Year Seminar (0-2)
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)
- COLI-S 330 Computerized Statistical Analysis
- COLI-S 360 Computers in Behavioral and Social Sciences
Degree Requirements (33 cr)
The major requirements for the proposed B.S in the Political Science degree consist of 33 credit hours in the following components
Major Core Requirements (9)
- POLS-Y 103 Introduction to American Politics (3 cr)
- POLS-Y 105 Introduction to Political Theory (3 cr)
- POLS-Y 107 Introduction to Comparative Government
Advanced Core Requirements (6)
- POLS-Y 212 Making Democracy Work (3)
- POLS-Y 307 Indiana State Government and Politics (3)
Focus Requirements (12)
All students will choose a single focus (American, Comparative, Prelaw or Theory) in addition to choosing two courses in History with Advisors permission.
American Focus
Choose two from:
- POLS-Y 304 American Constitutional Law I
- POLS-Y 305 American Constitutional Law II
- POLS-Y 307 Indiana State Government and Politics
- POLS-Y 308 Urban Politics
- POLS-Y 320 Judicial Politics
- POLS-Y 325 African American Politics
Prelaw Focus
Political Science Internship in conjunction with Service Learning Department
Chose two from:
- POLS-Y 304 American Constitutional Law I
- POLS-Y 305 American Constitutional Law II
- POLS-Y 307 Indiana State Government and Politics
- POLS-Y 308 Urban Politics
- POLS-Y 320 Judicial Politics
- POLS-Y 325 African American Politics
Comparative Focus
Choose two from:
- POLS-Y 200 Contemporary Political Topics
- POLS-Y 324 Women and Politics
- POLS-Y 345 Contemporary Revolutions
Theory Focus
Choose two from:
- POLS-Y 205 Elements of Political Analysis
- POLS-Y 316 Public Opinion and Political Participation
Quantitative Requirements (6)
- POLS-Y 205 Elements of Political Analysis
- POLS-Y 316 Public Opinion and Political Participation
Other courses may be taken with advisor approval.
Capstone (3)
POLS-Y 490 Senior Seminar in Political Science
Electives (51 cr)
For any concentration, sufficient additional courses should be taken to bring total credit hours to at least 123.
