Political Science Major

This major trains students in government, public policy and political theory, communication and analysis, independent thinking and problem definition and solving.

In addition to the political science core, students will complete an additional 20 credits in one of four concentrations: general, pre-law, international or public administration.

Students with a major political science must maintain a grade of a “C” or above in courses required for the major.

For department information or additional degree requirements, go to the Political Science and Public Administration department page.

For related information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/political-scientists.htm

Total Credits Required

120

General Education

30-40

Required Courses in Major	34

Politics Core	18
PS 105 American Government [PERS]	4
PS 203 Comparative Government and Politics	4
PS 206 International Relations	4
PS 208 Modern Political Thought	4
PS 490 Senior Seminar	2

Option 1: General Political Science Concentration	16
Political Science Electives	16
12 credits must be at the 300 level or above.

Option 2: Pre-Law Concentration	16
Required Law Courses	8
PS 215 Introduction to Law [PERS]	4
PS 331 Judicial Process	4

Additional Political Science Courses	8
Choose 8 credits from the following:
PS 307 Principles of Public Administration (4 cr.)
PS 309 State and Local Government (4 cr.) [PERS]
PS 332 Administrative Law (4 cr.)
PS 361 Contract Law for Paralegals (4 cr.)
PS 362 Real Estate and Property Law for Paralegals (4 cr.)
PS 363 Probate Law For Paralegals (4 cr.)
PS 364 Discovery and E-Discovery for Paralegals (4 cr.)
PS 365 Family Law for Paralegals (4 cr.)
PS 411 American Political Thought (4 cr.) [PERS]
PS 430 American Constitutional Law (4 cr.)
PS 431 Civil Rights and Liberties (4 cr.)
PS 434 Cannabis Law (4 cr.)
PS 437 Marijuana Politics and Public Policy (4 cr.)
PS 491 Internship in Public Policy or Law (2 - 12 cr.)
PS 495 Special Problems in Political Science (1 - 4 cr.)
PS 498 Directed Study in Political Science (1 - 4 cr.)

Option 3: International Concentration	16
Choose 16 credits from the following:	16
12 credits must be at the 300+ level:
PS 101 Introduction to Political Science (4 cr.) [PERS]
PS 207 Ancient and Medieval Political Thought (4 cr.) [SOCR]
PS 295 Special Topics in Political Science (1 - 4 cr.)
PS 299 Model U.N. (2 cr.)
PS 312 War and Peace in the 21st Century (4 cr.)
PS 313 Great Decisions (2 cr.)
PS 315 Politics and Film (4 cr.)
PS 321 Politics in Islamic Nations (4 cr.)
PS 340 International Organizations (4 cr.)
PS 402 Political Economy (4 cr.)
PS 403 International Political Economy (4 cr.)
PS 404 Politics of East and Southeast Asia (4 cr.)
PS 415 Politics of American Foreign Policy (4 cr.)
PS 416 Genocide (4 cr.)
PS 417 International Law and Human Rights (4 cr.)
PS 491 Internship in Public Policy or Law (2 - 12 cr.)

Option 4: Public Administration Concentration	16
Required Public Administration Courses	12
PS 302 Methods of Public Policy Analysis	4
PS 307 Principles of Public Administration	4
PS 309 State and Local Government [PERS]	4

Choose one course from the following:	4
PS 200 Introduction to Nonprofit Management (4 cr.)
PS 202 Seminar in Public Policy Analysis (4 cr.)
PS 341 Social Welfare Policy (4 cr.)
PS 402 Political Economy (4 cr.)
PS 424 Public Budget Management (4 cr.)
PS 428 HRM in Public and Nonprofit Organizations (4 cr.)
PS 461 Politics of Healthcare Policy (4 cr.)

This major does not require a minor.

Bulletin Year: 2023 - 2024 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.