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 three concentrations: general, pre-law or international.

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

124

Liberal Studies	30-40
Health Promotion Requirements	2

Required Courses in Major	38

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


Option 1: General Political Science Concentration	20

Political Science Electives	20
16 credits must be at the 300 level or above.


Option 2: Pre-Law Concentration	20

Required Law Courses	12
PS 215 Introduction to Law	4
PS 331 Judicial Process	4
Choose one course from the following:	4
PS 332 Administrative Law (4 cr.)
PS 430 American Constitutional Law (4 cr.)
PS 431 Civil Rights and Liberties (4 cr.)
Additional Political Science Courses	8
Choose from the following:
PS 307 Principles of Public Administration (4 cr.)
PS 309 State and Local Government (4 cr.)
PS 332 Administrative Law (4 cr.)
PS 333 Contract Law (2 cr.)
PS 334 Family Law (2 cr.)
PS 335 Probate Law (2 cr.)
PS 336 Real Estate Law (2 cr.)
PS 430 American Constitutional Law (4 cr.)
PS 431 Civil Rights and Liberties (4 cr.)
PS 411 American Political Thought (4 cr.) [Div I]
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	20

Choose from the following:	20
16 credits must be at the 300 level or above.
PS 101 Introduction to Political Science (4 cr.) [Div II]
PS 207 Ancient and Medieval Political Thought (4 cr.) [Div I]
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.) [Div II]
PS 315 Politics and Film (4 cr.)
PS 321 Politics in Islamic Nations (4 cr.) [Div II]
PS 340 International Organizations (4 cr.)
PS 402 Political Economy (4 cr.)
PS 404 Politics of East and Southeast Asia (4 cr.)
PS 415 Politics of American Foreign Policy (4 cr.) [Div II]
PS 491 Internship in Public Policy or Law (2 - 12 cr.)


Minor	20

Bulletin Year: 2015 - 2016 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.