Political Science

• LOS 1: Develop critical thinking, analytical tools, and social science methods to break down and grasp complex political problems in their historical and political dimensions and acquire an in-depth knowledge of all areas of politics and political science (theory, domestic and European politics, comparative politics, and world politics).
  
• LOS 2: Understand and work with quantitative and qualitative data and apply social and political science research methods in academic and professional contexts.
• LOS 3: Demonstrate competency in information literacy, i.e., work with multiple databases, locate sources and references, and regularly distinguish and read academically informed news sources, academic journals and diverse digital media in order to conduct independent political science research.
• LOS 4: Learn to write sophisticated and extensive original academic research papers that qualify for graduate work in political science and effectively present problems and independent research on international politics and economics in concise, engaging, and lively presentations in diverse academic, professional, and multicultural contexts.
• LOS 5: Become ethically informed leaders capable of developing sound and humane political analyses and displaying awareness of professional standards and ethics.

To earn your B.A. degree in Political Science, you must complete core courses focusing on politics, economics, history, and international relations. Additionally, you will need to study a second language and are encouraged to engage in experiential learning opportunities such as internships, study-abroad programs, and research projects.

• A. The Proficiency and General Distribution Requirements of the University (the Social Sciences and Humanities requirements will be satisfied by completing the core curriculum courses below).

  B. Additional Foreign Language Requirement

  You will need to demonstrate language proficiency in a language other than English, defined as:

  • two years of U.S. college-level language instruction or,
  • level B2 or higher in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or,
  • completion of a secondary education in a language other than English.  

  You may demonstrate language proficiency by taking JCU placement tests in Italian, Spanish, or French or the Dialang which covers 14 European Languages. These services are offered by JCU’s Foreign Language Resource Center. If you wish to be evaluated for languages for which the Dialang is not available, contact the Coordinator of the Foreign Language Center, Professor Gina Siddu Pilia.

  C. Core Curriculum
  

  • PL 209 World Politics
  • PL 210 Introduction to Political Theory
  • PL 223 Comparative Politics

  Plus, one of the following courses:

  • PL 208 Statistical Analysis for Political Science
  • PL/SOSC 260 Social Science Research Methodology
  • PL 299 Philosophy of Social Science
  • MA 208 Statistics I

  Plus, one additional 200/300 level PL course.

  D. Major Electives
  
  Six additional PL courses are required, including a maximum of two 200-level PL courses and at least one 400-level Writing Intensive Senior Seminar. In lieu of ONE 400-level seminar, you can choose to write a thesis if you have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above. Note: Credit earned from an internship can also be applied towards the Major Electives.

  You are required to earn an overall minimum grade point average of 2.00 in all courses taken at the University, with no more than two grades lower than C- in core courses.

  E. General Electives sufficient to give a total of 120 credits.

  Please note that students cannot earn a double major or a double degree in Political Science and International Affairs.

Requirements for the Degree

A. The Proficiency and General Distribution Requirements of the University (the Social Sciences and Humanities requirements will be satisfied by completing the core curriculum courses below).

B. Core Curriculum

• PL 101 Introduction to Political Science
• PL 201 American Government
• PL 209 World Politics
• PL 210 Introduction to Political Theory
• PL 223 Comparative Politics
• PL 250 Western European Politics
• HS 210 Nineteenth-Century Europe and the World
• HS 211 Twentieth-Century Europe and the World
• PL 340 Politics of Developing Countries
• PL 460 Social Science Research Methods
• PL 480 Senior Thesis  

C. Major Electives Six major electives are required for the major, to be chosen from the PL, LAW, SOSC, and HS listings not included in the core curriculum. Of these courses, no more than two HS courses and one SOSC may be taken as major electives. In addition, credit earned from an internship can be applied towards the Major Electives. All courses must be at the 200 level or above, and at least four courses must be at the 300 level or above.

The University requires an overall minimum grade point average of 2.00 in all courses taken at the University, with no more than two grades lower than C- in core courses.

D. General Electives sufficient to give a total of 120 credits.

We are committed to supporting you in your academic journey at JCU. We offer a range of financial aid options, including merit-based scholarships and need-based assistance grants. Learn more about funding opportunities for your Political Science degree.Financial Aid and Scholarships

The world of politics is often built on connections, and while studying Political Science at JCU, you'll have many opportunities to meet key players in government, law, and international policy. Attending events hosted by the University and the Guarini Institute for Public Affairs provides the opportunity to exchange ideas with policymakers, politicians, journalists, and others.

The Center for Career Services can also help connect you to internship opportunities that will give you real world political experience that will prove invaluable as you begin your career.

Explore internship opportunities

Expand your political knowledge beyond the classroom at JCU. By participating in our Student Government or the Model United Nations (MUN), you'll develop practical leadership skills that are crucial for success in any political or professional career. These experiences also enable you to build connections with professionals, professors, and peers who can support you on your journey.

Clubs and Organizations