Purpose

The B.A. Major in Political Science introduces students to fundamental issues in the political process, conditions that create the need for governments, structure and procedures of governments, control of governments and enforcement of responsibility, and relationships among governments. The Political Science major provides students with the skills and knowledge to understand the theory and practice of government and politics, both in the U.S. and internationally. Through coursework, students learn about political institutions and processes, and develop the capacity to think critically about political controversies, public policies, and societal outcomes.

Majors have opportunities to learn firsthand about politics through internships, study abroad, in-depth research on honors projects or through faculty research grants. IUB students who earn degrees in political science pursue careers in government service, NGOs and non-profit agencies, law, business, journalism, politics, public policy analysis, and education. The department prepares students to assume the duties of citizenship; provides special knowledge and skills useful in public service, law, business, and other careers; and lays a foundation for the scholarly study of government and politics.

Requirements

Students must complete 30 credit hours in political science, including:

1. Y205. Recommended: up to 9 credit hours of Political Science coursework before taking Y205.
2. At least 18 credit hours of 300- and 400-level political science courses, excluding X471, X476, X477, X490, Y496, and Y499.
   • At least one course in American politics or public policy, law, and administration (Y301–Y321, Y324–Y326, Y329, Y349, Y373, Y394)
   • At least one course in comparative politics or international relations (Y332–Y348, Y350–Y372, Y374–Y376, Y399, Y407).
   • At least one course in political theory and methodology (Y379, Y381–Y388, Y395, Y405, Y406)
   • One Y490 Senior Seminar or Y499 Honors Colloquium.

• No more than 6 credit hours of 100-level courses and 9 combined credit hours of Y200, Y300, and Y401 (courses with variable topics) may be included in the 30 credit hours. Y200, Y300, and Y401 may be repeated only once for credit.
• Students pursuing a major in Political Science may also complete one of the minors offered by the Department of Political Science as long as distinct courses are used for each (See the Policy on Counting a Course toward Multiple Degree Objectives). Students may not complete both the Major in Political Science and the Minor in Political Science.
• The department encourages students to consider internships, overseas study, and service learning as complements to their major in political science.

Students must complete the degree requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences.