The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program in Political Science provides a solid education in liberal arts. It focuses on improving students' understanding of local and global politics. This program also teaches vital skills in social science research methods, boosting critical thinking, and improving students' abilities in writing, speaking, and visual communication. At Texas A&M, students pursuing this degree need to complete four semesters of a foreign language course. Alongside this requirement, the degree covers a wide range of courses, offering flexibility in the core curriculum and electives. This flexibility helps students get a comprehensive education that supports their future academic and professional goals.
Within their major area of study, students will be able to further their education in American political institutions and political behavior; international relations; comparative politics; political theory; research methodology; public policy and administration; and race and ethnic politics.
Students who graduate with a degree in Political Science have a wide spectrum of career fields to choose from. Many students will pursue careers such as government, law, education, business, non-profits, and journalism.
Plan of Study Grid | First Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| ENGL 104 | Composition and Rhetoric | 3 |
| POLS 206 | American National Government | 3 |
| 3 |
| 1 | 4 |
| 2 | 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 16 |
| Spring |
|---|
| POLS 207 | State and Local Government | 3 |
| 3 |
| 1 | 4 |
| 2 | 3 |
| 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 16 |
| Second Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| POLS 200 | Foundations of Political Science | 3 |
| 3 |
| 1 | 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
| Spring |
|---|
| POLS 209 | Introduction to Political Science Research 3 | 3 |
| 3 |
| 1 | 3 |
| 3 |
| 4 | 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
| Third Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| 6 |
| Introduction to Political Theory | |
| Introduction to Comparative Politics | |
| Introduction to World Politics | |
| Politics and Policy in the United States | |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 4 | 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
| Spring |
|---|
| 3 |
| Introduction to Political Theory | |
| Introduction to Comparative Politics | |
| Introduction to World Politics | |
| Politics and Policy in the United States | |
| 5 | 3 |
| 3 |
| 4 | 3 |
| 4 | 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
| Fourth Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| 5 | 3 |
| 5 | 3 |
| 4 | 3 |
| 4 | 3 |
| 4 | 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
| Spring |
|---|
| 5 | 3 |
| 5 | 3 |
| 4 | 3 |
| 4 | 3 |
| 4 | 1 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 13 |
| | Total Semester Credit Hours | 120 |
No more than 36 credits in political science may be applied to the degree.
A grade of C or better is required for a course to be counted in the major field.
Other courses may qualify for the college and university requirements. Student should consult the approved list of courses in the Undergraduate Student Services Office. No course can be counted in more than one category.
Graduation requirements include a requirement for 3 hours of International and Cultural Diversity courses and 3 hours of Cultural Discourse courses. A course satisfying a Core category, a college/department requirement, or a free elective can be used to satisfy this requirement. Select in consultation with an academic advisor.
