The Bachelor of Arts degree program in Political Science offers a strong liberal arts curriculum aimed at enhancing students’ understanding of foreign and domestic politics, along with essential training in social science research methods, strengthening their critical thinking abilities, and enhancing students' written, verbal, and visual communications skills. In addition to requiring four semesters of a college level foreign language, the Bachelor of Arts degree plan encompasses a broad spectrum of coursework from Texas A&M University. By allowing for flexibility in courses that can be taken within the core curriculum, as well as for general electives, students can achieve a well-rounded education that can help with their future educational 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 in government, law, secondary education, higher education, business, non-profits, journalism and more.
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.