The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Political Science focuses on teaching research skills and data analysis while deepening understanding of politics. At Texas A&M, this program stands out for its unique approach within the undergraduate political science curriculum. It's intended to introduce students to political research methods, making it a starting point for those interested in technical careers like policy analysis, data science, or graduate studies. This BS program is one of the largest and most science-oriented political science undergraduate programs in the world.
Beyond emphasizing research skills and data analysis, the BS degree plan at Texas A&M offers a wide range of courses. This flexibility in both core curriculum and elective courses allows students to gain a comprehensive education beneficial for their future academic and professional pursuits. 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 | 3 |
| 2 | 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
| Spring |
|---|
| POLS 207 | State and Local Government | 3 |
| 3 |
| 1 | 3 |
| 3 |
| 2 | 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
| Second Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| PHIL 240 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
| POLS 200 | Foundations of Political Science | 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
| Spring |
|---|
| POLS 209 | Introduction to Political Science Research 3 | 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 2 | 3 |
| 2 | 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 |
| 2 | 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 | |
| 3 |
| 4 | 3 |
| 2 | 3 |
| 2 | 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
| Fourth Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| POLS 308 | Game Theoretic Methods in Political Science | 3 |
| 4 | 3 |
| 4 | 3 |
| 2 | 3 |
| 2 | 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
| Spring |
|---|
| POLS 309 | Polimetrics | 3 |
| 4 | 3 |
| 4 | 3 |
| 2 | 3 |
| 2 | 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
| | Total Semester Credit Hours | 120 |
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 with academic advisor for additional options.
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.
