Political Science Undergraduate Degree
Are You Interested In…
-preserving social equality and diversity through policy design?
-community engagement, activism, and the development of non-profit organizations?
-the use and abuse of governmental powers?
-studying further the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship?
If so, then Political Science might be the perfect major for you!
Political Science studies the world of politics and government – particularly the manner in which people organize, administer, and seek to improve their governments, the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship, and the use and abuses of power.
Students who major in Political Science gain the knowledge and analytical, problem solving, decision-making, research, and communications skills needed to find professional success in public, private, and non-profit sectors and/or to pursue advanced studies in law, public policy and administration, or other disciplines within Political Science.
Political Science Major Requirements (starting Fall 2019 and after)
POLS 1100 US National Government (3 credit hours, AI)
Before Fall 2019
Choose two courses for a total of 6 credit hours:
POLS 2100 Introduction to International Relations (3, BF)
POLS 2200 Introduction to Comparative Politics (3, BF)
POLS 2300 Introduction to Political Theory (3, HF)
Fall 2019 and After
Choose three courses for a total of 9 credit hours:
POLS 2100 Introduction to International Relations (3, BF)
POLS 2200 Introduction to Comparative Politics (3, BF)
POLS 2300 Introduction to Political Theory (3, HF)
POLS 2700 Introduction to Public Administration (3, BF)
4 courses from Allied Departments (12 credit hours, 1000-5000 level)
Approved Departments: Anthropology, City & Metropolitan Planning, Communications, Economics, Ethnic Studies, Environmental & Sustainability Studies, Family & Consumer Studies, Gender Studies, Geography, History, Middle East Studies, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology
Please email or schedule an appointment with your advisor to officially declare your Political Science major!
All courses must be taken for a letter grade with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. A grade of C- or higher must be earned in required POLS courses (POLS 1000 and 2000 level courses). A minimum of 15 POLS credit hours (not including internships) must be completed at the University of Utah. Minimum credit hours 48 (36 POLS, 12 Allied).
All students pursuing degrees and certificates through the Political Science Department must also fulfill all University of Utah requirements for graduation. For complete information concerning the Undergraduate Program at the University of Utah, consult the Student Handbook.