Political Science (B.A.)
Objectives: To give students an understanding of the full spectrum of political science and political activity, with a focus on the four traditional branches of the discipline: American, comparative, international, and political theory. To prepare students for graduate study in political science and careers in teaching at the secondary level.
Requirements: Core requirements; one additional course in comparative politics, one additional course in political philosophy or thought, and one additional course in institutions or legal systems; 460 during the junior year; and a senior seminar chosen from 423, 425, or 429. All courses must be chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor. Each student completes a minor or an interdisciplinary contextual area chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor.

Political Science - American Political Studies (B.A.)
Objectives: To study in depth American government and politics; to prepare students for advanced study or entry into careers related to public service, government, or administration.
Requirements: Core requirements; 423 or 424; and a senior project chosen from 460, 470, or 490. Three additional political science courses emphasizing American political studies are selected in consultation with the faculty advisor. Each student completes a minor or interdisciplinary contextual area chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor.

Political Science - Law and Politics (B.A.)
Objectives: To provide the student with an integrative approach to the study of law as a part of liberal education; to introduce fundamental notions of the nature of law, its history and development, and principles which underlie its administration.
Requirements: Core requirements; 217 or 317; 400; 423 or 429; one additional course appropriate to the field of interest, chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor; and a senior project chosen from 460, 470, or 490. Each student completes a minor or an interdisciplinary contextual area chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor.

Honors Thesis Program in Political Science
An honors thesis program encourages more intensive study of political science than is required for the regular major. The program provides for close contact between students and their advisors so that students can receive guidance throughout their research and writing. Students will agree to the schedule in the Political Science Major Handbook and must meet all intermediate deadlines in order to continue in the honors program. Students who successfully complete the program requirements will be awarded either “High Honors” or “Honors.”

Requirements: (1) In-depth study of an appropriate question and completion of a thesis, normally written under the direction of a member of the Political Science Department or some closely related department. Honors students may take up to six semester hours of honors directed readings and research (490-491). Three of these credits may count toward the 30 semester hours for the basic political science major requirements. (2) An average GPA in political science of at least 3.5. (3) Completion of all requirements for the B.A. degree in political science, a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3, and approval of the completed project by a committee of at least two faculty from the department and one from outside the department (majority vote is required for honors to be awarded).

Prospective candidates for the honors thesis program should advise the department chair of their interest and plans no later than the end of the spring term of the junior year. The department chair will assist students in finding an appropriate thesis advisor. Formal research proposals must be circulated to all members of the proposed committee no later than October 1 of the senior year. A revised version of this research proposal must be approved by a meeting of the student with all the members of his or her committee before November 1. Admission to the honors thesis program is not automatic and may be restricted if there are too many applications.

Minor in Political Science
A student may minor in political science by completing three core courses including 103, 205, and one course chosen from 225, 235, or 245; 340 or 347; one course chosen from 423, 424, 425, or 429; and one additional course chosen in conjunction with the advisor.