Majoring & Minoring
Course offerings in Political Science are divided into four broad categories:
- American Politics (32-113, 313, 323, 333, 343, 514, 524, 534, 713);
- Political Theory (32-233, 363, 373, 564, 574, 733);
- Comparative Politics (32-143, 413, 423, 433, 443, 614, 624, 634, 753, 764);
- International Relations (32-283, 463, 473, 483, 493, 664, 773).
The array of courses students are expected to take is described below, but each Political Science major’s program is worked out in consultation with members of the department to ensure proper balance of courses in each category.
American Politics (32-113) is a prerequisite for all advanced courses in the American category. Comparative Politics (32-143) is a prerequisite for all advanced courses in comparative and international politics. Either Political Science 32-113 or 32-143 is a prerequisite for all political theory courses.
Graduating seniors must take Senior Seminar (32-964) during the fall or spring semester of the senior year. This will satisfy the capstone requirement for the Political Science major. Students may offer a completed Honors project or Independent Study in lieu of the Senior Seminar with prior departmental approval. Independent Study (32-951, 952, 953, and 954) and Texas Politics Internships (32-343) are open to students with six semester hours of credit in Political Science. Internships normally are open to juniors and seniors.
Credit may be obtained for American government (equivalent to Political Science 32-113) by scoring 55 or better on the CLEP subject examination in the area, provided prior approval has been secured from the Department Chair.
Major in Political Science
33 semester hours, including Political Science 32-113, 143, 964 (Capstone); three 200-400 level courses; two 500-600 level courses; six additional hours of Political Science above the introductory level. Majors must have one course above the introductory level in American Politics (32-313, 323, 333, 343, 514, 524, 534), one course above the introductory level in Comparative Politics (32-413, 423, 433, 443, 614, 624, 634, 764), one course above the introductory level in political theory (32-233, 363, 373, 564, 574), and two courses above the introductory level in international relations (32-283, 463, 473, 483, 493, 664).
Minor in Political Science
19 semester hours, including Political Science 32-113, 143; one 200- 400 level course; one 500-600 level course; six additional hours of Political Science above the introductory level. Minors must have one course above the introductory level in American Politics (32-313, 323, 333, 343, 514, 524, 534), and at least one course above the introductory level in International Relations (32-283, 463, 473, 483, 493, 664).
See the Education Department for information regarding teacher certification in Political Science.
