Course planning advice here is limited to majors. For a full description of degree requirements, please see this
overview of the Academic Program and refer to the
Catalog for details and official rules. Any discrepancy between the Course Planning Pages and the Catalog will be resolved in favor of the Catalog.
Possible Degree Path – starting in the first year.
The following is a typical major plan. This is not the only way forward. Please consult with your advisor to create your unique path.
Overall major courses should include:
at least two courses 300-level or above
one course in American politics
one course in comparative politics / international relations
- one course in political theory
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First Year
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Issues in Politics (POLI 100)
Introduction to Statistics (MATH 215)
1-2 Politics (POLI) courses at the 200-level
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| Sophomore |
Introduction to Statistics (MATH 215) (if not already taken; take in the Fall) Empirical Research Methods (POLI 202) (Spring)
2 Politics (POLI) courses at the 200-level or above
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| Junior |
Analyzing Politics (POLI 303)
2-3 major courses with at least 1 course 300–level or above, which can include more than one POLI 303
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| Senior |
Senior Research Seminar (POLI 497, Fall)
2-3 courses to complete the major. |
Possible Degree Path – starting in the second year.
The following is a typical plan to complete this major. Please consult with your advisor or a member of the Department to create your unique path.
Overall major courses should include:
at least two courses 300-level or above
one course in American politics
one course in comparative politics / international relations
- one course in political theory
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|
|
First Year
|
- |
| Sophomore |
Issues in Politics (POLI 100)
Introduction to Statistics (MATH 215) (Fall) Empirical Research Methods (POLI 202) (Spring)
One additional 200-level course, recommended |
| Junior |
Analyzing Politics (POLI 303)
3 major courses including at least 1 course 300 – level or above, which can include more than one POLI 303
|
| Senior |
Senior Research Seminar (POLI 497, Fall)
2-3 courses to complete the major. |
Planning Recommendations:
- The Issues in Politics (POLI 100, any topic) should be completed in the first year; sophomore year at the latest.
- In order to prepare for upper-level work, Empirical Research Methods (POLI 202) should be completed by the end of the sophomore year.
- Students must complete Introduction to Statistics (MATH 215) and Empirical Research Methods (POLI 202) before taking Analyzing Politics (POLI 303). Ideally, students should take MATH 215 before POLI 202.
- We encourage students to take multiple POLI 303 courses to develop both their understanding of various subfields and their research skills.
- Please note that students should choose major electives to ensure they complete:
- two major courses at the 300 - level or higher
- one course in American politics
- one course in comparative politics /international relations
- one course in political theory
- For students that study abroad, make sure that those courses can be counted toward the Politics major.