The Political Science Major

Studying Political Science at Utah State University


Many experiences await you as a major in the Department of Political Science at Utah State University. During the next few years you will have the opportunity to delve into the intricacies and puzzles of governance, policy formulation, international relations and the law, as you also develop your reasoning and communication skills. You will become acquainted with other students who share your interests and get to know a faculty that is committed to the quality of your education and success in seeking employment after graduation or in going on to graduate or law school.

Every year departmental requirement sheets are published for your information and planning. These "green sheets" are available from the Political Science Department Office (Old Main 320), and describe the requirements for the Political Science Major and Minor, the Prelaw Major and Minor, and the Political Science Teaching Major and Minor. A separate requirement sheet describes the curriculum for the International Relations Certificate. Once you enter the program, keep the green sheet that you received upon admittance. The requirements specified on that green sheet are the requirements for you. The requirements can change but you are only responsible for the requirements on the green sheet at the time of your admittance, unless you prefer to be governed by new guidelines that may arise in the future.

The bachelor's degree program in political science, which requires 36 semester credits, is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education in the substance and analysis of government and politics at the national and international levels. The program has four primary objectives.

  1. To provide students with theoretical and factual understanding of government, politics, and political philosophy, nationally and internationally.
  2. To develop students' analytical abilities, communication skills, and facility with political research methods.
  3. To prepare students for effective participation in civic affairs, careers in government, the teaching of government, and graduate study in political science, law, and other fields related to the public sector.
  4. To contribute to the liberal arts and science curriculum of the University and to enrich the educational experiences of students in all programs of study.

To meet these goals, the political science curriculum is organized around an introductory course in political science, and four foundation depth area courses. All majors must complete the introduction to political science course (Political Science 1010) and the foundation courses in each depth area so they are acquainted with the diversity of subdisciplines in political science. In addition, all majors must complete two depth areas by selecting at least six additional credits from two of the four depth areas. In so doing, students have an opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in selected areas and to pursue their own particular interests.



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Designed and created on January 15, 1998 by Michael Stocker & Chris Okelberry
Revised on July 21, 1999