Bachelor of Science, Major in Political Science

 Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.

Bachelor of Science, Major in Political Science
Core Curriculum
Component Area I (Communication)6
Component Area II (Mathematics) 13
Component Area III (Life and Physical Science)8
Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture)3
Component Area V (Creative Arts)3
Component Area VI (U.S. History)6
Component Area VII (Political Science/Government)6
Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences)3
Component Area IX (Component Area Option)4
Degree Specific Requirements
Natural Sciences8
Math or Natural Science 26-7
Major: Foundation
POLS 2304Introduction to Political Science3
POLS 3302Introduction to Public Policy3
POLS 3365Introduction to Comparative Politics3
POLS 3374Quantitative Methods for Political Science3
POLS 3377Survey of Political Theory3
POLS 3379Research and Writing in Political Science3
POLS 3380Introduction to International Relations3
Major: Prescribed Electives
POLS Electives 39
Electives: General 4
General Electives15
Minor: Required 5
Minor18
Total Hours120
1

MATH 1332 or MATH 1342 is recommended.

2

Depending on the course used to fulfill the core Component Area II (Mathematics), the department recommends a combination of MATH 1342, MATH 1410, and/or MATH 1420. The Plan of Study suggests 4 credits. Three (3) credits will fulfill the DSR for the degree, but students will need to take an additional course to meet the 120-credit hour minimum.

3

All 9 POLS Elective hours must be advanced. Courses in the Major Foundation are not allowed to apply in this area. POLS 2301, POLS 2302, POLS 2305, and POLS 2306 are not allowed to apply in this area.

4

For students interested in law school, the department recommends PHIL 2303 and/or PHIL 2352.

5

The following minor cannot be paired with this degree program: Minor in Political Science. 

Notes

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum overall GPA in all coursework. 

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum overall major GPA in all major coursework.

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum SHSU GPA in all coursework.

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum SHSU major GPA in all major coursework.

Additional Requirements:

  • No grade below a C in a Political Science course will count toward the major.
  • Students must have 42 advanced hours; at least 15 hours of POLS must be advanced.

 Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area II13Component Area III4
Component Area III4Component Area V3
Component Area VII3Component Area VII3
ENGL 130123ENGL 130223
HIST 130133HIST 130233
 16 16
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area IV3Component Area IX3
Component Area VIII3Component Area IX 1
Math or Natural Science43Math or Natural Science44
Natural Sciences4Natural Sciences4
POLS 23043POLS 33793
 16 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
POLS 33653POLS 33803
POLS 33023POLS 33773
POLS 33743POLS Electives63
Minor53Minor53
 Minor53
 12 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Minor53POLS Electives63
Minor53Minor53
POLS Electives63General Electives76
General Electives73General Electives73
General Electives73 
 15 15
Total Hours: 120
1

MATH 1332 or MATH 1342 is recommended.

2

Satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area I (Communications).

3

Satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VI (U.S. History).

4

Depending on the course used to fulfill the core Component Area II (Mathematics), the department recommends a combination of MATH 1342MATH 1410, and/or MATH 1420. The Plan of Study suggests 4 credits. Three (3) credits will fulfill the DSR for the degree, but students will need to take an additional general elective course to meet the 120-credit hour minimum.

5

The following minor cannot be paired with this degree program: Minor in Political Science.

6

All 9 POLS Elective hours must be advanced. Courses in the Major Foundation are not allowed to apply in this area. POLS 2301, POLS 2302, POLS 2305, and POLS 2306 are not allowed to apply in this area.

7

For students interested in law school, the department recommends PHIL 2303 and/or PHIL 2352.

Notes

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum overall GPA in all coursework. 

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum overall major GPA in all major coursework.

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum SHSU GPA in all coursework.

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum SHSU major GPA in all major coursework.

Additional Requirements:

  • No grade below a C in a Political Science course will count toward the major.
  • Students must have 42 advanced hours; at least 15 hours of POLS must be advanced. 

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The BS in Political Science is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

  • Analytical, writing, speaking, interpersonal, and professional skills.
  • Work as effective members of a team.
  • Utilize technology to solve problems and accomplish goals.
  • Prepare students for professional careers in the 21st century.
  • Prepare students to make meaningful contributions to local, state, national, and global communities.