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.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science, Major in Political Science | ||
| Core Curriculum | ||
| Component Area I (Communication) | 6 | |
| Component Area II (Mathematics) 1 | 3 | |
| 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 Sciences | 8 | |
| Math or Natural Science 2 | 6-7 | |
| Major: Foundation | ||
| POLS 2304 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 |
| POLS 3302 | Introduction to Public Policy | 3 |
| POLS 3365 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 3 |
| POLS 3374 | Quantitative Methods for Political Science | 3 |
| POLS 3377 | Survey of Political Theory | 3 |
| POLS 3379 | Research and Writing in Political Science | 3 |
| POLS 3380 | Introduction to International Relations | 3 |
| Major: Prescribed Electives | ||
| POLS Electives 3 | 9 | |
| Electives: General 4 | ||
| General Electives | 15 | |
| Minor: Required 5 | ||
| Minor | 18 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- 1
- 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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| Component Area II1 | 3 | Component Area III | 4 |
| Component Area III | 4 | Component Area V | 3 |
| Component Area VII | 3 | Component Area VII | 3 |
| ENGL 13012 | 3 | ENGL 13022 | 3 |
| HIST 13013 | 3 | HIST 13023 | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| Component Area IV | 3 | Component Area IX | 3 |
| Component Area VIII | 3 | Component Area IX | 1 |
| Math or Natural Science4 | 3 | Math or Natural Science4 | 4 |
| Natural Sciences | 4 | Natural Sciences | 4 |
| POLS 2304 | 3 | POLS 3379 | 3 |
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| POLS 3365 | 3 | POLS 3380 | 3 |
| POLS 3302 | 3 | POLS 3377 | 3 |
| POLS 3374 | 3 | POLS Electives6 | 3 |
| Minor5 | 3 | Minor5 | 3 |
| Minor5 | 3 | ||
| 12 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| Minor5 | 3 | POLS Electives6 | 3 |
| Minor5 | 3 | Minor5 | 3 |
| POLS Electives6 | 3 | General Electives7 | 6 |
| General Electives7 | 3 | General Electives7 | 3 |
| General Electives7 | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Hours: 120 | |||
- 1
- 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 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 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.
