Political Science

Political Science
BA
Hours41 - 44 Credit Hours
MAPMajor Academic Plan

Program Requirements

The Political Science Department requires a minimum of 27 hours of political science courses to be taken in residency at BYU for this degree program (BYU Independent Study courses do not meet this requirement). These hours may also go toward BYU's 30-hour residency requirement for graduation.
requirement 1 Complete 3 options
Introduction to the Major. Complete one course from three of the following four groups.
option 1.1 Complete 1 course
Political Philosophy:
requirement 2 Complete 1 course
Note: Courses used to complete requirement 1 can double count towards completion of this requirement.
requirement 3 Complete 1 course
Philosophy. (Note: Poli 201 or Poli 202 can double-count in the Political Philosophy section above.)
requirement 4 Complete 1 course
Introductory Research and Writing. (Note: This course is a prerequisite to many other courses and should be taken as soon as possible.)
requirement 5 Complete 1 course
Research Project. (Note: This course should be taken as soon as possible after Poli 200 because it will provide skills for many other courses. In combination with Poli 200, it fulfills the University Core Advanced Written and Oral Communication requirement.)
requirement 7 Complete 1 option
Professional Tracks. Complete 15 hours in political science courses, or complete 15 credit hours within one of the following tracks. (Unless noted, no double-counting of major courses allowed.)
option 7.1 Complete 15.0 hours from the following course(s)
15 HOURS OF POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSES:
option 7.2 Complete 3 groups
INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY AND DIPLOMACY TRACK:
Students are strongly encouraged to complete international internships, field studies, and mentored research. Some study abroad programs may also be helpful.
option 7.3 Complete 2 groups
LEGAL STUDIES TRACK:
group 7.3.1 Complete 3 courses
Note: Phil 416 (Philosophy of Law) may be used in place of Poli 364. See your academic advisor for more information. Also, Poli 278 will not double count with the Analytical and Professional Skills requirement above.
group 7.3.2 Complete 1 selection
option 7.5 Complete 2 groups
RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS TRACK:
option 7.6 Complete 2 groups
GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT TRACK:
group 7.6.1 Complete 1 course
Students are strongly encouraged to complete international internships and mentored field research. Students may count up to 6 credit hours of Poli 399R or Poli 497R with international development organizations or in developing countries for the 4 course requirement above.
requirement 8 Complete 6.0 hours from the following course(s)
Complete 6 additional credit hours of 200-level and above Political Science courses. A maximum of 3 credit hours of lower-division Political Science credit may count toward these 6 additional credit hours.
1. 27 hours of political science courses must be taken in residency at BYU (BYU Independent Study courses do not meet this requirement). These hours may also go toward BYU's 30-hour residency requirement for graduation.
2. Poli 101R and 297R do not count toward the major or any minor offered by the department.
3. Only 6 hours of Poli 399R (internship credit) may count toward the major.
4. No cooperative education (internship) credit from other universities or colleges will be accepted toward the major.
5. All students are strongly encouraged to complete an internship. Established programs are available through Washington Seminar, Utah State Legislature, or the Kennedy Center.
6. Students scoring a 4 or 5 on the American Government and/or Comparative Government AP exams may substitute AP credit for Poli 110 or Poli 150, respectively.
7. We strongly encourage students to take Poli 298R, a career lecture series course.
Program Outcomes

Understand Political Science and Its Subfields

Demonstrate advanced understanding of the discipline of political science, including familiarity with each of the four major subfields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political philosophy.

Employ Rigorous Research Methods

Use rigorous methods of research design and analysis to answer political questions, including multiple research methodologies.

Write and Speak with Originality and Clarity

Write and speak with originality and clarity, providing reasons and evidence to support claims using proper citation of source material.

Think Critically and Analytically about Politics

Think critically and analytically about government, political processes, and political theories, including the components of a good society.

Collaborate Effectively

Collaborate effectively with others, including participation in political processes and engagement on issues of political importance.