Program Overview

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science/Social Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/Social Studies is a comprehensive program that requires 92-94 credits. The program is divided into two main components: Political Science Courses and Social Studies Courses.

Political Science Courses

Political Science Courses account for 50 credits of the program. The requirements include:

• PLSC 250 (5 credits)
• 18 additional credits in American Politics and Public Policy field (23 total)
• 8 credits in Political Theory field
• 8 credits in International Relations and/or Comparative Politics fields
• 11 credits in Political Science Electives

Social Studies Courses

Social Studies Courses account for 43-45 credits of the program. The requirements include:

• Human Geography: ENVS 204
• Economics: ECON 206 or ECON 446 & ECON 207 or ECON 447
• Social Sciences: 8 credits in Anthropology, Geography, Psychology, or Sociology courses under advisement
• History: 25 credits, including
  • United States History (10 credits)
  • Pre-1450 History (5 credits)
  • 1450 to present History (5 credits)
  • Local/State History (5 credits)

Plan of Study

The Political Science/Social Studies major evaluation/plan of study forms are available. A grade of C or better is required for all major courses.

Teacher Certification Program

To receive a recommendation for state of Washington certification, students must complete the teacher certification program, including the contents method course SEC 426. This course is offered by the Woodring College of Education Department of Secondary Education as part of the undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree, as a post-baccalaureate program, or as part of the Master's in Education degree. Completion of this combined major leads to endorsement in social studies. Courses required for a state teaching endorsement must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better.