Program Overview

Political Science, B.S.

The Political Science program at Southern Connecticut State University requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a total of 120 credits to graduate. This total includes both the required courses for the program and any free electives selected.

General Education Requirements (46 Credits)

All bachelor's degree programs include liberal education (LEP) and writing (W) course requirements. The general education requirements are designed to provide students with a well-rounded education and prepare them for success in their chosen field. To review more detailed information, please refer to the General Education (LEP) Degree Requirements section of the academic catalog. The general education requirements include courses in various subjects, such as English, mathematics, science, and social sciences, and are designed to provide students with a broad-based education. The specific courses that satisfy the general education requirements are listed in the academic catalog and are subject to change. Students are advised to consult with their academic advisor to ensure that they are meeting the general education requirements for their degree program. The general education requirements are an essential part of the undergraduate degree program and are designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to succeed in their chosen field.

Major Requirements (36 Credits)

The major requirements for the Political Science program include a series of core courses and electives that provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field. The core courses include:

• PSC 200 Political Change and Conflict (IV)
• PSC 240 Introduction to Political Thought (IC)
• PSC 260 U.S. Government (US)
• PSC 270 International Relations (GI)
• PSC 365 Research Methods in Political Science
• PSC 367 Quantitative Analysis of Political Data
  • These courses provide students with a foundation in the principles and methods of political science, and are designed to prepare students for advanced study in the field. Students must also select one of the following courses:
• PSC 475 Capstone Seminar
• HON 495 Honors Thesis
  • These courses provide students with the opportunity to engage in advanced research and analysis in the field of political science, and are designed to prepare students for graduate study or careers in the field. Additionally, students must select one of the following courses:
• PSC 496 Campaign Management Internship
• PSC 497 Political Science Internship (6 credits required)
  • These courses provide students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of political science, and are designed to prepare students for careers in the field. Students must also select an additional 9 credits of PSC at the 300 level or higher, or other subjects as approved by the political science department. No more than 3 credits of PSC 497 may be applied to this requirement.

Accelerated Pathway Option (12 Credits)

The accelerated pathway option is available to students with a 3.0 GPA and at least 90 credits. This option allows students to complete an accelerated pathway during their senior year to earn dual credit towards both their current undergraduate program and future graduate program of interest. Students will meet with their faculty advisor to prepare a Graduate Course Plan (500-level courses or higher), with a maximum of 6 credits per semester, based on their graduate program of interest. Approval from both the Program Department Chairperson and the Graduate Coordinator is required. Courses completed with a grade of 'C' or higher will earn dual credit for both undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Graduate programs may have higher grade requirements in place for certain courses, which may require the student to retake the course for a higher grade letter. The accelerated pathway option is designed to provide students with the opportunity to accelerate their graduate studies and prepare them for careers in the field of political science. The option is subject to the approval of the program department and the graduate coordinator, and students are advised to consult with their academic advisor to determine their eligibility for the option.