Program Overview
The degree of Bachelor of Science (BS), with a major in political science, requires successful completion of 120 credit hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using major, minor, or elective courses (see the UCA Core requirements); (2) major requirements listed below; and (3) a minor field of study and/or electives chosen in consultation with a PSCI faculty advisor to meet the student’s career interests and the 120-credit hour requirement.
Mathematics Pathway: First-time, first-year students majoring in Political Science enter the Quantitative Literacy Mathematics Pathway and must enroll in MATH 1360 during their first year of study, unless they have already been awarded credit that completes their 1000-level math requirements.
Program Outline
Major in Political Science (42 hours)
All students majoring in political science and seeking the BS are required to take 15 hours of core required PSCI courses; three hours in experiential learning; and 24 hours at the 3000 level or above in political science electives. PSCI 1330 [ ACTS: PLSC2003 ] U.S. Government & Politics is a prerequisite for all junior- and senior-level classes.
PSCI courses are used to satisfy lower-division UCA Core requirements in Critical Inquiry and Responsible Living. Designated PSCI courses may be used to satisfy the upper-division UCA Core requirements in Diversity, Critical Inquiry, Responsible Living, Effective Communication, and Capstone Experience.
Political Science Core Requirement (15 hours)
- All students majoring in political science and seeking the BS degree will complete each of the following 2000-level PSCI and PADM core courses:
- PSCI 2300 Introduction to International Relations
- PADM 2310 Introduction to Public Administration and Policy
- PSCI 2312 Statistical Methods for Political Analysis or PSCI 2322 Political Science Applications in GIS
- PSCI 2315 Introduction to Political Theory
- PSCI 2320 Introduction to Comparative Politics
Experiential Learning Requirement (3 hours)
Complete at least one of the following upper-division experiential learning courses.
- PSCI 4390 Internship in Political Science
- PSCI 4393 Experiential Learning in International Studies or Political Science
- PSCI 4394 Research in International Studies or Political Science
Note: Public Administration majors who choose to minor in Political Science must use PADM 2310 and PSCI 2312 or 2322 for the Public Administration major. Therefore, Public Administration majors must select two additional elective courses from any of the Political Science subfields to meet the 24-hour minor requirement.
International Studies majors who choose to minor in Political Science must use PSCI 2300, 2320, and 2312 or 2322 for the International Studies major. Therefore, International Studies majors must select three additional courses from any of the Political Science subfields to meet the 24 hour minor requirement.
