Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Kansas offers a Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) in Political Science. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of political science, including its theories, concepts, and practices.

Program Requirements

The BGS in Political Science requires a total of 120-121 hours, including 45 hours at the junior/senior level. The program includes a combination of core courses, major requirements, and elective hours.

Core Courses

• POLS 110 or 111 (Core 34: Social and Behavioral Science)
• POLS 150, 151, 170, or 171 (Major Requirement)
• Core 34: English (SGE)010
• Core 34: Communications (SGE)020
• Core 34: Natural and Physical Sciences (SGE)040
• Core 34: US Culture (SGE)070
• Core 34: Arts and Humanities (SGE)060
• Core 34: Global Culture (SGE)070

Major Requirements

• POLS 301 (Core 34: Social and Behavior Science, Major Requirement)
• POLS 206 (Core 34: Math and Statistics)
• Political Science Distribution Elective
• Major Elective (300+)
• POLS 496 (Internship elective, Capstone Course)
• POLS 494, 495, 498, or 499 (Capstone Requirement)

Elective Hours

Students must complete elective hours to fulfill the total hour requirement. These hours can be met through Core 34, degree, major, second area of study, and/or elective hours.

Program Structure

The program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of political science. The curriculum includes a combination of core courses, major requirements, and elective hours.

Sample 4-Year Plan

A sample 4-year plan is provided to help students plan their course of study. The plan includes a combination of core courses, major requirements, and elective hours.

Notes

• All students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are required to complete 120 total hours of which 45 hours must be at the Jr/Sr (300+) level.
• Courses with a * designate courses that are degree requirements but can also be taken to fulfill the KU Core 34 requirement.
• A student may count no more than 6 hours toward the major from the following courses combined: POLS 493, POLS 494, POLS 495, POLS 496, POLS 497, or POLS 498.

University Policies

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy.