Program Overview

Temple University Program Details

Introduction

Temple University offers a comprehensive range of programs for students. The following details outline the requirements and structure of the Political Science Major.

University Requirements

• MATH 0701 (4 s.h.) and/or ENG 0701 (4 s.h.), if required by placement testing.
• All Temple students must take a minimum of two writing-intensive courses as part of the major. The specific courses required for this major are POLS 2597 Writing Preparation Seminar and POLS 4896 Capstone Seminar in Political Science.
• Students must complete requirements of the General Education (GenEd) Program.

College of Liberal Arts Requirements

• Completion of a minimum of 123 credits, including:
  • 90 credits in CLA/CST courses;
  • 45 credits of which must be at the upper level.
• A minimum GPA of 2.0, cumulatively, in CLA/CST coursework, and in the major.
• Professional Development Requirement: All students in the College of Liberal Arts are required to take a 1 credit seminar in professional development. CLA 1002 Professional Development for Liberal Arts Majors is the appropriate course option for this major.
• Foreign Language/Global Studies Requirements:
  • All students must complete or test out of the first and second levels of a foreign language.
  • All students must complete at least one course from the GenEd Global/World Society category.
  • All Bachelor of Arts students must complete one of the following options:
    • Third semester of a foreign language;
    • Demonstrated proficiency beyond the third semester in a foreign language;
    • Take one Global Studies course;
    • Study Abroad at an approved program;
    • Take a second General Education Global/World Society course.

Major Requirements

The Political Science Major consists of 12 courses (36 credits) in Political Science.

• Required Courses:
  • POLS 1101: The American Political System (3 credits)
  • POLS 1201: Foreign Governments and Politics (3 credits)
  • POLS 1301: International Politics (3 credits)
  • POLS 1401: Introduction to Political Philosophy (3 credits)
  • POLS 2503: Research Methods: Thinking Like a Political Scientist (3 credits)
  • POLS 2597: Writing Preparation Seminar (3 credits)
  • POLS 4896: Capstone Seminar in Political Science (3 credits)
• Electives:
  • Select 2 Research Preparatory courses
  • Select 3 upper-level Political Science courses

General Electives

General Electives are typically one-third of a student's program of study and can be focused on a second major, a minor, or towards some other personal enrichment or professional goals. Students should see an academic advisor for assistance in developing an academic plan for these courses.