Political Science major
Undergraduate Degree Information
THE CURRICULUM
Schedule
of Classes
Political Science Major Curriculum (starting Fall 2010)
Four-Year Plan for Degree Completion
Two-Year
Course Rotation
The BA/BS degree in Political Science requires a minimum of 39 semester hours. The required courses in the program (24 semester hours) are as follows: PSCI 201, 245, 271, 280, 319, and 499. In addition, students take 6 hours in the American Politics Core and 6 hours in the World Politics Core. The remaining 9 semester hours consist of elective courses chosen by the student in consultation with the students academic advisor. Students must take at least 12 hours at the 400 level in addition to PSCI 499.
Students are advised to use these electives to develop special expertise in concentrated areas such as American politics or World Politics, and formal concentrations are available in both of these areas. Political Science majors are strongly encouraged to pursue minor programs in related areas of study; among the minors frequently chosen are Civic Leadership, Communications, Criminology & Criminal Justice, Economics, Public Administration, and Business Administration.
When planning their course of study in Political Science, students should consult both the four-year plan for completing the degree and the two-year course rotation. The four-year plan for completion assumes that a student starts the major as a freshman. For transfer students or students who declare the major after freshman year, they should consult with their academic advisor to determine the best plan for completing the degree in two or three years.
Internships & Study Abroad
Internships can be arranged which provide students with the opportunity to gain experience working in government agencies, public service organizations, and the private sector. A special department internship advisor assists in procuring placements.
Indiana State University is strongly committed to international education and as such seeks to provide students with various opportunities for studying abroad. The Political Science department is heavily involved in such programs and will work closely with students interested in participating. For information about specific study abroad opportunities, please contact Ms. Janis Halpern, the Director for Academic Programs Abroad, at 237-3427 or jhalpern@indstate.edu, or check out the Academic Programs Abroad website.
Students wishing to major in Political Science must meet the basic University admissions standards and must formally declare a major in Political Science. To be certified for graduation with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, a student must satisfy all of the Department's criteria with regard to required and elective courses as well as achieving an overall grade point average of 2.20 in the 39 semester hours that constitute the major program. For further information, the toll-free number to call the Admissions Office is 1-800-742-0891 (nationwide).
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
In addition to the admissions standards mentioned above, international students must provide evidence of financial responsibility and proficiency in English. All international students interested in attending ISU should complete the appropriate application on the Office of Admissions website. Additional information can be found on the website of ISU's Office of International Programs and Services. International students should begin the admissions process early since several months will be necessary to complete it.
TUITION
Information on tuition and academic fees can be found on the University Bursar's website. Students from Illinois counties are eligible for the Illinois Student Scholarship, and students from some Midwestern states are eligible for the Midwest Consortium Scholarship; please consult the Office of Admissions for information on these scholarships.
FINANCIAL AID
Financial aid is available through a very wide variety of sources, a
few examples being: scholarships provided by the University, state and
federal governments, private individuals and associations, and businesses;
low-cost loans; and work/study programs. Most people will find
professional assistance invaluable (and often absolutely necessary) in
exploring aid opportunities. Thus you are strongly urged to contact the
ISU Financial Aid Office for information and help.
All Political Science majors are assigned a faculty advisor who assists them in planning their course schedules to assure that all graduation requirements are met. Academic advisors will also work with students to plan their post-graduate education or career goals. Students are also encouraged to become familiar with the offerings and opportunities of the university's Career Center as they plan their post-graduate careers.
PRE-LAW PROGRAM
The Political Science Department also offers a Bachelor's Degree in Legal Studies for those students interested in preparing for a career in the legal profession. Information about the program can be obtained from the Political Science Department, TEL: (812) 237-2430.
POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSES
FOUNDATIONAL STUDIES
PSCI 105
Issues of Our Times
PSCI 107
United States Diversity: Contemporary American Issues
PSCI 130
Introduction to Political Science
PSCI 464
Contested Issues in Political Science
REQUIRED COURSES FOR MAJOR
Gateway Course:
PSCI 201
Intro to American Politics
Foundation Courses:
PSCI 245
Political Inquiry
PSCI 271
Intro to International Relations
PSCI 280
Intro to Comparative Politics
PSCI 319
Political Thought
Capstone:
PSCI 499
Senior Seminar
American Politics Core:
PSCI 305
State & Local Gov’t
PSCI 409
The U.S. Congress
PSCI 410
Campaigns and Elections
PSCI 414 The American Presidency
Other American Politics Courses:
PSCI 308
The Judicial Process
PSCI 317
American Con Law I: An Introduction
PSCI 330
Intro to Public Administration
PSCI 400
Topics in American Politics
PSCI 404
Indiana Politics
PSCI 418
Con Law II: Civil Rights/Liberties
PSCI 419
Law and American Society
PSCI 421 Topics in Legal Studies
WORLD
POLITICS AREA COURSES
World Politics Core:
PSCI 360
American Foreign Policy
PSCI 372
Conflict & Coop’n in Int’l Politics
PSCI 473
International Law
PSCI 476 Politics of Globalization
Other World
Politics Courses:
PSCI 465
U.S. Diplomacy
PSCI 470
Topics in International Politics
PSCI 471
The United Nations and World Order
PSCI 479
The Rise of China
PSCI 480
Topics in Comparative Politics
PSCI 483
Politics in Latin America
PSCI 488
African Politics
PSCI 490
Politics of the Middle East
OTHER COURSES
PSCI 211
Legal Research
PSCI 315
Working in Politics
PSCI 495
Internship in Political Science
PSCI 496
Capstone Course in Legal Studies
PSCI 497
Field Work in Political Science
PSCI 498
Readings in Political Science
For additional information, write or call:
Michael R. Chambers
Professor and Chair
PH: 812/237-2430 Fax: 812/237-3445
TOLL FREE: 1-800-GO-TO-ISU
email:
mchambers3@indstate.edu
Back to Political Science: Undergraduate Programs
The Catalog of Indiana State University is the document of authority for all students. The requirements given in the catalog supersede information issued by any academic department, program, college, or school. The University reserves the right to change the requirements at any time.