PoliSci Major
To major in political science, you must complete:
- General education requirements for the College of Liberal Arts. Click here for information on general education requirements.
- Degree requirements for a political science major.
Degree Requirements for a Political Science Major
All majors in political science must take a total of eleven courses:
1. Two introductory courses: POLSCI 101 and POLSCI 102;
2. Five distribution courses, as designated by a letter code following each course title:
- One course in American politics (Category A),
- One course in international relations (Category B),
- Two courses in comparative politics (Category C),
- One course in political theory (Category D);
3. Four additional political science courses, which may or may not be distribution (letter-coded) courses.
At least five of the eleven courses required of each major must be at or above the 300 level.
Two courses from another field may, with the approval of an advisor, be counted toward the four required electives if a student fulfills the requirements for a major, minor, or concentration in the second field. No more than three courses in internships, independent study, or honors work may be counted toward these requirements. Transfer students must complete a minimum of four political science courses above the 100 level at UMass Boston. Only one of the eleven courses used to meet the Major requirements can be taken pass/fail, and this option cannot be used for either of the two required introductory courses.
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