Department of Political Science
Undergraduate Degree Requirements
The undergraduate political science curriculum has two primary goals. First, it offers students a broad liberal arts education along with a comprehensive understanding of the nature and functioning of the political process. Second, it also provides a sound foundation for graduate study in political science, public administration and nonprofit management, or for careers that require knowledge of governance and the political process, such as law. With these objectives in mind, the department offers a range of electives, several writing and speaking intensive courses, undergraduate internship courses, service learning sections, and undergraduate research assistantships.
Major in Political Science
Second Major in Political Science
Special Note for Education Majors
Minor in Political Science
Prelaw Courses
Beyond the Classroom
Major in Political Science
The departmental requirements for the major are:
At least 30 hours in political science courses including:
- These four courses:
- PSC 100 - American Politics
- PSC 240 - International System
- PSC 260 - Introduction to Comparative Politics
- PSC 301 - Research Methods
You should complete PSC 100 (American Politics) before you take 300-level courses. These four courses should be completed by the end of your sophomore year.
- An additional 18 hours, all of which must be at the 200-level, or above, and 15 hours all of which must be at the 300-level or above.
- Political science majors also must meet the General Education Curriculum (GEC) and the requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences. Consult the UNCG Bulletin for details.
Political Science as a Second Major
A second major requires a minimum of 24 semester hours in each of two approved majors. All requirements of each major must be met; hours from the second major can be applied toward General Education requirements. A student with a first major outside the College of Arts and Sciences who chooses a second major in one of the College departments is required to complete all of the departmental requirements for the second major but need not satisfy the Additional College General Education requirements. In the case of transfer students, at least 12 hours in each major must be taken at UNCG. Students wishing to complete a second major should contact the Office of the Director of Student Academic Services so that an advisor can be appointed in each major.Special Note for Prospective Teachers:
Political Science majors seeking teacher licensure and Education majors seeking Political Science as a second major should consult the current catalog and an advisor in the School of Education for program requirements.Political Science Minors
A student may minor in political science by taking PSC 100, plus at least 12 hours of course work at the 200 level or above. Students should select from the full range of course offerings to best suit their own intellectual and career interests.Prelaw Courses
Students interested in applying to law school will benefit from a wide variety of courses related to law that are offered by a diverse political science faculty.
Prelaw courses include:
PSC 300 Elections, Law and the Courts
PSC 316 Introduction to Law
PSC 318 Constitutional Law
PSC 320 Civil Liberties
PSC 312 Environmental Law and Policy
PSC 313 Natural Resources Law and Policy
PSC 314 Wildlife Law and Policy
PSC 336 Women and the Law
PSC 341 International Law
PSC 516 Administrative Law
Beyond the Classroom
A good political science education consists of more than lectures, papers, and exams. Activities that combine classroom work with work outside the classroom are valuable, and students may participate in many different ways.- The Internship in Campaigns and Elections (PSC 331) places students as interns in election campaigns in the fall semesters of even-numbered years.
- The Public Affairs Internship (PSC 399) provides academic credit for students working in government agencies at the federal, state, and local level.
There are also extracurricular campus activities which may complement students' interests in politics and public affairs.
- The Model U.N. provides a forum for debating international issues and joining in a competition with students from other universities.
- Pi Sigma Alpha, the Political Science honor society, is open to qualified juniors and seniors. The Pi Sigma Alpha banquet is held every spring semester.
- The Political Awareness Club, (PAC) which is open to all UNCG students, offers activities, programs and speakers on national and international topics each semester.
- The Student Government Association deals with issues of campus policy and student life.