Political Science Major and Minor Requirements
Political Science Major Requirements
The major in political science is designed to have a beginning that provides a foundation (the Core: POLS 101, 103 or 104, 250 and 251), a middle that provides both breadth and depth of study (the subfields and electives), and an end that provides an integrative experience (the senior capstone seminar, POLS 405).
A minimum of 36 semester hours are required for a major in political science. Students should begin with the core and plan to complete the 12 hours in the core within the first 15 hours of POLS coursework. All Political Science majors' coursework must include a minimum of three semester hours in four of the five subfields of political science: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Politics, Political Thought and Public Law, and Public Administration and Public Policy. The nine semester hours of electives allow students to explore new topics or concentrate their study within a particular area. Finally, the senior capstone (taken within the final 9 hours of the major) is intended to provide a culminating experience. All Political Science majors must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours at the 300 level or above. For additional course information visit Courses.
NOTE: No more than six hours of independent study and/or six hours of internship and/or six hours of experiential courses (POLS 353,354,366) may be applied to the major requirement, for a maximum of 12 hours.
Political Science Minor Requirements
18 semester hours are required for a minor in Political Science. Political Science 101, 103 or 104, and 250 are required for all political science minors. At least nine additional hours in Political science coursework must be completed. At least six of these nine hours must be at the 300 level or above. At least nine hours in the minor at the 200 level or above must be earned at the College of Charleston. For additional course information visit Courses.
