Undergraduate Programs

Political Science Major

The political science major is designed with a beginning, a middle and an end. The beginning is a core of 12 hours of courses designed to provide majors with a common foundation and introduction to political science. The middle of the major is intended to allow students to sample broadly from the variety of subfields that make up the discipline of political science. The department has organized courses into three subfields: American Politics and Process, Global Politics and Spaces, and Politics of Ideas. Majors are required to complete one course in each of the three subfields (9 credits). Once the subfield distribution requirement has been met, students are free to concentrate their study in one particular subfield or to continue to sample from several areas. The end of the major is fulfilled by completing a Capstone seminar (POLI 405). This seminar is designed to emphasize the application of written and oral communication, critical analysis, and independent research. Although seminar topics vary by semester, all capstone seminars are designed to serve as a culminating experience in the major and should enable you to put into practice the knowledge, values and skills you have developed as political science majors.

The following links provide more information:

Minors

The Department of Political Science offers two minors: one in political science which requires 18 hours of political science coursework and the other in geography which requires some specific coursework in geography and political science. Please review the academic regulations that apply to all minors at the College of Charleston in addition to reviewing the links below.  

The following links provide details about each minor:

Optional Concentrations

The Department of Political Science offers two optional concentrations: Politics, Philosophy, and Law (PPLW) and Public Policy (PLCY). Though not required to complete a degree in political science, these optional concentrations allow students to pursue a more focused course of study within their major. The PPLW concentration provides excellent preparation for those considering law school or have a strong interest in philosophy and the law. The PLCY concentration gives students the opportunity to develop a policy focus and helps them prepare for careers and graduate programs in public policy and public administration.