The program in political science leading to the B.A. or B.S. degree is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to learn more about public and international affairs, government, and the demands of citizenship. It is appropriate for professionally motivated students who wish to pursue careers in political science, public administration, international organizations, domestic government, communications, education, or law. It is also appropriate for inquiring students desiring to learn more about the way human beings live together and the structures and institutions they have developed (or might develop) to facilitate social cooperation and conflict management.
The most current information about undergraduate degree programs, internships, and other opportunities is available on our website.
Political Science B.A./B.S.
The standard Political Science major offers a traditional course of study in political science that involves some exposure to three basic areas of the discipline. In addition to meeting the University’s general education requirements, a student wishing to pursue a basic major in political science must take a minimum of 56 credits in political science distributed as follows.
A minimum of 24 credits must be taken in residence at PSU.
Requirements
Core Courses (16 credits)
Choose four courses from the following five options:
| PS 101 | United States Government | 4 |
| | or | |
| PS 102 | United States Politics | 4 |
| | | |
| PS 204 | Comparative Politics | 4 |
| PS 205 | International Politics | 4 |
| PS 206 | Introduction to Public Policy | 4 |
| PS 208 | Introduction to Political Theory | 4 |
Elective Courses (40 credits)
| | Additional PS electives (minimum 12 upper division) | 20 |
| | Five 400-level PS courses | 20 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 56 |
Public Service Track
The Public Service track option for our Political Science major is designed for students who want a more hands-on experience in the major or are interested in practical politics. The curriculum provides students with a strong foundation in American government, while instilling in them an understanding of public service. Students in this track are required to serve an internship in a governmental or political office.
Lower Division Core Requirements (16 credits)
Chose four courses from the following five options:
| PS 101 | United States Government | 4 |
| | or | |
| PS 102 | United States Politics | 4 |
| | | |
| PS 204 | Comparative Politics | 4 |
| PS 205 | International Politics | 4 |
| PS 206 | Introduction to Public Policy | 4 |
| PS 208 | Introduction to Political Theory | 4 |
Upper Division Core Requirements (8 credits)
Take two from the following four options:
| PS 331 | Oregon Politics | 4 |
| PS 335U | Race and Politics in the United States | 4 |
| PS 419 | Political Reform | 4 |
| PS 431 | State and Local Politics | 4 |
Additional electives (24 credits, minimum of 16 credits must be in Political Science)
Political Science options:
| PS 310 | How to Win a U.S. Political Campaign | 4 |
| PS 312 | Legislative Process | 4 |
| PS 313U | The Power Game: A Simulation of Washington Politics | 4 |
| PS 316U | Politics and the Arts | 4 |
| PS 318U | Media, Opinion, and Voting | 4 |
| PS 319U | Politics of the Environment | 4 |
| PS 331 | Oregon Politics | 4 |
| PS 335U | Race and Politics in the United States | 4 |
| PS 380U | Women and Politics | 4 |
| PS 381U | Women's Leadership | 4 |
| PS 412 | The Presidency | 4 |
| PS 413 | Congress | 4 |
| PS 414 | Issues in Public Policy | 4 |
| PS 416 | Political Parties and Elections | 4 |
| PS 417 | Interest Groups | 4 |
| PS 418 | Contemporary Political Protest in America | 4 |
| PS 419 | Political Reform | 4 |
| PS 421 | The Supreme Court and American Politics | 4 |
| PS 424 | Law, Politics, and Society | 4 |
| PS 427 | The Politics of Public Opinion | 4 |
| PS 429 | American Immigration Politics & Policy | 4 |
| PS 431 | State and Local Politics | 4 |
| PS 435 | Disasters and Public Policy | 4 |
| PS 471 | Gender & Politics: A Comparative Perspective | 4 |
Courses used to meet the core requirements cannot be used at the same time to fulfill the elective requirements.
Public Administration options:
| PA 311U | Introduction to Civic Engagement | 4 |
| PA 312U | Foundations of Community Leadership | 4 |
| PA 313U | Fundamentals of Public Service | 4 |
| PA 320U | Introduction to Nonprofit Management | 4 |
| PA 412 | Civic Engagement: The Role of Governing Institutions | 4 |
| PA 413 | Civic Engagement: The Role of Individuals | 4 |
| PA 414 | Civic Engagement: The Role of Social Institutions | 4 |
| PA 417 | Ethical Leadership | 4 |
| PA 425 | Fundamentals of Grantwriting and Fundraising | 4 |
Field Experience (8 credits)
| PS 404 | Cooperative Education/Internship | 8 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 56 |
Courses not required for the Public Service Option, but recommended for those interested in public service careers:
Once a student has been admitted to Portland State University, upper-division courses used to meet political science major requirements must be taken at the University. Courses taken at another college or university must have received prior approval from the Department of Politics and Global Affairs.
All courses used to satisfy political science major requirements, whether taken at PSU or elsewhere, must be graded C- or above.
Students must complete a minimum of 24 credits of political science coursework at PSU.