Degree Requirements

BA/BS/Minor in Political Science

Political Science B.A./B.S./Minor

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 Political Science. 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 20 credits of political science coursework at PSU.

There are four different options for students completing a degree in political science: the standard major, the Public Service track, the International Development track, and the Honors Program.

There is also an option to receive a Minor in Political Science. This option is great for testing the waters to see if you enjoy Political Science or if you find that Political Science would be a great compliment to your current major.

The standard 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 48 credits in political science distributed as follows. The distinguishing feature of the B.S. degree is that it requires either PS 295 or PS 495 as one of the Upper Division Requirements, while the B.A. does not require either of these courses.

A minimum of 20 credits must be taken in residence at PSU.

Lower Division Requirements (3 of the 4 options) = 12 credits	Upper Division Requirements = 36 credits*
PS 101 U.S. Government -OR- PS 102 U.S Politics (4 credits)	Five 400-level PS courses = 20 credits
PS 204 Comparative Politics (4 credits)	Additional PS electives (minimum 12 credits upper division) = 16 credits
PS 205 International Politics (4 credits)	* one of which must be PS 295 or PS 495 to earn the B.S. degree
PS 208 Introduction to Political Theory (4 credits)	Total credits hours = 48 credits

Public Service Track

The Public Service track in Political Science 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 Requirements (3 of the 4 options) = 12 credits	Upper Division Requirements = 36 credits
PS 101 U.S. Government -OR- PS 102 U.S Politics (4 credits)	PS 431 State and Local Politics (4 credits)
PS 204 Comparative Politics (4 credits)	PA 313U Fundamentals of Public Service (4 credits)
PS 205 International Politics (4 credits)	Additional electives listed below (minimum 8 credits in Political Science) = 20 credits
PS 208 Introduction to Political Theory (4 credits)	Field Experience: PS 404 Cooperative Education/Internship (8 credits)
	Total credits hours = 48 credits

Additional electives for a Political Science option or a Public Administration option for the Public Service Track:

Political Science options:

PS 312 Legislative Process

PS 318U Media, Opinion, and Voting

PS 331 Oregon Politics

PS 413 Congress

PS 416 Political Parties and Elections

PS 417 Interest Groups

PS 418 Contemporary Political Protest in America

PS 419 Political Reform

PS 421 The Supreme Court and American Politics

PS 424 Law, Politics, and Society

Public Administration options:

PA 311U Introduction to Civic Engagement

PA 320U Introduction to Nonprofit Management

PA 412 Civic Engagement: The Role of Governing Institutions

PA 413 Civic Engagement: The Role of Individuals

PA 414 Civic Engagement: The Role of Social Institutions

PA 417 Ethical Leadership

PA 425 Grantwriting for Nonprofit Organizations

Courses no required for the Public Service Option, but recommended for those interested in public service careers:

Comm 312U Media Literacy

Comm 313U Communication in Groups

EC 201 Principles in Microeconomics

EC 202 Principles in Macroeconomics

EC 311 Microeconomic Theory

EC 312 Macroeconomic Theory

USP 316 Community Organizing and Social Change

USP 317U Introduction to International Community Development

USP 386U Portland Past and Present

USP 419/ SOC 441 Population and Society

USP 428 Concepts of Community Development

International Development Track

The International Development track is designed for political science majors who want to pursue a directed course of study on such topics as global governance, international and development economics, foreign aid and humanitarian assistance, poverty reduction and human development, post-colonial studies, sustainable development, and international and intergenerational justice. This track requires 48 credits of coursework and is only an option for students adhering to degree requirements in effect the 2021-2022 academic year.

Lower Division Requirements (3 of the 4 options) = 12 credits	Upper Division Requirements = 36 credits
PS 101 U.S. Government -OR- PS 102 U.S Politics (4 credits)	Two courses from the following four options (8 credits):
PS 204 Comparative Politics (4 credits)	PS 410, PS 447, PS 448, PS 449, PS 454, PS 477
PS 205 International Politics (4 credits)	Four courses from the following options (16 credits):
PS 208 Introduction to Political Theory (4 credits)	PS 319, PS 352U, PS 353U, PS 354, PS 355U, PS 361U, PS 362U, PS 373, PS 460/INTL 460, PS 461/INTL 431, PS 462, PS 466, PS 471, PS 472, PS 473, PS 474, PS 479, PS 483
	Two courses of the following options (8 credits):
	EC 340, EC 442, EC 445, EC 477, EC 450, INTL 341U, INTL 372U, INTL 397, INTL/USP 445, INTL 490, USP 312U, USP 317U, USP 419, USP 490
	Final Project (4 credits)
	Total credits hours = 48 credits

Details regarding the Final Project can be obtained from any of the following ID Track Faculty member:

Dr. Lindsay Benstead, Dr. Joshua Eastin, Dr. Safia Farole, Dr. David Kinsella, and Dr. Birol Yesilada

Political Science Minor

The minor in political science requires fewer credits than the standard major and may be combined with other majors offered at PSU. Of the 28 required course credits, students must complete at least 16 at PSU.

All courses submitted to satisfy the requirement for a minor in political science must be passed with a grade of C or above. Students are encouraged to take political science courses that complement their academic interests and scholarly goals. The political science minor is designed to be as flexible as possible to facilitate this end. Students considering a minor in political science are strongly encouraged to consult with a political science adviser to work out an instructional program that meets their needs.

Lower Division Requirements (2 of the 4 options) = 8 credits	Upper Division Requirements = 20 credits
PS 101 U.S. Government -OR- PS 102 U.S Politics (4 credits)	Five PS courses with a minimum 12 credits at 400-level
PS 204 Comparative Politics (4 credits)
PS 205 International Politics (4 credits)
PS 208 Introduction to Political Theory (4 credits)	Total credits hours = 28 credits

Honors Program

The honors program is designed for our top students who seek out additional intellectual challenges, including research and writing an honors thesis during their senior year. It is distinct from the University Honors Program, but political science majors may be admitted to both programs.

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Law and Legal Studies Minor

The minor in law and legal studies offers an interdisciplinary, liberal arts approach to the study of law. This is an academic program, not a professional training program, emphasizing the political, social, cultural, and philosophical foundations and impacts of law and legal systems.

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