Undergraduate Degree Requirements
B.A. in Political Science
All majors must meet the Upper-division Writing Expectation by successfully completing PSCI 400.
Political Science Major Advising Form
Political Science Major: Students majoring in political science must take a minimum of 37 credits of political science, including 210S (PSC 100S), 220S (PSC 120S), 230X (PSC 130E), 250E(PSC 150E); and one 300-400 level course in four of the five major fields listed above. Twenty-one of the 37 credits must be in upper-division courses. No more than 7 credits of independent study (PSCI 492 (PSC 496)) and internship (PSCI 498 (PSC 498)) combined may count toward the 37 required credits. In addition, no more than 15 total credits in special topics courses (e.g., PSCI 320 (PSC 381), 391 (PSC 395)) may count toward the 37 required credits.
Courses taken to satisfy the requirements of the major must be completed with a grade of C- or better. A minimum grade average of 2.00 in all work attempted in the major at the University of Montana-Missoula is required for graduation.
Political Science Major with an Option in American Politics: A student may earn a major in political science with an option in American politics by completing 40 credits in political science, including: 210S (PSC 100S), 220S (PSC 120S), 230X (PSC 130E), 250E (PSC 150E); one 300- 400 level course in four of the five major fields of political science listed previously; and five of the following courses: 341, 342, 343, 352, 344 (PSC 364), 346 (PSC 366), 370, 340 (PSC 383), 347 (PSC 387), 468, 440 (PSC 483). Courses used to complete the upper-division requirement of this option also fulfill the 300-400 level requirement in the respective major fields of political science.
Political Science Major with an Option in International Relations and Comparative Politics: A student may earn a major in political science with an option in international relations and comparative politics by completing 40 credits in political science, including: 210S (PSC 100S), 220S (PSC 120S), 230X (PSC 130E), 250E (PSC 150E); one 300- 400 level course in four of the five major fields of political science listed previously; and three courses from each of the following groups: a) 322 (PSC 321H), 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 320 (PSC 381), 421 (PSC 420), 420 (PSC 481); and b) 335, 336, 337, 330 (PSC 382), 431, 433, 463, 432 (PSC 430) 430 (PSC 482). Strongly recommended are: a) minimum of two years of foreign language study; b) internship/study-abroad program. Courses used to complete the upper-division requirement of this option also fulfill the 300-400 level requirement in the respective major fields of political science.
Political Science Major with an Option in Public Administration: A student may earn a major in political science with an option in public administration by completing a minimum of 40 credits in political science, including: 210S (PSC 100S), 220 (PSC 120S), 230X (PSC 130E), 250E (PSC 150E); one 300-400 level course in four of the five major fields of political science listed previously; 361, and three of the following courses: 344 (PSC 364), 360 (PSC 385), 462 (PSC 460), 461, 463, 466, 467, 468, 460 (PSC 485). A legislative or administrative internship is strongly recommended. Courses used to complete the upper division requirement of this option also fulfill the 300-400 level requirement in the respective major fields of political science.
Political Science Major with an Option in Public Law: A student may earn a major in political science with an option in public law by completing a minimum of 40 credits in political science, including 210S (PSC 100S), 220 (PSC 120S), 230X (130E), 250E (PSC 150E); one 300-400 level course in four of the five major fields of political science listed previously; 370, and four of the following courses: 352, 421 (PSC 420), 433, 462 (PSC 460), 461, 471, 474 (PSC 472). Courses used to complete the upper-division requirement of this option also fulfill the 300-400 level requirement in the respective major fields of political science.
Teacher Preparation in Government
Students who want to be licensed to teach civics and government at the middle and high school level must complete the BA degree requirements in political science (no option required). They also must complete a teaching minor in a second field of their choice and the professional licensure program in the School of Education. Students may also earn a teaching minor in government. See the Department of Curriculum & Instruction for information about admission to the Teacher Education Program and completion of these licensure requirements.
Teacher Preparation in Government and History
Students who want to be licensed to teach government, history, and one additional social science at the middle and high school level must complete the BA degree requirements for the combined academic major in political science and history. In completing this combined degree, students simultaneously satisfy the Comprehensive Social Science teaching major and the professional licensure program in the School of Education. See the Department of Curriculum & Instruction for information about admission to the Teacher Education Program and completion of this licensure program.
Double Majoring
Many students choose to major in more than one discipline. The Registrar’s Office sends grade sheets and advising numbers to the department that is listed in the computer as the student’s first major, so if you wish to receive advising in the political science department, be sure to list political science as your first major. Common second majors include History, Economics, Journalism, and Foreign Languages.
Requirements for a Minor
To earn a minor in political science the student must complete a minimum of 21 credits of political science, including 210S (PSC 100S), 220S (PSC 120S), 230X (PSC 130E), 250E (PSC 150E); and three additional 300-400-level courses in three of the five major fields of political science (American Government, Comparative Government, International Relations, Political Theory, and Public Administration). Nine of the 21 credits must be in 300-400-level courses.
Minor in Political Science Requirements Worksheet
Related Minors
Academic minors provide a good way for you to specialize in an area that may relate to your career goals. Minors relating to careers in political science include Asian Studies, Communication Studies, Economics, Environmental Studies, History, International Development, Latin American Studies, Native American Studies, Nonprofit Administration, Russian Studies, and Women’s Studies.
The information shown above can also be found in the University Catalog.
University Catalog for Political Science
