Undergraduate programs
The program in political science leading to the B.A. or B.S. degree is designed to meet the needs of the liberal arts major who wishes 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 the program website (www.pdx.edu/hatfieldschool/undergraduate-program-political-science).
Political Science B.A./B.S.
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.
Requirements
Lower Division Requirements
Three courses from the following four options (12 credits)
| PS 101 | United States Government | 4 |
| | or | |
| PS 102 | United States Politics | 4 |
| | | |
| PS 204 | Comparative Politics | 4 |
| PS 205 | International Politics | 4 |
| PS 208 | Introduction to Political Theory | 4 |
Upper Division Requirements (36 credits)*
| | Five 400-level PS courses | 20 |
| | Additional PS electives (minimum 12 upper division) | 16 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 48 |
*One of which must be PS 295 or PS 495 to earn the B.S. degree.
Public Service option
The Public Service option 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
Three courses from the following four options (12 credits)
| PS 101 | United States Government | 4 |
| | or | |
| PS 102 | United States Politics | 4 |
| | | |
| PS 204 | Comparative Politics | 4 |
| PS 205 | International Politics | 4 |
| PS 208 | Introduction to Political Theory | 4 |
Upper Division Requirements
| PS 431 | State and Local Politics | 4 |
| PA 313U | Fundamentals of Public Service | 4 |
Additional electives (20 credits, minimum of 8 in Political Science)
Political Science options:
| PS 312 | Legislative Process | 4 |
| PS 331 | Oregon Politics | 4 |
| PS 417 | Interest Groups | 4 |
| PS 416 | Political Parties and Elections | 4 |
| PS 421 | The Supreme Court and American Politics | 4 |
| PS 424 | Law, Politics, and Society | 4 |
| PS 426 | The Politics of the News | 4 |
Public Administration options:
| PA 311U | Introduction to Civic Engagement | 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 | Grantwriting for Nonprofit Organizations | 4 |
Field Experience (8 credits)
| PS 404 | Cooperative Education/Internship | 8 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 48 |
Courses not required for the Public Service Option, but recommended for those interested in public service careers:
International Development option
International development involves questions of global governance, international and development economics, foreign aid and humanitarian assistance, poverty reduction and human development, sustainable development, and international and intergenerational justice.
Lower Division Requirements
Three courses from the following four options (12 credits)
| PS 101 | United States Government | 4 |
| | or | |
| PS 102 | United States Politics | 4 |
| | | |
| PS 204 | Comparative Politics | 4 |
| PS 205 | International Politics | 4 |
| PS 208 | Introduction to Political Theory | 4 |
Upper Division Requirements
Three courses from the following four options (12 credits)
| PS 447 | International Organization | 4 |
| PS 448 | International Law | 4 |
| PS 449 | International Environmental Politics and Law | 4 |
| PS 454 | International Political Economy | 4 |
Political Science electives
Five courses from the following options (20 credits)
| PS 352U | Introduction to European Politics | 4 |
| PS 353U | Introduction to Latin American Politics | 4 |
| PS 354 | Introduction to Asian Politics | 4 |
| PS 355U | Introduction to African Politics | 4 |
| PS 361U | Introduction to the Politics of the Middle East | 4 |
| PS 455 | Politics of Economic Reform in Emerging Market Countries | 4 |
| PS 460/Intl 460 | Political Development in Modern Turkey | 4 |
| PS 461/Intl 461 | Politics of Economic Reform in Modern Turkey | 4 |
| PS 466 | Politics of China | 4 |
| PS 471 | Gender & Politics: A Comparative Perspective | 4 |
| PS 474 | Democracy and Development in Latin America | 4 |
| PS 479 | Transitions to Democracy | 4 |
| PS 483 | Justice in the Modern World | 4 |
Non-Political Science electives
Three courses from the following options (12 credits)
Research Project (4 credits)
| PS 405 | Reading and Conference | 1-6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 60 |