Political Science Major, B.S.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

General Program Information

ETSU Academic Proficiency Requirements

Writing: Students must complete a minimum of four writing-intensive courses. At least two of these courses must be in the major field of study. At least two of the four courses must be at the 3000-4000 level.

Oral Communication: Students must complete a minimum of two oral communication-intensive courses. At least one of these courses must be in the major field of study.

Using Information Technology: Students must pass the information technology proficiency exam or successfully complete CSCI 1100 - Using Information Technology during their first calendar year or prior to accumulating 33 semester credits at ETSU. In addition, students must complete at least one using information technology-intensive course in the major field of study.

Transfer students may be subject to reduced number of intensives.

See ETSU Academic Proficiency Requirements for details.

Political Science Major

Students majoring in political science must complete requirements for the General Education Program, both the core curriculum requirements and the requirements reinforcing academic proficiencies (see General Education Program section of this catalog). Students must also complete the degree requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, either for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or the Bachelor of Science (B.S.). (See College of Arts and Sciences degree requirements in this catalog.) The political science major itself requires the completion of 36 semester credit hours.

TBR General Education Requirements: 41-42 Credit Hours

ENGL 1010 - Critical Reading and Expository Writing (3 credits)
ENGL 1020 - Critical Thinking and Argumentation (3 credits)
Communication: Oral Communication (3 credits) *
Mathematics (3-4 credits) *
Natural Sciences (8 credits) *
HIST 2010 - The United States to 1877 (3 credits)
HIST 2020 - The United States since 1877 (3 credits)
Literature (3 credits) *
Fine Arts (3 credits) *
Humanities (3 credits) *
Social/Behavioral Sciences (6 credits) *

Note:

* See the General Education Core Requirements for options.

Political Science Major Requirements: 36 Credit Hours

PSCI 1110 - Political Life (3 credits)
PSCI 1120 - Introduction to American Government (3 credits)
PSCI 2210 - Introduction to Comparative Politics (3 credits) or
PSCI 2220 - Introduction to World Politics (3 credits)
PSCI 3440 - Research Methods (3 credits)

One course at or above the 3000 level in each of the (5) five sub-fields: 15 Credit Hours

American Politics (AP) (3 credits)
Comparative Politics (CP) (3 credits)
International Relations (IR) (3 credits)
Political Theory (PT) (3 credits)
Public Law (PL) (3 credits)

Select three: 9 Credit Hours

Three courses to be selected freely from the Political Science, International Affairs, and Public Administration Department’s offerings (9 credits)

B.S. Requirements: 6 Credit Hours

MATH 1530 - Probability and Statistics – Noncalculus (3 credits) or **
MATH 1910 - Calculus I (4 credits) **
PHIL 2640 - Science and the Modern World (3 credits)
PHIL 2030 - Practical Reasoning (3 credits) or
SPCH 2320 - Argumentation and Debate (3 credits)
Single laboratory science **

Note:

** Satisfies TBR General Education Core Requirements.

Minor Requirements: 18-27 Credit Hours

Electives: 6-16 Credit Hours

Total Credit Hours Required for Degree: 120 Credit Hours

Additional Information

Click here to view the Political Science Major Suggested Course Sequence .

Transfer Students–Transfer students must meet the specific requirements for the major or minor and must complete at least nine credit hours and maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in their courses in Political Science (see section of this catalog on transfer students for other requirements).

Teaching Program Information

Teacher Education–Students interested in pursuing a teacher education program for certification as a government teacher in grades 7-12 are asked to see an advisor in the Department of Political Science, International Affairs, and Public Administration and the professional advisor in the College of Education in 321 Warf-Pickel Hall.

Pre-Teacher Education–Declaration of Intent-All students desiring to complete a teacher education program or other public school licensure program must file a Declaration of Intent in 321 Warf-Pickel Hall. For filing deadlines and other information, see the professional advisor in 321 Warf-Pickel.

Professional Education Requirements–There is a total of 36 credit hours required for professional education. Please refer to the Education Minor section in this catalog for a list of the required courses that must be taken with the professional semester.