Advising
The requirements for courses within the department are the same for both B.A. and B.S. students. [B.A. students are required to take foreign language courses, while B.S. students are required to take more science and math courses.] All majors are required to take a course in political thinking (POS 161) that introduces them to the analysis of fundamental questions about the nature of the state, civic order, and forms of government); a course in American government and Politics (POS 105) that provides an overview of the organization and operation of government in this country; and an empirical research methods course (POS 209) that teaches them how to formulate and carry out research designs. They also have to take one of two introductory comparative government courses and one of two introductory international relations courses so they have exposure to the manner in which other countries govern themselves and how they interact (in peace and war) with each other.
Major in Political Science
- 33 hours in Political Science including at least 18 hours at the 200-level or above and at least 6 hours at the 300-level (excluding internships, independent studies, and reading courses.)
- Required courses: POS 105, 161, 209; either 140, 141, or 145, and either 150 or 151.
- A maximum of 6 hours in POS 398.01 and 398.20 may count toward a Political Science major.
- It is recommended that Political Science majors enroll in POS 105 in their first year of study and in 209 in their second year of study.
- Transfer students wishing to complete the major are recommended to enroll in POS 105 and 209 in their first year at Illinois Sate University if they have not already had equivalent courses.
Minor in Political Science
- 18 hours in Political Science required
- Required course: POS 105 or 106.
- A maximum of 3 hours in POS 398.01 and 398.20 may count toward a Political Science minor.
- For Teachers and Education Majors - In addition to those listed for the Minor in Political Science, students must complete education courses that are required for state certification.
Minor in Legal Studies
All degree and certificate programs require students to successfully complete the following five courses, as well as an additional nine credits from among the following paralegal specialty courses
- POL 201 Introduction to Law for Paralegals
- POL 203 & 204 Legal Research I and II
- POL 370 & 371 Litigation I and II
- Paralegal Specialty Course Electives
- POL 216 Introduction to Torts
- POL 314 Investigative Techniques
- POL 319 Probate Law
- POL 322 Domestic Relations Law
- POL 372 Employment Law
- POL 398.20 Professional Practice Paralegal Internship**
** A maximum of 6 credits of internship can be counted toward fulfilling the 9 credits required from the paralegal specialty course area. A student can count a maximum of 15 credits of internship in the general elective category of the general University graduation requirement.
Minor in Peace & Conflict Resolution Studies
Minor in Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies
Honors in Political Science
Students majoring or minoring in Political Science may be admitted to the Departmental Honors Program if they have:
- Completed at least 30 semester hours of college- or university-level courses, including at least 2 Political Science courses;
- A minimum of 3 semesters remaining before graduation
- Cumulative GPA of 3.3;
- One letter of recommendation submitted by a Political Science faculty member to the undergraduate advisor;
- Membership in the University Honors Program; and,
- Admission and approval of the Departmental Honors Committee.
In order to graduate with honors in Political Science a student must complete:
- All regular requirements for the Political Science Major;
- 3 hours of in-course honors;
- 3 hours in POS 302: Honors Seminar
- 3 hours of POS 299: Independent Honors Study; and,
- Have a major GPA of at least 3.5
Any student admitted to the University Honors program may earn honors credit by completing the honors requirements of either a designated honors course or of a course offering an in-course honors option. See Erik Rankin, the Undergraduate Advisor for more information
