| |
Dec 14, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
2025-2026 University Catalog
Political Science, B.A.
|
|
(Major Code: 22071) (Academic Plan Code: 115501BALS)
Political Science, B.A. (2025-2026) - Roadmap
All candidates for a degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences must complete the graduation requirements listed in “Graduation Requirements .” A total of 40 upper division units must be taken, of which 30 must be selected as described in the major. No more than 48 units in political science courses can apply to the degree.
A minor is not required with this major.
Impacted Program
The Political Science major is an impacted program. To be admitted to the Political Science major, students must meet the following criteria:
- Complete with a grade of C (2.0) or better: POL S 101 , POL S 102 , either POL S 103 or POL S 104 , and three units of either Statistics or Logic (POL S 201 ; ECON 201 ; SOC 201 ; PHIL 120 ; STAT 119 ; STAT 250 ; PSY 280 ). These courses cannot be taken for credit/no credit (Cr/NC);
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.40 or better.
To complete the major, students must fulfill the degree requirements for the major described in the catalog in effect at the time they are accepted into the pre-major at SDSU (assuming continuous enrollment).
|
Preparation for the Major
The major requires four lower-division courses (12 units): POL S 101, POL S 102, either POL S 103 or POL S 104, and a course in either statistics or logic.
These prerequisite courses may not be taken Cr/NC. The minimum grade in each class is C (2.0) or better. Three Units of Either Statistics or Logic
Language Requirement
Competency (successfully completing the third college semester or fifth college quarter) is required in one language other than English to fulfill the graduation requirement. Refer to section of catalog on “Graduation Requirements .” Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement
Complete POL S 390W or another approved upper division writing course (W) with a grade of C (2.0) or better. See “Graduation Requirements ” section for a complete listing of requirements. International Experience
The department encourages international experience for its majors. It will facilitate the transfer of political science credits for appropriate study abroad, student exchange, or other overseas programs. Study abroad courses, including international internship courses, may receive political science credit if approved in advance by the Political Science undergraduate adviser. Major
The major requires a minimum of 30 upper-division units: Three units in each of the five subfields – Political Theory, American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Politics, and Law and Public Policy – for 15 units total, three units from a capstone course, and 12 units from any SDSU upper-division political science courses (except POL S 390W ). Upper-division political science courses from other universities may be used toward the major only with approval of the Political Science undergraduate adviser. Courses by Field
The major requires one three-unit course in each of the five fields – Political Theory, American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Politics, and Law and Public Policy – for a total of 15 units. Additional courses in a field may be taken as major electives. Capstone Requirement
The major requires one three-unit capstone course fulfilled by: Major Electives
The major requires 12 units of major electives, which may come from any SDSU upper-division political science courses (except POL S 390W ). Upper-division political science courses from other universities, including study abroad programs, may be used toward the major only with approval of the Political Science undergraduate advisor. Students may optionally take up to three units toward the 12 units of major electives from one of: |
|
|
