Political Science Major, B.A.; B.S.
B.A. degree or B.S. degree
Major Map
Editor's note: This program has received external approval and has been updated since the Bulletin was published online (4/30/25). Contact your advisor for more information.
A political science major consists of 33 hours. A minimum of 15 hours of course work must be at the 300 level or above.
Up to 6 credits of courses taken on a Credit/No Credit basis may be counted toward the political science major. Majors and minors in political science should enroll in PSC 105 as freshmen (see course description). Transfer students majoring in political science will be expected to take at least 15 hours of coursework at CMU.
It is recommended that all political science majors enroll in PSC 280QR/PAD 280QR during their sophomore year.
Any regular faculty member in the school can serve as the student's advisor on a major or minor.
Internships: The school has established an internship program where students are provided relevant first hand work experience. The duration of an internship can vary depending on the number of credit hours (1-12) taken. Up to 6 credits of internship credit (PSC 395) can count toward the political science major.
Admission Requirements, Retention & Termination Standards
A minimum of 15 hours of PSC and/or PAD course work must be at the 300 level or above.
Program Requirements
Required Courses I (12 hours)
| PSC 100 | Introduction to Political Science | 3(3-0) |
| PSC 105 | Introduction to American Government and Politics | 3(3-0) |
| PSC 280QR/PAD 280QR | Public Sector Research Methods | 3(3-0) |
| PSC 520 | American National Government and Politics | 3(3-0) |
Required Courses II (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| PSC 261 | State and Local Government | 3(3-0) |
| PSC 300 | Michigan Politics and Elections | 3(3-0) |
| PSC 301 | Law and Policy in Michigan State Government | 3(3-0) |
Required Courses III (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
Electives (15 hours)
Select 15 hours of PSC and/or PAD courses (at least 6 credits must be PSC courses).
OR
Select one of the following certificates:
- Undergraduate Certificate - Political Advocacy and Elections
- Undergraduate Certificate - Lawmaking and Legal Processes
A student earning a certificate must choose courses different than those chosen to fulfill the major required courses. Up to 6 hours of course work from one certificate may be used to fulfill requirements in another certificate in the school. Although the major may be combined with any of the certificates, students pursuing the major in Political Science are advised to consider choosing one from among the list above.
Total: 33 semester hours