For Majors
All Political Science majors are required to take two introductory courses: PSCI 100, U.S. National Government; and PSCI 105, Introduction to Political Science. Building upon any American Government or civics courses you may have taken in high school, these two courses will deepen your introduction to the world of Political Science. Both of these courses are offered every semester. One or both may be offered in the summer as well during either first or second session. We advise that you take PSCI 100 and 105 as a freshman or as soon as you declare the major. The freshman year is also the most appropriate time to satisfy the general education requirements in basic composition, intermediate writing, mathematics, and physical education. Writing papers and research reports is an integral part of course work in Political Science, so it is especially important that you develop good writing skills early.
In addition to PSCI 100 and 105, majors must take a problems course—either PSCI 405, Problems in American Politics; PSCI 415, Problems in Comparative Politics; PSCI 425, Problems in International Relations; or PSCI 435, Problems in Political Philosophy.
Majors must also take at least two courses from each of the four groups of courses listed in the UNC Catalog: Group A—American Politics; Group B—International Relations; Group C—Political Philosophy; Group D—Comparative Politics. Beyond those courses, you may select additional elective courses, based on your personal interests, to fulfill the remainder of the credits needed. Political science majors are not required to have minors, but you may, if you wish, declare a minor in an area that will complement your major. This may be especially advisable if you’re planning to attend law school or graduate school.
As juniors or seniors, majors may do internships of up to 10 credit hours at such sites as the Weld County Public Defender’s Office, the Greeley Mayor’s Office, the Colorado Senate or House of Representatives, or a U.S. Senator’s or U.S. Representative’s office in Washington, DC, and indeed there are many other possibilities besides these. For further information, contact the program’s Internship Director.
Advisers are always available for detailed questions about a program of study or course recommendations. Advising is part of a professor's job. We encourage you to see your adviser frequently.
If you’ve declared the major but don’t yet have an adviser, please contact the main office by calling (970) 351-2058 or by dropping by Weber House at 1015 20th St. If for any reason you'd like to switch advisers, you may do so. Just stop by Weber House and talk to the staff person about a new advising assignment.
For Minors
A minor in Political Science will complement almost any program at UNC. To complete the minor, you must take PSCI 100 and 105. Beyond those two courses, you may select electives from any of the four course groups according to your personal interests to complete the additional 12-credit hours required. You may speak with any of the Political Science professors for advising at any time. They will be glad to answer questions or help you in any way.
Internships of up to 6 hours of credit are available, but only 3 hours will count toward the minor. Contact the program’s Internship Director for further information on internship sites.
We welcome all students who would like to declare a minor in the discipline.
