Majors & Minors
Political Science Major Programs
The Department of Political Science offers several programs of study for majors:
- a B.A. in Political Science
- a B.A. in Political Science with an Honors Concentration
- a B.A. in Political Science with a Law and Courts Concentration
- a B.A. in Political Science with an International Affairs Concentration
- a B.A. in Political Science with a Public Administration Concentration
- an accelerated 5-Year B.A.-M.A. Program
Please read down for details. Ready to get started?
B.A. in Political Science
Political science 101 or 107, and 102 are prerequisites to the major. The major consists of 31 hours of courses numbered 200 or above. At least 19 hours of courses numbered 300 or above must be completed.
Select four courses – Foundations of Political Science:
- POLS 200 – Introduction to Political Philosophy
- POLS 215 – Tennessee Government and Politics
- POLS 240 – Introduction to Public Administration and Public Policy
- POLS 249 – Introduction to Comparative Politics
- POLS 265 – Introduction to International Relations
Select six upper-level courses:
- any 300-400 level political science courses
Complete:
- POLS 480 – Capstone
B.A. in Political Science with a Public Administration Concentration
Students majoring in political science who wish to prepare for a career in public service may select the concentration in public administration. The concentration consists of 34 hours of course work in political science and economics.
Prerequisites:
Select one course:
- POLS 101 – United States Government and Politics
- POLS 107 – Honors: United States Government and Politics
Complete:
- POLS 102 – Introduction to Political Science
- ECON 201 – Introductory Economics: A Survey Course
Select three courses – Foundations of Political Science:
- POLS 200 – Introduction to Political Philosophy
- POLS 249 – Introduction to Comparative Politics
- POLS 265 – Introduction to International Relations
- POLS 301 – Research Methods
Complete:
- POLS 240 – Introduction to Public Administration and Public Policy
Select four courses:
- ECON 331 – Government and Business
- ECON 333 – Law and Economics
- ECON 361 – Regional and Urban Economics
- ECON 362 – Environmental and Natural Resource Policy
- POLS 311 – Contemporary Issues in American Public Policy
- POLS 440 – Public Management and Human Resources
- POLS 441 – Public Budgeting
- POLS 442 – Administrative Law and Regulatory Policymaking
Select three courses:
- any 300-400 level political science course
Complete:
- POLS 480 – Capstone
B.A. in Political Science with an International Affairs Concentration
Students majoring in political science who wish to emphasize transnational politics in their study may select the concentration in international affairs. The concentration consists of 31 hours of coursework in political science beyond the 100-level.
Complete:
- POLS 249 – Introduction to Comparative Politics
- POLS 265 – Introduction to International Relations
Selection one course:
- POLS 200 – Introduction to Political Philosophy
- POLS 301 – Research Methods
Select Select four courses from the two lists below, including at least one course from each list:
List 1: International Relations
- POLS 366 – United States Foreign Policy Process
- POLS 370 – Contemporary International Problems
- POLS 371 – Terrorism and Political Violence
- POLS 372 – Civil War and the International System: Rebellions, Resources, and Outside Intervention
- POLS 469 – The Politics of Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing: Theory, Prevention, and Aftermath
- POLS 470 – International Law
- POLS 471 – International Political Economy
- POLS 472 – Conflict Processes *
- POLS 473 – Negotiation, Bargaining, and Diplomacy
- POLS 474 – International Organization
- POLS 479 – Regional Analysis of International Politics
- POLS 483 – Arms Control and Nuclear Proliferation
List 2: Comparative Government and Politics
- POLS 350 – Sources of Political Change in the Global South: Coups, Climate, and Conflict
- POLS 351 – Democracy and Authoritarianism
- POLS 352 – Political Challenges of Globalization
- POLS 452 – Foundations of African Politics: Dictators, Democratization, and Development
- POLS 453 – Europe in Transition: The Political Transformation of a Continent *
- POLS 454 – Politics in China and Japan: Culture, Power and Competition
- POLS 455 – Identity, Conflict and State Building in South Asian Countries
- POLS 456 – Development and Decay of Democracy in Latin America *
- POLS 461 – Comparative Public Policy: Ideas, Interests, and Institutions *
- POLS 463 – Politics and Power in the Middle East
- POLS 464 – Fear and Bias in Migration Politics
- POLS 465 – Nuclear Politics of the Middle East: Conflict, Energy, and the Environment
Select three courses:
- any 300-400 level political science course (Note: POLS 480 – Capstone does not count toward this requirement.)
Complete:
- POLS 480 – Capstone
B.A. in Political Science with a Law and Courts Concentration
Students majoring in political science who wish to emphasize public law and judicial processes in their study may select the concentration in law and courts. The concentration consists of 31 hours of coursework in political science beyond the 100-level
Complete the following five courses:
- POLS 200 – Introduction to Political Philosophy
- POLS 249 – Introduction to Comparative Politics
- POLS 265 – Introduction to International Relations
- POLS 301 – Research Methods
- POLS 330 – Law in American Society
Select five courses from the list below:
- POLS 341 – Judicial Process and Policymaking
- POLS 430 – United States Constitutional Law: Sources of Power and Restraint *
- POLS 431 – United States Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties *
- POLS 435 – Criminal Law and Procedure
- POLS 442 – Administrative Law and Regulatory Policymaking
- POLS 470 – International Law
Complete:
- POLS 480 – Capstone
B.A. in Political Science with an Honors Concentration
Honors Program Info Sheet and Application
The Department’s Honors program, leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree is designed to emphasize the ideals of a superior liberal education and to give students a more rigorous and intensive preparation in Political Science. Admission is selective. The Honors concentration is normally a one to two-year program. The honors concentration consists of thirty-four (34) hours in political science numbered 200 and above, including completion of POLS 301, POLS 487, POLS 488, and POLS 499. These 34 hours must include four courses numbered at the 200-level, which must be completed with a minimum cumulative average of 3.0. To graduate with honors in political science, the student must have a minimum GPA of 3.3 in political science, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25.
The Honors Program encourages fruitful contacts between individual students and faculty members, and student involvement in planning and developing the program. As a senior, each student takes POLS 487 and POLS 488 , investigates a topic of his or her choice, and presents the results in an Honors Thesis. This project develops with the assistance and supervision of the Honors Director or another member of the Political Science faculty.
Program Requirements
To receive Honors in Political Science students must:
- Apply for and be admitted to the program by the Director of Undergraduate Studies; students are encouraged to apply for the program during the Fall Semester (by mid-October) of their Junior Year.
- Maintain a minimum 3.3 GPA in Political Science and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all university coursework;
- Complete 34 hours of credit in Political Science courses numbered 200 or above, as detailed below.
- Complete POLS 301, POLS 487 and POLS 488. 487 and 488 are taken during fall and spring, respectively, of the senior year. POLS 301 should be completed prior to enrolling in POLS 487, but can be taken at the same time as 487.
Political science 101 or 107, and 102 are prerequisites to the major. The major consists of 31 hours of courses numbered 200 or above. At least 19 hours of courses numbered 300 or above must be completed.
Select four courses – (must include POLS 301):
- POLS 200 – Introduction to Political Philosophy
- POLS 301 – Research Methods
- POLS 240 – Introduction to Public Administration and Public Policy
- POLS 249 – Introduction to Comparative Politics
- POLS 265 – Introduction to International Relations
Select five upper-level courses:
- any 300-400 level political science courses
Complete:
- POLS 480 – Capstone
- POLS 487 and 488
Honors Courses
POLS 107 Honors: United States Government and Politics (3)
Analysis and exploration of the American political system for students with superior ability. 3.25 GPA required for current students; 29 ACT composite or 1250 SAT composite required for incoming students. This course is highly recommended, but not required, for students considering applying for the departmental Honors Program.
POLS 487 Senior Honors Seminar (3) and 488 Senior Thesis (3)
Required of honors majors; admission with consent of department. To meet the requirements of the 487 Senior Seminar, students must: (A) Faithfully attend and participate in seminar meetings; (B) Submit a thesis prospectus to the instructor of Political Science 487 by midterm; (C) Choose a thesis director; (D) Submit a draft of the first chapter of the thesis to their thesis director at the end of the semester. To meet the requirements of Political Science 488 Senior Thesis Seminar students must: (A) submit a complete draft of the thesis to the instructor of Political Science 488, as well as the thesis director, no later than four weeks before the end of the semester; and (B) Submit the final thesis manuscript for evaluation by both the 488 instructor and thesis director at the end of the semester.
Accelerated B.A. – M.A. Program
The accelerated BA-MA program in political science is designed for ambitious students driven by a passion for politics and public service. This innovative program allows you to achieve both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science within five transformative years.
Students apply 9 hours of graduate courses to both their BA and MA degrees. Whether your aspirations lie within government agencies, non-profit organizations, law school, international entities, or academia, our program propels you toward your goals with speed and proficiency.
Minor in Political Science
The minor in Political Science consists of 18 hours of courses numbered 200 and above..
Prerequisites
Select one course:
- POLS 101 – United States Government and Politics 3 Credit Hours *
- POLS 107 – Honors: United States Government and Politics 3 Credit Hours *
Complete:
- POLS 102 – Introduction to Political Science 3 Credit Hours *
Required Courses
Select two of the following courses:
- POLS 200 – Introduction to Political Philosophy 3 Credit Hours
- POLS 240 – Introduction to Public Administration and Public Policy 3 Credit Hours
- POLS 249 – Introduction to Comparative Politics 3 Credit Hours
- POLS 265 – Introduction to International Relations 3 Credit Hours
- POLS 301 – Research Methods 3 Credit Hours
Complete 12 hours:
- Upper-division (300-400 level) political science courses (Note: POLS 480 – Capstone does not count toward this requirement.)
*Meets Volunteer Core Requirements.
Minor in Global Development
See more information about the minor
The Minor in Global Development will prepare students for global sustainable development fieldwork and fulfills the academic requirements of the UT Peace Corps Prep Program. Additional requirements to complete the UT Peace Corps Prep Program include hands-on experience in a US Peace Corps work sector, foreign language skills, and professional and leadership development.
The minor consists of 18 hours, and includes training both in a specific US Peace Corps Work Sector and in Intercultural Competence. Some of the classes listed may have prerequisites. At least 9 credit hours must be completed at the 300 or 400 level.
Category 1 – Training and Experience in a Specific Peace Corps Work Sector
Leveraging concrete knowledge and skills is central to on-the-ground international development work. Through the Global Development Minor, you will begin to build a professional specialty, which should serve your career well whether or not you become a US Peace Corps Volunteer. You need to complete at least nine credit hours that align with a specific Peace Corps work sector. To complete the UT Peace Corps Prep Program and receive the certificate from the US Peace Corps, you also must accumulate a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer or work experience in the same sector. The Peace Corps work sectors include: Agriculture, Community Economic Development, Education, Environment, Health, and Youth in Development (https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/what-volunteers-do). Note that Education is the US Peace Corps’ largest and broadest work sector, providing math, science, and English teachers to local communities.
You must first choose a work sector and then complete nine credit hours in that sector.
- Agriculture: all courses with prefixes AGNR, ALEC, ANSC, AREC, BSE, CSAS, EPP, ESS, FDSC, FORS, PLSC
- Community Economic Development: all courses with prefixes ACCT, AREC, ARTD, BAS, BUAD, CMST, COSC, ECON, ENT, FINC, IB, INMT, GRDS, MARK, MEDU, MGT, RCS, SCM, SOCI
- Education: all courses with prefixes BCMB, BIOL, CBE, CE, CHEM, COSC, ECE, EDDE, EDPY, EEB, EF, EI, ELI, ELPS, ENED, ENGL, IE, INTE, MATH, ME, MEDU, MSE, MICR, NE, PHYS, REED, SCED, SPED, SSCE, WLEL
- Environment: all courses with prefixes EEB, ESS, FORS, FWF, GEOG, GEOL, WFS
- Health: all courses with prefixes BCMB, FDSC, KNS, MICR, NURS, NUTR, PSYC, PUBH
- Youth in Development: all courses with prefixes CFS, COUN, ELPS, PSYC, RSM, SOWK, WGS
Category 2 – Intercultural Competence
Engaging thoughtfully and fluidly across cultures begins with one’s own self-awareness. With this learning objective, you will deepen your cultural agility through courses in which you learn about others while reflecting upon your own self in relation to others. The goal is for you to build your capacity to shift perspective and behavior around relevant cultural differences. To complete this category you must complete one of two core classes and six credit hours of directed electives.
Complete one core course:
- AGNR 180 – Global Dynamics: Food, Biodiversity and the Environment *
- SOCI 250 – Introduction to Global Studies *
Complete six credit hours:
- AFST 235 – Introduction to African Studies *
- AFST 236 – Introduction to African Studies *
- ALEC 202 – Leadership and Diversity in Organizations and Communities
- ANTH 130 – Cultural Anthropology
- ANTH 316 – Peoples and Cultures of South America
- ANTH 319 – Caribbean Cultures and Societies
- ANTH 325 – Migration and Transnationalism
- ANTH 410 – Principles of Cultural Anthropology
- ANTH 415 – Environmental Anthropology
- ANTH 419 – Anthropology of Human Rights
- GEOG 320 – Cultural Geography: Core Concepts *
- GEOG 345 – People and Environment
- GEOG 373 – Landscapes and Cultures of Latin America *
- GEOG 375 – Society and Spaces of South Asia
- HIAF 372 – Africa Since 1400
- HIAS 383 – Studies in Asian History
- HIAS 484 – Studies in Asian History
- HILA 256 – Modern Latin American and Caribbean History
- HIME 384 – Studies in Middle East History
- PHIL 255 – Sustainability Ethics
- PHIL 256 – Social Justice
- POLS 265 – Introduction to International Relations
- POLS 370 – Contemporary International Problems
- POLS 452 – The Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa
- POLS 456 – Latin American Government and Politics
- REST 102 – The Comparison of World Religions
- REST 232 – Religions in Global Perspective
- SOCI 375 – Gender in Society
- SPAN 331 – Introduction to Spanish Culture
- SPAN 401 – Cultural Plurality and Institutional Changes in Latin America
- WGS 200 – Introduction to Women, Gender, and Sexuality
- WGS 370 – Gender and Globalization
- All approved UT study abroad courses in countries who have hosted Peace Corps Volunteers
- Credit-bearing international experiences volunteering or interning abroad in countries that have hosted US Peace Corps Volunteers
* Meets University Volunteer Core Requirement