Shape the Future of Politics and Governance
Political Science Undergraduate Major and Minor
300
students make political science one of the largest programs in Maxwell
take classes and study in Albany; Washington, D.C.; or internationally
9
undergraduate political science concentrations to choose from
B.A. in Political Science (30 credits)
To complete a major, students must take 10 courses in political science and choose an area of specialization by taking at least three courses in that area. This curriculum is designed to be flexible so students can spend time away from campus and focus on areas of personal and professional interests.
Minor in Political Science (18 credits)
A minor in political science is a strong companion to any degree program at Syracuse University. The flexible minor curriculum allows you to customize your course selection based on your academic and professional areas of interest. To complete the minor, you must complete one lower-divison required course and five upper-division electives of your choosing.
Check out the Course Catalog for a complete list of requirements for the major and minor in political science.
Core Requirements
Majors must complete two required courses (listed below), an additional lower-division course (100 or 200 level), six upper-division courses and an additional course at any level.
American National Government and Politics
Students will learn about American political institutions, including the basic principles embedded in structure and practices of American government. This course also deals with the practical consequences of this political system for the citizen.
Introduction to Political Analysis
This course serves as an introduction to important political science concepts, including the basics of political argumentation and reasoning, as well as basic quantitative research and analysis techniques.
Political Science Concentrations
Political science majors will be exposed to political inquiry across a broad array of substantive topics, while also concentrating in one of the areas listed below. Students must take three courses in one of these concentrations.
American Politics
Courses in this area focus on the structure of the U.S. political system, including congressional politics, the judicial process, the presidency, politics and media, the role of money in politics and special interest groups, constitutional law and more.
Comparative Politics
This area allows students to compare political systems in the U.S. to foreign governments. Students can choose to learn about the politics of given regions like the European Union, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and more.
International Politics
U.S. foreign policy is one aspect covered in this subject area. Students can also choose courses dealing with international security, international law, human rights, globalization, international organizations, ethics in international relations and more.
Law and Courts
This area focuses on the judicial process, including the Supreme Court's role in American politics. Courses are also offered in constitutional law, international law, the philosophy of law and gender issues in law.
Political Economy
Students can choose classes that deal with money and politics, including the political economy of development, the developing world, European integration, global migration and more.
Political Theory
This concentration takes a focused approach to concepts like justice, equality and rights. Students can choose courses on the foundations of American political thought, ethics, power and identity, the role of religion and more.
Public Policy
Learn more about the development of public policy in key areas affecting society. Students will take courses on the politics of U.S. public policy, environmental politics and policy, interest group politics, technology and global migration.
Race, Gender, Class
This concentration focuses on the important influences of race, gender and class in today's political environment. Students can choose topics like American social movements, gender and politics, human rights, ethnic conflict, populism and conspiracy culture and more.
Security Studies
Students can choose to learn more about issues that threaten the security of nations and people. Courses focus on international security, refugees, international law, politics and the military, political conflict, revolutions and humanitarian action in world politics.
I am Maxwell.
I always had a passion for politics and government. I kept it more of as a hobby until finally one day I said ‘No, this is what I want to do, and Maxwell will provide me with skills I need to succeed.’”
Katherine Hannon ’20 B.A. (PSc)
Village clerk for Plandome Manor, New York