Political Science, BA: American Politics
Political Science explores systematic approaches to understanding politics. Students may choose to take a general approach to the subject or pursue a concentration in the sub-fields of American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, or political economy. In addition students may select a world region for an area studies concentration. The Political Science Department's course offerings span the discipline of political science, from American political institutions, to the politics of world regions, the emergence of a new international order, and recent and ancient political ideas. The Department's curriculum is divided into the four standard fields of American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theories. There are also other opportunities for study in political processes of elections and communications and public policy.
The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 32. Double majors may entail more course units.
A minimum of 9 course units in Political Science are required, of which 6 must be taken in the Political Science Department at the University of Pennsylvania (includes Washington, DC Semester). See Major Program Booklet for Transfer and AP credit restrictions.
For more information: http://www.sas.upenn.edu/polisci/content/undergraduate-program
For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| College General Education Requirements and Free Electives | ||
| Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives | 20 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Core Requirement | ||
| PSCI 0200 | Introduction to American Politics | 1 |
| Select 1 of the following: | 1 | |
| Introduction to Comparative Politics | ||
or PSCI 0101 | Comparative Politics of Developing Areas | |
| Introduction to International Relations | ||
| Ancient Political Thought | ||
or PSCI 0601 | Modern Political Thought | |
| Subfield Requirement | ||
| Select 3 PSCI courses from three different subfields: | 3 | |
American Politics: PSCI course with Attribute APSA | ||
Comparative Politics: PSCI course with Attribute APSC | ||
International Relations: PSCI Course with Attribute APSI | ||
Political Theory: PSCI Course with Attribute APST | ||
| PSCI or Major Related Electives | ||
| Select 7 course units in PSCI or Major Related 2 | 7 | |
| American Politics Concentration | ||
| 5 course units from the major must be in American Politics courses chosen in consultation with the major advisor, including PSCI 0200 as one of the two Core courses. 3 of the 5 concentration courses must be PSCI courses. | ||
| Total Course Units | 32 | |
- 1
You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.
- 2
A maximum of three non-PSCI courses are allowed.
Honors
Required: A minimum overall GPA of 3.3 and a 3.6 GPA in all PSCI courses taken in the major.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| PSCI 4997 | Political Science Honors | 1 |
| PSCI 4999 | Honors Thesis Independent Study | 1 |
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.