Bachelor of Science-Political Science

Political Science at A&M-Texarkana emphasizes student engagement and success by providing academic excellence, a mixture of face-to-face and online classes, and student organizations. We offer classes in Political Theory, American (U.S.) Politics, Constitutional Law, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Public Administration.

Political Science involves the study of political theory, institutions, and behavior in order to gain a deeper understanding of citizenship, resource distribution, and power. It is a discipline distinguished by its relevance to the modern world. Political Science develops students’ critical thinking and communication skills, and prepares them for careers in public administration, law, politics, teaching, and research.

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Political Science requires a Minor.  Both the College of Arts, Sciences & Education and College of Business, Engineering and Technology offer a variety of minors.  Please visit each colleges section of the catalog to review the available minors and their requirements.

Degree Requirements

Students should refer to their DegreeWorks degree audit located in their Digital Backpack for more information regarding their specific degree requirements. 

Major Requirements
General Education Requirements42
PSCI 2305U.S. Government and Politics3
PSCI 2306State and Local Government3
24sch Upper Division Political Science Courses 300 & 400 level24
A grade of 'C' or higher is required on all Political Science Major courses.
Minor Requirements
Minimum 18 semester credit hours 18
Electives (as needed to satisfy degree requirements including 48 semester credit hours of upper division course work) 2
Minimum Hours for Degree 120
1

Satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement.

2

A minimum of 48 upper division hours (300 and 400 level courses) are required for this degree, including courses in the major, minor, and electives.  Resident credit totaling 25% of the hours is required for the degree.  A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required in three areas of graduation: Overall GPA, Institutional GPA, and Major GPA.

Bachelor of Science-Political Science 4 Year Plan

First Year

FallSemester Credit Hours
ENGL 1301Composition I Satisfies Core Curriculum3
HIST 1301United States History I Satisfies Core Curriculum3
Mathematics Core Curriculum Requirement3-4
Language, Philosophy and Culture Core Curriculum Requirement3
Social and Behavioral Science Core Curriculum Requirement3
Fall Total Semester Credit Hours15-16
SpringSemester Credit Hours
ENGL 1302Composition II Satisfies Core Curriculum3
HIST 1302United States History II Satisfies Core Curriculum3
COMM 1307Introduction to Mass Communication Satisfies Core Curriculum3
or SPCH 1315 Public Speaking
Creative Arts Core Curriculum Requirement3
Component Area Option B of the Core Curriculum3
Spring Total Semester Credit Hours15
Total First Year Semester Credit Hours30-31

Second Year

FallSemester Credit Hours
PSCI 2305U.S. Government and Politics3
Life and Physical Sciences Core Curriculum Requirement3-4
Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement3
Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement3
Minor Required Course3
Fall Total Semester Credit Hours15-16
SpringSemester Credit Hours
PSCI 2306State and Local Government3
Life and Physical Sciences Core Curriculum Requirement3-4
Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement3
Minor Required Course3
3sch Upper Division Political Science course (300-400 level) minimum grade of 'C' required3
Spring Total Semester Credit Hours15-16
Total Second Year Semester Credit Hours30

Third Year

FallSemester Credit Hours
Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement3
Minor Required Course3
Minor Required Course3
3sch Upper Division Political Science course (300-400 level) minimum grade of 'C' required3
Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement minimum grade of 'C' required3
Fall Total Semester Credit Hours15
SpringSemester Credit Hours
Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement3
Upper Division Political Science Elective3
3sch Upper Division Political Science course (300-400 level) minimum grade of 'C' required3
3sch Upper Division Political Science course (300-400 level) minimum grade of 'C' required3
3sch Upper Division Political Science course (300-400 level) minimum grade of 'C' required3
Spring Total Semester Credit Hours15
Total Third Year Semester Credit Hours30

Fourth Year

FallSemester Credit Hours
Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement2
Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement3
Minor Required Course3
Political Science Internship (EL)
3sch Upper Division Political Science course (300-400 level) minimum grade of 'C' required3
3sch Upper Division Political Science course (300-400 level) minimum grade of 'C' required3
Fall Total Semester Credit Hours14
SpringSemester Credit Hours
Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement3
Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement3
Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement3
Minor Required Course3
3sch Upper Division Political Science course (300-400 level) minimum grade of 'C' required3
Electives as needed to satisfy minimum degree requirements including 48 semester credit hours of upper division coursework or total semester credit hours
Spring Total Semester Credit Hours15
Fourth Year Total Semester Credit Hours29
Minimum Required for Degree120

NOTE: A minimum of 48 upper division hours (300 and 400 level courses) are required for this degree.  Resident credit totaling 25% of the hours is required for the degree.  A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required in three areas for graduation: Overall GPA, Institutional GPA, and Major GPA.  

NOTE:  A grade of "C" or higher is required on all Political Science major courses.