Program: Political Science Major - South Dakota State University

2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog

Apr 18, 2025

Program Coordinator/Contact
April Brooks, Head
Department of History, Political Science, Philosophy, and Religion
Box 0510 West Hall
605-688-4311
e-mail: april.brooks@sdstate.edu
Click here for additional information.

Program Description
The study of Political Science examines politics, governments, and political processes. The Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science prepare graduates for work in government agencies, party headquarters, political consulting firms, advocacy organizations, business, or non-profit agencies. The flexibility of the major also positions students for law school and other professional or graduate degree programs.

Program Emphases

Curriculum Objectives

Course Delivery Format
The program provides courses online and face to face on campus and at various off-campus attendance centers.

Requirements for Political Science Major: 120 Credits

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science

Modern Languages* (completion and competency in one language at the 202 level or a department-approved advanced upper division language course) Credits: 3-14
Humanities Credits: 8
Social Sciences (except POLS) Credits: 12

Bachelor of Science

Natural Sciences Credits: 14
- With 6 credits of Biological Sciences
- With 8 credits of Physical Sciences
Humanities Credits: 6
Social Sciences (except POLS) Credits: 8

See the College of Arts and Sciences for additional information about Bachelor of Arts Specifications and Bachelor of Science Specifications

Major Requirements: 36

POLS 100 - American Government * (COM)
POLS 280 - Political Inquiry
POLS 461 - Early Political Philosophy (COM) (AW)

OR
POLS 462 - Modern Political Philosophy (COM) (AW)
International or Comparative Political Science Courses Credits: 6
POLS 300-400 Level Elective Credits: 21

Electives: 32-35

POLS 253 - Current World Problems * ** (G)
or other Globalization Requirement Credits: 3
General Elective Credits: 32

Total Required Credits: 120

Curriculum Notes

* The 30 credit Board of Regents System General Education Requirements (SGRs) must be completed as part of a student’s first 64 credits.

** South Dakota State University has a 5 credit Institutional Graduation Requirement (IGRs).

(G) Globalization Requirement.

(AW) Advanced Writing Requirement.

Students must take the proficiency examination after completing 48 credits. English 101, and a course in each of the General Education areas of social science, mathematics, natural science, and humanities and arts must be taken prior to taking this exam.

Political Science Major

Requirements for Political Science Major: 120 Credits

System General Education Requirements*: 30

Institutional Graduation Requirements** Credits: 5

College Requirements: 28-34

Major Requirements: 36

Electives: 32-35

Total Required Credits: 120

Curriculum Notes