Required Courses

A total of eleven courses with a grade of C or higher is required: three from among PO core courses CAS PO 211, 241, 251, 271, and 291; and eight political science courses or seminars numbered 300–699.

No more than 8 credits toward the major shall be derived from directed study. Freshmen considering a political science major should take at least one core course in the freshman year.

Note: Department of International Relations courses do not fulfill major requirements in Political Science unless they are cross-listed with Political Science courses.

Students who declared a major in political science prior to September 2008 have the option of fulfilling the requirements in place at the time of their declaration.

For information on this joint major see under Philosophy.

The minor consists of six courses in political science completed with a grade of C or higher: students must take two 200-level courses of their choice; and four PO electives at the 300 level or higher.

Students who declared a minor prior to September 2008 have the option of fulfilling the minor requirements in place at the time of their declaration.

This program is intended for outstanding students who wish to pursue intensive study in a specialized area of political and social science beyond the BA level. A total of 40 semester courses is required. Application should be made no later than March 1 of the junior year. Applicants must have completed four political science courses, including one course at the 500 level or higher, by the time of application. Students should have a minimum GPA of 3.5 overall and 3.7 in the major. Students should submit a study plan listing a coherent cluster of courses and seminars (500 level or above) in political science. This program must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies, as must any subsequent changes. Also required is a detailed two- to three-page statement outlining the proposed specialized area of study, identifying faculty and other resources to support the program, and indicating how the course of study will enhance the student’s intellectual and career development.

For specific information concerning the program, contact the Department of Political Science, 232 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215. For general information please refer to BA/MA Program.

The Washington Internship Program offers qualified advanced students, regardless of major, the opportunity to intern and study in Washington, D.C., while earning a full semester of course credit. Placements are available with members of Congress, the executive branch, interest groups, environmental organizations, education and trade associations, news agencies, embassies, and others throughout the District. Many prelaw placements are available as well. Housing in fully furnished apartments is included in the program cost.

All students enroll in one internship course and CAS SS 406 Introduction to Congressional Policymaking and choose from a variety of electives listed under Washington, D.C., Internship Program.

The London Internship is administered through BU International Programs at 888 Commonwealth Avenue. It is an established program combining full-time internships with academic coursework. Applicants must have a minimum of a B average in their major. Political Science students may receive credit for the politics and international relations internship. The internship semester can count for four political science courses.