Political Science, BS

John Linantud, PhD, Coordinator
N1018, 713-221-2774

The Political Science Program contains one of the most balanced degree plans at the University of Houston Downtown. Majors take at least one upper-level course from each of three subfields in which UHD faculty teach and publish: International Politics, Political Theory/Pre-Law, and U.S. politics. Majors also complete an internship or special project, and conclude their studies with a capstone seminar.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates who earn a BS in Political Science will be able to:

Describe major concepts, theories, and historical patterns within the subfields of American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and/or Pre-Law.
Evaluate quantitative and qualitative political science data, including narrative text, geographical and conceptual maps, line graphs, bar charts, and/or other types of presentations.
Produce original research papers that include appropriate scope, logical structure, methodology, and assessment of opposing arguments critically.
Demonstrate an ability to orally present original research in a comprehensive, clear, and organized manner using current technology (such as PowerPoint or Prezi).

Degree Requirements

To complete a BS in Political Science, students must satisfy the “Requirements for CHSS Majors ” and fulfill the coursework listed below.

Common Core Requirements

See listing under Common Core Requirements in this catalog.

Preparatory Requirements

(Courses in this area cannot be reused from the common core)

3 Hours in Ethics:

Complete

BA 3308 - Business Ethics
CJ 3311 - Ethics in Criminal Justice
POLS 3300 - Ethics and Public Life
Any UHD PHIL (excluding PHIL 1302 , PHIL 1304, OR PHIL 3384 )

Major Requirements

3 SCHs in Math (reusable from the core)

POLS 2305 - Federal Government (reusable from the core)

POLS 2306 - Texas Government (reusable from the core)

3 SCHs in POLS: Complete 3 semester credit hours in political science, any level.

18 upper-level SCHs in POLS: Students must take at least one course from each of the following three subfields:

International Politics:

Political Theory/Pre-Law:

U.S. Politics:

9 Upper-Level Hours in Concentration:

Complete additional 9 semester credit hours in POLS or in any single CHSS discipline.

Political Science Capstone

POLS 4399 - Political Science Capstone Seminar

3 Hours in Field Experience:

Free Electives

Upper or lower division courses may be applied to this area, with the exceptions described under the “Requirements for CHSS Majors ,” so that the student’s entire coursework, including the above requirements, totals 120 semester credit hours.