Note: The following requirements are in effect beginning Fall 2004. Students who matriculated prior to Fall 2004 should see "Degree Requirements (Matriculation Prior to Fall 2004)" on this website. This web page represents the official policy of the Political Science Department as stated in the University of Southern Maine Undergraduate Catalog.
In addition to the major requirements, students must also complete the broader university degree requirements, including the residency requirement and core curriculum, for the catalog that is in effect at the time of matriculation. An archive of previous catalogs can be obtained by following this link. A convenient graduation requirement checklist can be found at this link.
Political Science is the systematic study of politics and government and is widely recognized as one of the core disciplines within the liberal arts curriculum. The study of Political Science provides substantive and analytic background that can lead to a variety of professions; it is not intended to prepare students directly for any specific career. Most obviously it serves those with an interest in entering politics and government. Political Science majors go on to become civic leaders, town managers, city planners, budget specialists, foreign service officers, policy researchers, and to hold a variety of management positions in local, state, national, and international organizations. Beyond government, a political science degree leads naturally to graduate training, including law school. Many journalists and broadcasters were political science majors. Business has recognized the analytic and management skills obtained through training in political science. Some studies have estimated that perhaps one third of undergraduate majors undertake careers in business. Political science training is useful in other rapidly developing fields such as polling, communications, campaign management, consulting, private and public interest group activity, and data analysis. College teaching has also been a traditional career for a political scientist. Demographics now suggest that entering freshman can look forward to good job prospects by the time they have completed their graduate educations.
The minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University's Core curriculum) required for the major: 39.
Each major must complete POS 101J, POS 104J, POS 203, POS 205, and POS 290. Introducing ideas that are fundamental to the discipline, these required courses should be the first priority for students upon entering the major. Students may choose from any of the Department’s other offerings to fulfill remaining credit hours with the requirement that at least 12 hours be completed at or above the 300-level. A grade of C- or better is required to receive major credit in the Department.
Students interested in an international studies major should consult the International Studies Program section in this catalog.
The Department administers an elaborate, carefully structured internship program, open to majors and non-majors alike. Political science majors are especially encouraged to take advantage of the variety of internship opportunities as part of their undergraduate program.
The Political Science Department strongly urges its majors to take courses in economics, history, sociology, and computer science. For a number of majors, courses in geography-anthropology, psychology, philosophy, and communication would also be useful. All political science majors are encouraged to undertake at least one year of university-level foreign language study. Additional language study is recommended for those majors with an interest in comparative or international politics and for those considering graduate school.
All students are reminded that, in addition to their meeting departmental requirements for a major leading to a baccalaureate degree, they must also meet the requirements of the school or college involved, as well as the Core curriculum requirements.
Political science courses are normally offered on the following schedule:
Every semester: POS 101J, 102J, 104J, 203, 205, 290, and internships
Yearly: POS 202, 256, 361, 365
Approximately once every two years: POS 120, 201, 233, 234, 258, 261, 262, 280, 310, 315, 333, 335, 336, 338, 339, 340, 342, 345, 347, 349, 360, 362, 374, 375, 385, 389, 390, 391, 392, 453, 459, 463, 464, 465.
The Honors Degree in Political Science. For a B.A. degree in political science with honors, a student must achieve a 3.7 GPA or higher in courses taken in the major.
The minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University's Core curriculum) required for the minor: 18.
Students who wish to complete a political science minor must take at least three of the following five courses: POS 101J, POS 104J, POS 203, POS 205, POS 290. Students may choose from any of the Department’s other offerings to fulfil remaining credit hours. A grade of C- or better in POS required courses is necessary to receive credit toward the minor.