Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Academic Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Political Science, BA


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Majors and Programs

The BA Political Science, offered by the Department of Political Science , provides students with an understanding of politics and the political process and prepares them for their lifelong responsibilities as citizens, as well as furthering their skills in critical analysis and communication. The major in political science may lead to a wide variety of careers, including teaching, the law, business, and public service.

Summary of Degree Units

University Graduation Requirements 44
Major Requirements 46-50
University Electives 26-30
Total 120

Major-Specific Graduation Requirements

Capstone course must be completed with a C- or better graduate.

Program Roadmaps

The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.

University Requirements


Students must satisfy all of the major and Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements , which includes unit, GPA, and residency requirements as well as the below identified General Education , American Institutions, Graduation Writing Assessment, and Physical Education requirements. Courses that meet Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements are noted with an area designation (see Course Abbreviations ).

Core Lower Division General Education (30 units)


Of the 39 units required by the university, 9 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Courses that meet GE Areas A1, A2, A3, B4, or F must be passed with a “C-” or better to meet the requirement. Consult with a major advisor for details.

Note: Students who have completed the ADT Transfer degree (under SB 1440) for this major will have completed all lower division GE requirements and should follow the 60 unit guarantee roadmap. Meet with an advisor prior to registering for your first semester for the 60 unit roadmap or specific questions.

Upper Division General Education (9 units)


Of the 9 units required by the university, 0 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Consult with major advisor for details.

American Institutions (3 units)


The 6 units of American Institutions (US123) coursework shown below may also fulfill GE Area D. Other courses meet the American Institutions requirement, but may not include additional GE areas. The American Studies (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ) and Humanities Honors (HUM 1A /HUM 1B HUM 2A /HUM 2B ) programs both offer larger integrated packages that meet this requirement. Consult with major advisor for details.

Consult Major Advisor for department recommended coursework to meet GE requirement.

    Complete one of the following courses for US1:

Physical Education (2 units)


All SJSU undergraduate students, regardless of major, have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in physical activities. To accommodate students’ needs and interests, the university offers a diverse selection of activity courses .

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement


At SJSU, students must pass both the SJSU Writing Skills Test (WST) and a Writing in the Disciplines (100W) course. The Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)  is satisfied by a course in the major. A grade of C or better (C- not accepted) is required to meet graduation requirements.

Major Requirements (46-50 units)


Upper Division Core Courses (21-22 units)


Additional Upper Division Core Courses (14-15 units)


Complete 14-15 units from the following. One course from each of the four fields is required.

Additional Upper Division Courses (13-16 units)


Upper Division Electives (9-12 units)

Three additional upper division courses from POLS 102 -POLS 199  (except POLS 120 POLS 150  or POLS 170V ).

Capstone Course (4 units)

A grade of C- or better is required.

Complete one course:

University Electives (26-30 units)


Students may choose Political Science or other electives.

Total Units Required (120 units)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Majors and Programs