Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a major in Political Science?
- Please see our List of Sample Occupations and Work Settings for ideas about how a Political Science degree can help you achieve your goals.
How do I get an advisor in the Political Science department?
- Email Dr. Kinney at rkinney@boisestate.edu to set up an appointment. An advisor will be assigned to you based on your area of emphasis and specific needs as a student.
How do I get my advisor listed on my BroncoWeb account?
- Print and complete the Student Information Update Form (PDF).
- Take the completed form to the Registrar's BroncoWeb Help Center, located in the Administration Building, room 110.
What can I expect to discuss during my first meeting with my advisor?
Your advisor will likely:
- ask you to explain your reasons for becoming a political science major, education goals, and career plans
- discuss the general graduation requirements at Boise State and the political science major, including the political science internship program.
- answer specific questions that you have.
How do I prepare for a meeting with my advisor?
- Be ready to explain why you are interested in becoming a political science major, education goals, and career plans.
- If you are a transfer student, obtain an evaluation of your transfer credits from the Registrar's Office (room 102 in the Administration Building). Bring it with you when you meet with your advisor.
- If you have already completed courses at Boise State, be ready to indicate what courses you have completed. If you are not sure what those courses are, then obtain a copy of your transcript from the Registrar's Office (room 102 in the Administration Building). Bring it with you when you meet with your advisor. You may also do this by completing the Political Science Major Checklist that is available from the Political Science department web site.
- If you want to discuss the selection of courses, look over the Boise State University Undergraduate Catalog and the "Directory of Classes." You may obtain a copy of the catalog from the Enrollment Services Office (room 105 in the Administration Building) or New Student Information Center (the northeast entrance of the Student Union Building). A hard copy of the class directory is available from the Registrar's Office (room 110 of the Administration Building). The university catalog and schedule of classes are also available online.
Back to Top
General Degree Requirements
For planning purposes, the Department publishes a Projected Course Schedule. This docuement, the checklists found at the bottom of this page, and regular consultation with your advisor can help you graduate on time.Political science majors at Boise State University have an opportunity to enjoy a unique and challenging educational experience. The university's location in the capital city provides many resources not readily available at other schools, including such resources as the state law library, state archives, and state and federal government offices.
Majors in political science are prepared for further study at the graduate level or for a variety of careers. Many of our students become teachers or lawyers. Others work for a large corporation as public affairs officers or for federal, state, or local governments in numerous capacities. Some become reporters, lobbyists, or campaign managers; some have been elected to public office. Individual faculty may offer sample syllabi on their own web pages. Please see the faculty roster for more information.
The undergraduate curriculum for a major in political science is divided into the following three parts:
1. REQUIRED COURSES (18 credits)
All students must take:
- POLS 101 American National Government
- POLS 102 State and Local Government
- POLS 141 Contemporary Political Ideologies
- POLS 231 International Relations
- POLS 298 Introduction to Political Inquiry
- POLS 398 Advanced Political Science Methods
2. AREA OF EMPHASIS COURSES (15 credits)
In addition to the required courses listed above, political science majors choose five courses from any one of the following areas of emphasis: American Government and Public Policy, International Relations, Public Law and Political Philosophy, or Secondary Education.
3. ELECTIVE COURSES (12 credits)
To complete the political science major, students also select four upper division courses from any area of emphasis. Students may use up to six credits of political science internship to meet this requirement.
The department also offers a secondary education option for prospective public school teachers and a minor in political science for those students who wish to major in another field.
Back to Top
Minor Requirements
Political Science
Requirements for a Minor in Political Science taken from the 2009-2010 Boise State University Catalog located at http://registrar.boisestate.edu/catalogs/ug09-10.shtml.
**Click here to view the information contained in the image above in HTML format**
Canadian Studies
For extensive information on Candian Studies at BSU, an interdisciplinary minor program, please visit the Candian Studies Website
Latin America and Latino/a Studies
The LALS minor is offered by the Modern Language and Literatures Department. Please visit the MLL Department website for more information.Back to Top
Checklists for Students
Checklists are designed to assist students plan their degree progress. It is not a substitute for regular advising. To set up an advising appointment, please contact Dr. Burkhart at rburkha@boisestate.edu