Department of Political Science
Ramona Grey, Chair
From the time of Plato and Aristotle, the study of politics has been concerned with how human communities use power to shape the lives of individuals. Students of politics observe the world's political institutions, from local governments to international organizations. They are interested in the quality of political leadership, the values which underlie public affairs, the political and legal processes used to make governmental decisions, and the wisdom of policies. Politics is the continuing dialogue about the best way for communities to govern themselves.
The department offers a varied undergraduate curriculum covering domestic, foreign, and international politics. By meeting requirements outlined below, a student may earn a bachelor degree in political science or in political science-history; a minor in political science or global public health; or a bachelor degree in political science with an option in American politics, international relations and comparative politics, public administration, non-profit administration, international development studies, or public law. A Master of Arts degree in political science and a Master of Public Administration degree are also offered.
The scope of the faculty's interest and research is wide. They bring special insights gained through study and residence in Europe, Russia, Africa, Central Asia, India, the Far East and Latin America, as well as in Montana and Washington, D.C. All members of the department teach introductory and advanced courses.
Courses offered in the department are designed to: (1) assist students to secure a broad liberal education and to equip them with the foundations for American citizenship; (2) provide undergraduate preparation for those students who propose to continue study at the graduate level with the ultimate goal of college teaching and research; (3) offer a broad program of training for those students who plan careers in government or politics; 4) assist in preparing students for careers in teaching at both the elementary and secondary levels; (5) provide a sound background for those students who intend to enroll in law and other professional schools.
The major fields of political science are (1) American government and politics with national, state and local government, politics, and public law as sub-fields; (2) public administration; (3) political theory; (4) comparative government; (5) international relations, organization and law. Majors are eligible for membership in Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honorary and are active in student political activities. The Department of Political Science secures a number of legislative and administrative internships in state and local government each year. Internships and other learning opportunities in Washington, D.C., are also available.
Special Degree Requirements
Refer to graduation requirements listed previously in the catalog. See index.
All majors must meet the Upper-division Writing Expectation by successfully completing PSCI 400.
Political Science Major: Students majoring in political science must take a minimum of 37 credits of political science, including PSCI 210S (PSC 100S), 220S (PSC 120S), 230X (PSC 130E), 250E (PSC 150E); and one 300-400 level course in four of the five major fields listed above. Twenty-one of the 37 credits must be in upper-division courses. No more than 7 credits of independent study (PSCI 492 (PSC 496)) and internship (PSCI 498 (PSC 498)) combined may count toward the 37 required credits. In addition, no more than 15 total credits in special topics courses (e.g., PSCI 320 (PSC 381), 391 (PSC 395)) may count toward the 37 required credits.
Political Science Major with an Option in American Politics: A student may earn a major in political science with an option in American politics by completing 40 credits in political science, including: PSCI 210S (PSC 100S), 220S (PSC 120S), 230X (PSC 130E), 250E (PSC 150E); one 300-400 level course in four of the five major fields of political science listed previously; and five of the following courses: PSCI 340 (PSC 383), 341, 342, (PSC 341, 342) 344 (PSC 364), 346 (PSC 366), 347 (PSC 387), 348, 352 (PSC 352), PSCI 365 (PSC 365), 370, 440 (PSC 483), 443, 444, 445, 468. Courses used to complete the upper-division requirement of this option also fulfill the 300-400 level requirement in the respective major fields of political science.
Political Science Major with an Option in International Relations and Comparative Politics: A student may earn a major in political science with an option in international relations and comparative politics by completing 40 credits in political science, including: PSCI 210S (PSC 100S), 220S (PSC 120S), 230X (PSC 130E), 250E (PSC 150E); one 300-400 level course in four of the five major fields of political science listed previously; and three courses from each of the following groups: a) PSCI 320 (PSC 381), 321 (PSC 321), 322 (PSC 321H), 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329 (PSC 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329), 420 (PSC 481) 421 (PSC 420), 422; and b) PSCI 330 (PSC 382), 332, 334, 335 (PSC 334, 335), 336, 337 (PSC 337), 430 (PSC 482), 431, 433 (PSC 431, 433), 432 (PSC 430), 463 (PSC 463), Strongly recommended are: a) minimum of two years of foreign language study; b) internship/study-abroad program. Courses used to complete the upper-division requirement of this option also fulfill the 300-400 level requirement in the respective major fields of political science.
Political Science Major with an Option in Public Administration: A student may earn a major in political science with an option in public administration by completing a minimum of 40 credits in political science, including: PSCI 210S (PSC 100S), 220 (PSC 120S), 230X (PSC 130E), 250E (PSC 150E); one 300-400 level course in four of the five major fields of political science listed previously; 361, and three of the following courses: PSCI 344 (PSC 364), 360 (PSC 385), 462 (PSC 460), 461, 463, 466, 467, 468, 460 (PSC 485), 479. A legislative or administrative internship is strongly recommended. Courses used to complete the upper division requirement of this option also fulfill the 300-400 level requirement in the respective major fields of political science.
Political Science Major with an Option in Public Law: A student may earn a major in political science with an option in public law by completing a minimum of 40 credits in political science, including PSCI 210S (PSC 100S), 220 (PSC 120S), 230X (130E), 250E (PSC 150E); one 300-400 level course in four of the five major fields of political science listed previously; PSCI 370, and four of the following courses: 352, 421 (PSC 420), 433, 462 (PSC 460), 461, 471, 474 (PSC 472). Courses used to complete the upper-division requirement of this option also fulfill the 300-400 level requirement in the respective major fields of political science.
Political Science Teaching Major
Students may earn a teaching major in political science (government) by completing the requirements for the BA in political science, to include the following: PSCI 210, 220, 230, 250, 400; one 300-400 level course in four of the major fields listed above; four upper-division elective courses; and EDU 497 (C&I 428). All requirements for the political science major apply. Students with a teaching major in political science must also complete a teaching major or minor in a second field. For the political science teaching major, students must be formally admitted to the Teacher Education Program and complete all of the professional education licensure requirements. Students may also earn a teaching minor in political science. See the Department of Curriculum & Instruction for more information.
Political Science/History Combined Major
This major is intended solely for students who want to be licensed to teach government, history, and one additional social science at the middle and high school levels. Requirements for the combined political science/history major are as follows: in political science, a minimum of 30 credits, including: PSCI 210, 220, 230, 250, three upper-division elective courses in American government or public law, and three government upper-division elective courses in comparative or international relations; in history, a minimum of 31 credits, including: HSTR 101 or 102, HSTA 101 and 102, HSTR 200, HSTA 255, one elective course in world history, three upper-division elective courses to include at least one American and one European course, and one HSTA/HSTR 400-level approved writing course; in one additional social science, a minimum of 9 elective credits in economics or geography or psychology or sociology; and EDU 497 (C&I 428). Students must be formally admitted to the Teacher Education Program and complete all of the professional education licensure requirements. Students are eligible for a teaching license in social studies broadfield. See the Department of Curriculum & Instruction for more information.
Certificate in Nonprofit Administration (Online)
The certificate in nonprofit administration is designed for students wishing to develop professional competencies relating to nonprofit management. To earn a certificate the student must complete a minimum of 16 credits as follows:
a) 12 credits from among the following online courses:
- PSCI 401 Nonprofit Human Resource Management – 2 credits
- PSCI 402 Nonprofit Volunteer Management – 2 credits
- PSCI 403 Nonprofit Program Planning and Evaluation – 2 credits
- PSCI 405 Nonprofit Advocacy and Public Policy – 2 credits
- PSCI 406 Nonprofit Board Management – 2 credits
- PSCI 407 Nonprofit Grant Writing – 2 credits
- PSC 408 Nonprofit Fundraising – 2 credits
- PSCI 409 Nonprofit Financial Management – 2 credits
- PSCI 410 Nonprofit Strategic Planning – 2 credits
b) 4 credits of PSCI 498 or 598 Internship. The internship component includes at least 350 hours of volunteer or paid hours working directly with a nonprofit organization. If the student works at a nonprofit organization, professional work that is aligned with the program focus will qualify as internship credit. Students will complete various reflection activities, including a formal, 10-page paper documenting their learning throughout the internship experience. For questions about the internship, contact the Office for Civic Engagement.
All courses taken in pursuit of the certificate must be taken for graded credit, and a grade of C or above must be achieved in order to receive credit for any course.
This program is offered on a self-supporting basis. To learn about fee schedules and how to register, visit the web site for UMOnline.
Suggested Course of Study
Political Science Major:
| First Year |
A |
S |
| PSCI 210S (PSC 100S) Introduction to American Government |
3 |
- |
| PSCI 220S (PSC 120S) Introduction to Comparative Government |
- |
3 |
| Seven General Education courses |
12 |
9 |
| One elective |
- |
3 |
| |
15 |
15 |
| Second Year |
A |
S |
| PSCI 230X (PSC 130E) Introduction to International Relations |
3 |
- |
| PSCI 250E (PSC 150E) Introduction to Political Theory |
- |
3 |
| Seven General Education courses |
12 |
9 |
| One elective |
- |
3 |
| |
15 |
15 |
| Third Year |
A |
S |
| Four PSCI 300-400-level courses |
6 |
6 |
| Six electives |
9 |
9 |
| |
15 |
15 |
| Fourth Year |
A |
S |
| Four PSCI 300-400-level courses |
6 |
6 |
| Six electives |
9 |
9 |
| |
15 |
15 |
Political Science with American Politics Option:
| First /Second Year: Same as for PSCI major above |
| Third Year |
A |
S |
| Three 300-400-level American Politics courses |
6 |
3 |
| Two other 300-400-level PSCI courses |
3 |
3 |
| Five electives |
6 |
9 |
| |
15 |
15 |
| Fourth Year |
A |
S |
| Two 300-400-level American Politics courses |
3 |
3 |
| Two other 300-400-level PSCI courses |
3 |
3 |
| Six electives |
9 |
9 |
| |
15 |
15 |
Political Science with International Relations and Comparative Politics Option:
| First/Second Year: Same as for PSCI major above |
| Recommend beginning foreign language study as part of General Education courses. |
| Third Year |
A |
S |
| Three 300-400-level International and Comparative courses |
6 |
3 |
| Two other 300-400-level PSCI courses |
3 |
3 |
| Five electives |
6 |
9 |
| |
15 |
15 |
| Fourth Year |
A |
S |
| Three 300-400-level International and Comparative courses |
6 |
3 |
| One other 300-400-level PSCI course |
3 |
- |
| Six electives |
6 |
12 |
| |
15 |
15 |
Political Science with Public Administration Option:
| First/Second Year: Same as for PSCI major above |
| Third Year |
A |
S |
| PSCI 361 Public Administration |
3 |
- |
| One 300-400-level public administration course |
- |
3 |
| Two other 300-400-level PSCI courses |
3 |
3 |
| Six electives |
9 |
9 |
| |
15 |
15 |
| Fourth Year |
A |
S |
| One 300-400-level public administration course |
3 |
- |
| PSCI 462 (PSC 460) Human Resource Management |
- |
3 |
| Three other 300-400-level PSCI courses |
6 |
3 |
| Five electives |
6 |
9 |
| |
15 |
15 |
Political Science with Public Law Option:
| First/Second Year: Same as for PSCI major above |
| Third Year |
A |
S |
| PSCI 370 Courts and Judicial Politics |
- |
3 |
| Two 300-400-level Public Law courses |
3 |
3 |
| Two other 300-400-level PSCI courses |
3 |
3 |
| Five electives |
9 |
6 |
| |
15 |
15 |
| Fourth Year |
A |
S |
| Two 300-400-level Public Law courses |
3 |
3 |
| Two other 300-400-level PSCI courses |
3 |
3 |
| Six electives |
9 |
9 |
| |
15 |
15 |
Requirements for a Minor
To earn a minor in political science the student must complete a minimum of 21 credits of political science, including PSCI 210S (PSC 100S), 220S (PSC 120S), 230X (PSC 130E), 250E (PSC 150E); and three additional 300-400-level courses in three of the five major fields of political science listed previously. Nine of the 21 credits must be in 300-400-level courses.
To earn a minor in Global Public Health, the student must complete PSCI 227, Issues in Global Public Health, with a grade of C- or higher and must complete 3 core courses, two of which can be PSCI 431, Politics of Global Migration, and PSCI 463, Development Administration, with a grade of C- or higher.
To earn a minor in International Development Studies, the student must complete 3 core courses, two of which can be PSCI 431, Politics of Global Migration, and PSCI 463, Development Administration, with a grade of C- or higher.
Courses
R- before the course description indicates the course may be repeated for credit to the maximum indicated after the R. Credits beyond this maximum do not count toward a degree.
Political Science (PSCI) - Course Descriptions
191, 192, 210S, 220S, 227, 230E, 230X, 250E, 320, 321, 322H, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 332, 334, 335, 336, 337, 340, 341, 342, 344, 346, 347, 348, 350, 352, 354, 355, 357, 360, 361, 365, 370, 391, 400, 401, 402, 403, 405, 406, 410, 411, 412, 413, 420, 421, 422, 430, 431, 432, 433, 440, 443, 444, 445, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 460, 461, 462, 463, 466, 467, 468, 469, 471, 474, 475X, 491, 492, 494, 498, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 520, 521, 522, 523, 524, 525, 526, 527, 528, 530, 540, 547, 550, 561, 563, 586, 594, 595, 596, 597, 598, 599
Faculty
Professors
Jeffrey D. Greene, Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 1992
Paul L. Haber, Ph.D., Columbia University, 1992
Peter Koehn, Ph.D., University of Colorado, 1973
Associate Professors
Karen Ruth Adams, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley, 2000
Ramona Grey, Ph.D., University of California, Riverside, 1991
Robert P. Saldin, Ph.D., University of Virginia, 2008
Assistant Professors
Christopher P. Muste, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley, 2001 (Associate Professor)
Abhishek Chatterjee, Ph.D., University of Virginia, 2010
Emeritus Professors
James J. Lopach, Ph.D., University of Notre Dame, 1973
Jonathan R. Tompkins, Ph.D., University of Washington, 1981
