What Are the Different Types of Political Science Degree Requirements?

Political science degree requirements can depend on the specific institution, whether a student is taking a major or minor in this concentration, and government educational standards. They include a mixture of general education classes called "core" classes along with the degree-specific courses in the political science department. Some colleges and universities have additional expectations of their students such as a community service element that must be met before graduation. Counselors can help students determine which courses they need to graduate.

One segment of political science degree requirements involves the core curriculum at the institution. Government standards typically require some general education classes in math, science, language, and history of all graduates. A school may have an additional requirement, like a course in regional culture or a language stipulation for graduates. Some institutions value research, community service, or physical education and can include these in the general requirements.

Department-specific requirements include a set number of credit hours. These usually involve basic political science courses which all people must take, along with elective courses to allow students to delve more deeply into specific areas of the discipline. It may be possible to satisfy some political science degree requirements through a foreign exchange program or internship. Students can receive credit for working as legislative aides, for example, which allows them to develop experience while in school.

Students taking a minor take fewer classes, while the major requires a larger number of credit hours. The political science degree requirements may include a language standard, which students can meet either by taking classes or sitting for an examination to demonstrate competence in at least one foreign language. It is also possible to receive an honors degree, typically by taking extra workshops and tutorials or writing a paper before graduation. Honors degrees can be useful for graduate school applications as well as resumes.

It is often advisable to get information on graduation requirements before starting school. Students may want to complete general education classes as quickly as possible. If there are sequential courses in the political science degree requirements, it’s advisable to start taking them early to avoid problems like needing to stay an extra semester to take the last course in a series. Taking care of core requirements early can also allow students more time to take electives, participate in research, and work on an honors curriculum. This can be especially important for students who want to take advantage of foreign exchange or internship opportunities that might require missing a semester of school.