Political Science Major, B.A.
Are you interested in politics in the U.S. and globally? Questions concerning how we ought to govern ourselves? Critical issues such as health, the environment, migration, and civil rights? Theories about how power and resources are allocated in society? Do you want to study these subjects and pursue a career based on your interests? If so, you should consider studying political science.
As Harold Laswell famously noted, politics is “who gets what, when, and how.” Political science focuses on the study of politics in the United States and around the world. As a political science major, you will take a broad range of courses across five subfields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and political methodology. The flexible major requirements also allow you to focus your coursework on the areas of political science that draw your interest.
Political science majors gain a versatile set of analytical and organizational skills that can be applied in a wide range of exciting careers in government, law, business, international organizations, nonprofit organizations, survey research, journalism, and teaching.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the political science program, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a command of at least one of the following areas of substantive knowledge:
- Themes and concepts that have shaped the Western political tradition, as well as core contemporary political theoretical issues
- Principles and processes of American political institutions, political behavior, and civic culture
- Principles and processes of political institutions, political behavior, and civic culture in societies other than the United States
- Fundamental structures and forces that shape relations between states
- Demonstrate competence in the identification, use, and development of theoretical explanations appropriate for the study of their respective areas of substantive focus. These skills may include:
- Evaluating competing theories of political explanation
- Reconstructing the logic of political theories
- Constructing theoretical models intended to address specific questions in political analysis
- Demonstrate a working understanding of the methods appropriate for developing rigorous description and explanation of political phenomena. These may include one or more of the following, depending on the student’s area of substantive interest:
- Principles of textual interpretation and critical evaluation
- Identification, collection, and organization of empirical data
- Use of qualitative, quantitative, and other analytical techniques for analyzing data
Requirements
In addition to the program requirements, students must
- earn a minimum final cumulative GPA of 2.000
- complete a minimum of 45 academic credit hours earned from UNC–Chapel Hill courses
- take at least half of their major core requirements (courses and credit hours) at UNC–Chapel Hill
- earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000 in the major core requirements. Some programs may require higher standards for major or specific courses.
For more information, please consult the degree requirements section of the catalog.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| Nine courses, including the following courses and including at least one 400-level political science (POLI) course: | ||
| POLI 100 |  American Democracy in Changing Times H, F | 3 |
| POLI 150 | International Relations and Global Politics H, F | 3 |
| One course in comparative politics chosen from: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Comparative Politics H, F | ||
| Politics of the United Kingdom H | ||
| Comparative Politics of the Middle East H | ||
| Comparative Politics of the Global South | ||
| The Politics of Russia and Eurasia H | ||
| Politics of East-Central Europe H | ||
| The Politics of China | ||
| Politics of the Global South: Latin America H | ||
| Introduction to European Government H | ||
| Comparative Political Behavior H | ||
| One course in political theory chosen from: | 3 | |
| Feminism and Political Theory | ||
| Classical Political Thought H | ||
| Modern Political Thought H | ||
| The Ethics of Peace, War, and Defense | ||
| Nationalism, Immigration and the Politics of Identity H | ||
| Major Issues in Political Theory H | ||
| American Political Thought H | ||
| Social and Political Philosophy H | ||
| Contemporary Political Thought H | ||
| Problems of Modern Democratic Theory H | ||
| Environmental Political Theory | ||
| The Political Theory of the American Founding | ||
| The Politics, Philosophy, and Economics of Education | ||
| One course in research methods chosen from: 1 | 3 | |
| Analyzing Public Opinion H | ||
| Data in Politics I: An Introduction | ||
| Applied Experimental Research: Politics in the US and Europe | ||
| Strategy and International Relations | ||
| Strategy and Politics | ||
| Data in Politics II: Frontiers and Applications | ||
| Advanced Political Psychology H | ||
| Game Theory | ||
| Honors Seminar in Research Design | ||
| Introduction to Data Science and Econometrics H | ||
| Quantitative Methods in Geography | ||
| Research Methods in Geography | ||
| Knowledge and Society H | ||
| Philosophy of the Social Sciences | ||
| Theory of Knowledge | ||
| Induction, Probability, and Confirmation | ||
| Quantitative Analysis for Public Policy H | ||
| Research Methods in Psychology | ||
| Research Methods | ||
| Data Analysis | ||
| Four political science (POLI) electives at the 100 level or above 2, 3 | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 27 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
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Whenever possible, students are encouraged to take a research methods course in political science. However, students with a second major in a related discipline may find it beneficial to fulfill this requirement with one of the alternative courses.
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First-year seminars, POLI 193, and POLI 291 may not count as electives for the political science major.
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Whenever possible, students should take an introductory course in a subfield (American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory) before taking more advanced courses in the subfield.
Data in Politics
The Data in Politics track provides political science majors an opportunity to develop valuable data analysis skills and engage in cutting-edge political science research. As part of this track, students can take a two-course core sequence and additional applied data analysis courses. The Data in Politics core sequence teaches students how to work with and analyze social science data. Applied data analysis courses build on this foundation by providing students opportunities to actively use data skills as part of a research paper or other class project.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Data in Politics Core Sequence | ||
| POLI 281 |
Data in Politics I: An Introduction | 3 |
| POLI 381 | Data in Politics II: Frontiers and Applications | 3 |
| Applied Data Analysis Courses | ||
| POLI 209 |
Analyzing Public Opinion H | 3 |
| POLI 350 |
Peace Science Research | 3 |
| POLI 395 |
Mentored Research in Political Science | 1-3 |
| POLI 416 | Constitutional Policies and the Judicial Process | 3 |
| POLI 417 |
Advanced Political Psychology H | 3 |
| POLI 429 | Diversity and Politics | 3 |
| POLI 447 | Immigrant Integration in Contemporary Western Europe H | 3 |
| POLI 453 |
When Countries Go Broke: Political Responses to Financial Crises | 3 |
| POLI 692H |
Honors Thesis Research | 3 |
| POLI 693H |
Honors Thesis Research | 3 |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
American Politics
American politics courses examine political behavior and institutions in the United States at the federal, state, and local levels. These courses explore topics such as campaigns and elections, public opinion, Congress, the presidency, the judicial system, and state politics.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Course | ||
| POLI 100 |
American Democracy in Changing Times H, F | 3 |
| Specialized Courses | ||
| POLI 200 |
The President, Congress, and Public Policy | 3 |
| POLI 201 |
Politics of Bureaucracy H | 3 |
| POLI 202 | The United States Supreme Court | 3 |
| POLI 203 |
Race, Innocence, and the Decline of the Death Penalty | 4 |
| POLI 204 |
Introduction to Southern Politics | 3 |
| POLI 205 |
Politics in the U.S. States H | 3 |
| POLI 206 |
Race and the Right to Vote in the United States | 3 |
| POLI 207 | The Politics of Organized Interests | 3 |
| POLI 208 |
Political Parties and Elections H | 3 |
| POLI 209 |
Analyzing Public Opinion H | 3 |
| POLI 211 | Religion and Politics | 3 |
| POLI 215 |
Political Psychology: An Introduction | 3 |
| POLI 217 |
Women and Politics | 3 |
| POLI 220 |
Race, Ethnicity, and Electoral Representation in the United States | 3 |
| POLI 240 |
African American Politics | 3 |
| POLI 248 |
Intersectionality: Race, Gender, Sexuality, and Social Justice | 3 |
| POLI 333 |
Race and Public Policy in the United States | 3 |
| POLI 345 | Buying Influence: Interest Groups and Public Policy | 3 |
| Advanced Courses | ||
| POLI 400 | Executive Politics | 3 |
| POLI 401 | Political Economy I: The Domestic System | 3 |
| POLI 404 |
Race, Immigration, and Urban Politics | 3 |
| POLI 406 | State Governments: Laboratories of Democracy | 3 |
| POLI 409 | Mock Constitutional Convention | 3 |
| POLI 410 | The Constitution of the United States | 3 |
| POLI 411 | Civil Liberties under the Constitution H | 3 |
| POLI 412 | United States National Elections H | 3 |
| POLI 416 | Constitutional Policies and the Judicial Process | 3 |
| POLI 417 |
Advanced Political Psychology H | 3 |
| POLI 418 | Mass Media and American Politics | 3 |
| POLI 419 | Race and Politics in the Contemporary United States H | 3 |
| POLI 420 | Legislative Politics H | 3 |
| POLI 421 |
Framing Public Policies | 3 |
| POLI 422 | Minority Representation in the American States | 3 |
| POLI 424 |
Legislative Procedure in Congress | 3 |
| POLI 428 | Sexuality, Race, and Gender: Identity and Political Representation | 3 |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
Global Politics
Global politics courses explore politics beyond the United States through the study of comparative politics and international relations. Comparative politics courses examine domestic political institutions and processes in countries around the world, while international relations courses explore political and economic relations in the international system.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Courses | ||
| POLI 130 |
Introduction to Comparative Politics H, F | 3 |
| POLI 150 |
International Relations and Global Politics H, F | 3 |
| Specialized Courses | ||
| POLI 210 |
Global Issues and Globalization | 3 |
| POLI 231 | Latin America and the United States in World Politics | 3 |
| POLI 232 |
Politics of the United Kingdom H | 3 |
| POLI 233 |
Comparative Politics of the Middle East H | 3 |
| POLI 234 | Comparative Politics of the Global South | 3 |
| POLI 235 |
The Politics of Russia and Eurasia H | 3 |
| POLI 236 | Politics of East-Central Europe H | 3 |
| POLI 237 |
The Politics of China | 3 |
| POLI 238 |
Politics of the Global South: Latin America H | 3 |
| POLI 239 |
Introduction to European Government H | 3 |
| POLI 241 |
Comparative Political Behavior H | 3 |
| POLI 252 | International Organizations and Global Issues H | 3 |
| POLI 253 | Problems in World Order | 3 |
| POLI 254 | International Environmental Politics | 3 |
| POLI 255 |
International Migration and Citizenship Today H | 3 |
| POLI 256 |
The Politics of the First Era (1880-1914) of Globalization | 3 |
| POLI 257 |
Politics, Society, and Culture in Postwar Germany | 3 |
| POLI 260 |
Crisis and Change in Russia and Eastern Europe | 3 |
| POLI 350 |
Peace Science Research | 3 |
| Advanced Courses | ||
| POLI 428 | Sexuality, Race, and Gender: Identity and Political Representation | 3 |
| POLI 429 | Diversity and Politics | 3 |
| POLI 430 | Analysis of National Security Policy | 3 |
| POLI 431 | African Politics and Societies | 3 |
| POLI 432 | Tolerance in Liberal States | 3 |
| POLI 433 | Politics of the European Union H | 3 |
| POLI 434 | Politics of Mexico | 3 |
| POLI 435 |
Democracy and Development in Latin America H | 3 |
| POLI 438 |
Democracy and International Institutions in an Undivided Europe | 3 |
| POLI 440 |
How to Stay in Power When the People Want You Dead: The Politics of Authoritarian Survival | 3 |
| POLI 441 | Israeli Politics and Society | 3 |
| POLI 442 |
International Political Economy | 3 |
| POLI 443 | American Foreign Policy: Formulation and Conduct | 3 |
| POLI 444 |
Terrorism and International Peace | 3 |
| POLI 447 | Immigrant Integration in Contemporary Western Europe H | 3 |
| POLI 448 | The Politics of Multilevel Governance | 3 |
| POLI 449 | Beg, Borrow, or Steal: How Governments Get Money and Its Effects on Accountability | 3 |
| POLI 450 | Contemporary Inter-American Relations H | 3 |
| POLI 451 | Race, Ethnicity, and Political Change in Comparative Perspective | 3 |
| POLI 452 |
Africa and International Conflict | 3 |
| POLI 453 |
When Countries Go Broke: Political Responses to Financial Crises | 3 |
| POLI 457 | International Conflict Processes | 3 |
| POLI 458 |
International Conflict Management and Resolution H | 3 |
| POLI 459 | Trans-Atlantic Security H | 3 |
| POLI 469 | Conflict and Intervention in the Former Yugoslavia H | 3 |
| POLI 630 | Political Contestation in Europe | 3 |
| POLI 631 | European Security: The Enlarging European Union and the Trans-Atlantic Relationship | 3 |
| POLI 632 | The European Union as a Global Actor | 3 |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
Political Theory
Political theory courses examine political ideas and values like justice, power, and democracy that we use to describe, understand, and assess political practices and institutions. These courses analyze the writings and ideas of political thinkers in the classical and modern worlds.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Courses | ||
| POLI 270 |
Classical Political Thought H | 3 |
| POLI 271 |
Modern Political Thought H | 3 |
| Specialized Courses | ||
| POLI 265 |
Feminism and Political Theory | 3 |
| POLI 272 |
The Ethics of Peace, War, and Defense | 3 |
| POLI 275 |
Nationalism, Immigration and the Politics of Identity H | 3 |
| POLI 276 |
Major Issues in Political Theory H | 3 |
| POLI 280 |
American Political Thought H | 3 |
| Advanced Courses | ||
| POLI 470 | Social and Political Philosophy H | 3 |
| POLI 471 | Contemporary Political Thought H | 3 |
| POLI 472 | Problems of Modern Democratic Theory H | 3 |
| POLI 476 | The Political Theory of the American Founding | 3 |
| POLI 477 | Advanced Feminist Political Theory | 3 |
| POLI 478 | The Politics, Philosophy, and Economics of Education | 3 |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
Research Methods
Courses in political methodology examine the methods that political scientists use to conduct research. Empirical methods courses teach students how to collect and analyze data and evidence to understand political phenomena, while formal theory courses introduce students to the use of mathematical models to analyze political decision making.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Empirical Methods Courses | ||
| POLI 209 |
Analyzing Public Opinion H | 3 |
| POLI 281 |
Data in Politics I: An Introduction | 3 |
| POLI 285 | Applied Experimental Research: Politics in the US and Europe | 3 |
| POLI 381 | Data in Politics II: Frontiers and Applications | 3 |
| POLI 417 |
Advanced Political Psychology H | 3 |
| POLI 691H |
Honors Seminar in Research Design | 3 |
| Formal Theory Courses | ||
| POLI 287 |
Strategy and International Relations | 3 |
| POLI 288 |
Strategy and Politics | 3 |
| POLI 488 | Game Theory | 3 |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
Sample Plan of Study
Sample plans can be used as a guide to identify the courses required to complete the major and other requirements needed for degree completion within the expected eight semesters. The actual degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). Students should meet with their academic advisor to create a degree plan that is specific and unique to their interests. The sample plans represented in this catalog are intended for first-year students entering UNC–Chapel Hill in the fall term. Some courses may not be offered every term.
| First Year | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| First-Year Foundations Courses | ||
| IDST 101 | College Thriving | 1 |
| ENGL 105 or ENGL 105I | English Composition and Rhetoric or English Composition and Rhetoric (Interdisciplinary) | 3 |
| First-Year Seminar or First-Year Launch F | 3 | |
| Triple-I and Data Literacy | 4 | |
| Global Language through level 3 | varies | |
| Additional General Education and elective courses | 13 | |
| Major Courses | ||
| POLI 100 | American Democracy in Changing Times H, F | 3 |
| POLI 150 | International Relations and Global Politics H, F | 3 |
| Hours | 30 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| POLI --- | Comparative politics course | 3 |
| POLI --- | Political theory course | 3 |
| Research methods course | 3 | |
| Additional General Education and elective courses | 21 | |
| Hours | 30 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Two POLI elective courses 1 | 6 | |
| Additional General Education and elective courses | 24 | |
| Hours | 30 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Two POLI elective courses 1 | 6 | |
| Additional General Education and elective courses | 24 | |
| Hours | 30 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
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At least one political science course must be at the 400 level.
Special Opportunities in Political Science
Political Science Major, NUS Joint Degree
Political science majors may wish to consider applying for the Joint Degree Program, an innovative joint undergraduate degree program joining the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the National University of Singapore. UNC–Chapel Hill undergraduates spend anywhere from two to four semesters at the National University of Singapore and receive a joint bachelor of arts degree from both institutions. For further information, contact the Study Abroad Office.
Honors in Political Science
The honors program provides political science majors the opportunity to pursue an independent research project over a two-semester period. Students begin the program by taking POLI 691H in the spring semester of their junior year. During this course they complete a thesis proposal.
If the proposal is acceptable, students continue their thesis research in the senior year under the supervision of the honors director and a faculty advisor in POLI 692H and POLI 693H. A maximum of two honors thesis courses can count as elective credit in the major. Upon successful completion of the program, which includes an oral defense of the thesis, students are awarded a degree with honors or with highest honors in political science.
To be admitted to the honors program, students must have at least a 3.3 overall grade point average and a 3.5 in political science courses. They should have completed at least four courses in the major. Students interested in participating in the honors program apply in the fall of their junior year when applications are requested. For further information on the honors program, please consult the department's website.
High-Impact/Experiential Education
Internship courses provide students with the opportunity to earn academic credit while obtaining practical work experience in agencies and organizations clearly related to the study of political science. Political science majors who would like to obtain credit for internship work in government or public service must enroll in POLI 193. While this course satisfies the high-impact/experiential education General Education requirement, POLI 193 is offered on a Pass/Fail basis only and does not count towards the nine courses required for the major. For specific information about the procedures and requirements for POLI 193, please consult the department’s website.
Study Abroad
Because we live in an increasingly globalized society, students are encouraged to study abroad as they are able. Students interested in the fields of comparative politics and international relations are strongly urged to participate in a study abroad program; indeed, all students may find the experience to be transformational and helpful in choosing a career path. Students are advised to work with the Study Abroad Office and to contact the undergraduate advisor when planning their study abroad experience. For information about applying study abroad credit toward the political science major, please consult the department’s website.
Undergraduate Research
Courses in political science often include a research component, and students may engage in directed research under the supervision of a faculty advisor. The honors program provides political science majors the opportunity to pursue an independent research project over a two-semester period, culminating in a senior thesis. See the section above for more information on the honors program.
POLI 395 Mentored Research in Political Science provides an opportunity for students to pursue a special research interest under the direction of a faculty member of the Department of Political Science. The research and writing entailed in a mentored research course must be equivalent to the workload of a regular course. For specific information about the procedures and requirements for POLI 395, please consult the department’s website.
Undergraduate Awards
Pi Sigma Alpha is the national political science honorary society. Membership is restricted to those political science majors who have completed 15 hours of political science with an overall grade average of 3.3 or better and a political science grade average of 3.5 or better.
The Thad L. Beyle Research Award is given to undergraduate political science majors, with priority given to students writing a senior honors thesis.
The William Scott Bryant Award funds research and travel for undergraduate majors in the Department of Political Science, with priority given to seniors.
The D’Amico Endowment Fund for Honors Students funds academic research and activities for honors students in the Department of Political Science.
The Shepard Jones Undergraduate Award in International Relations is given to an undergraduate student for the best essay in international relations (any field and broadly defined).
The L. Richardson Preyer Award for Excellence in Political Science is given to a senior judged by a committee of the faculty to have the most distinguished record of scholarship in political science and service to the community.
The Terry Sanford Award for Excellence is given to the undergraduate student judged to have written the best political science honors thesis.
