The program in political science leading to the B.A. or B.S. degree is designed to meet the needs of the liberal arts major who wishes to learn more about public and international affairs, government, and the demands of citizenship. It is appropriate for professionally motivated students who wish to pursue careers in political science, public administration, international organizations, domestic government, communications, education, or law. It is also appropriate for inquiring students desiring to learn more about the way human beings live together and the structures and institutions they have developed (or might develop) to facilitate social cooperation and conflict management.
The most current information about undergraduate degree programs, internships, and other opportunities is available on the program website.
Degree requirements
Once a student has been admitted to Portland State University, upper-division courses used to meet political science major requirements must be taken at the University. Courses taken at another college or university must have received prior approval from the Department of Political Science. All courses used to satisfy political science major requirements, whether taken at PSU or elsewhere, must be graded C or above. Students must complete a minimum of 20 credits of political science coursework at PSU.
There are four different options for students completing a degree in political science: the standard major, the public service option, the international development option, and the honors program.