Political Science, B.A.

Saint Louis University's political science major can prepare students for advanced study in various areas: law, public administration, international relations, urban affairs, business and political science. Political scientists study power, politics and various political processes, systems and behaviors. 

The discipline of political science covers many topics, from campaigns and elections in the United States to economic development and democratization worldwide to diplomacy and globalization. Political science majors learn to address big questions, such as what makes a government legitimate or what constitutes a good society. They also come to understand causes and mechanisms for addressing significant global challenges like terrorism, poverty, climate change and war.

Political science students at Saint Louis University pursue jobs in government, international organizations, nonprofit organizations, education, law, journalism, diplomacy, survey research and fields related to promoting social justice.

Program Highlights

  • Undergraduates can start taking graduate classes before earning their B.A. in political science and quickly finish an M.A. in political science as part of the accelerated M.A. program.
  • The political science program at SLU is distinctive in its commitment to preparing students to become engaged citizens locally and globally. Students grapple with some of the most important social justice problems of the time, from racism and poverty at home to war, persistent underdevelopment and oppression abroad.
  • The SLU political science department is big enough to offer a wide range of classes and small enough that students get individual attention from faculty.

Curriculum Overview

Students can study the politics of most areas of the world and global security and economic development issues. They can augment their study of politics with work in various distinctive interdisciplinary programs, including programs devoted to area studies (Asia, Russia and East Europe), global and local social justice, foreign service, political journalism, African American studies, gender studies and more.

Students can choose among five options for their B.A.:

General Major

The general major covers American politics, comparative politics, international relations and political thought and allows students the flexibility to choose classes that reflect their particular interests.

International Affairs Concentration

The international affairs concentration permits students to study economic development, international security and political change worldwide. 

International Relations Concentration (Madrid)

The international relations concentration is an innovative and rigorous course of study designed to enhance knowledge and understanding of global affairs offered at the Saint Louis University Madrid, Spain, campus.

Public Law Concentration

The public law concentration focuses on law and courts and the relationship of both to larger issues of justice, social change and democracy.

Public Policy Concentration

The public policy concentration examines the practical application of knowledge to governance and social problems.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Undergraduate students majoring in political science at SLU may take six credits of electives through internships offered in areas such as political campaigns, foreign service, state and federal government, and overseas fieldwork. These internships permit students to gain professional experience working with elected officials, organizations that serve immigrants or disadvantaged communities, law firms, nonprofit organizations or other groups working toward the public good. Students have interned in St. Louis, Washington, D.C., and many countries worldwide.

Students can participate in faculty research projects or complete an independent honors thesis examining a topic of their choice. 

Careers

Graduates with an undergraduate degree in political science are prepared for jobs in government, international organizations, community and nonprofit organizations, education, law, NGOs, journalism, diplomacy, survey research and fields related to the promotion of social justice.

An undergraduate degree in political science also provides marketable skills in empirical data analysis and practical problem-solving. It is a traditional major for students interested in law school or planning a political career.

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

  • Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
  • Proof of financial support must include:
    • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
    • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
  • Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Tuition 

Tuition Cost Per Year
Undergraduate Tuition $52,260

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

  • Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
  • Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2022, 99% of first-time freshmen and 90% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $445 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit www.slu.edu/financial-aid.

  1. St. Louis: Students will be able to identify the structure and operation of political systems in the U.S., across a variety of countries, and in multinational organizations. SLU Madrid: Students will be able to identify and compare political systems in the Western world, international trends at the global level and multinational organizations.
  2. Students will be able to distinguish among various approaches to studying political phenomena.
  3. Students will be able to read carefully and evaluate and construct analytical arguments in clear and logical prose.
  4. Students will be able to analyze how the outcomes of political systems are affected by the structure of institutions.
  5. Students will be able to design original research to test arguments and hypotheses with qualitative and/or quantitative approaches.

Political Science students must complete 34-37 credits for the major.

University Undergraduate Core32-35
Major Requirements
POLS 1150American Political Systems3
Comparative Politics Requirement3
International Relations Requirement3
Political Thought Requirement3
POLS 2000Methods in Political Science4
Political Science Electives or a Concentration12
Senior Seminar Requirement6
Choose two classes from the range POLS 4000-4899, POLS 4990, POLS 4930. With permission, students may substitute graduate classes in the range POLS 5000-5899, or POLS 5930. To register for a senior seminar, students must have completed at least one course in the same sub-field and they must have fulfilled the methods requirement. If a student's major includes a concentration, one senior seminar must be within that concentration. The two 4000-level seminar classes must be completed at Saint Louis University, not by transfer credit.
General Electives48-54
Total Credits120

Program Notes 

Political science majors may not count more than six credits of independent study (POLS 4980 Advanced Independent Study (1-6 cr)) and/or internship work toward the major. The two 4000-level seminars and the methods class must be completed at Saint Louis University, not by transfer credit. Only 15 credits of transfer credit can apply toward the political science major. Students may not count more than four 1000 level courses toward the major and must take at least four 3000 or higher level courses.

To give some focus to a major, students are encouraged to take three or four courses in at least one of the four sub-fields or a cross-sub-field area of interest in political science (like social justice, democratization or legal studies). Students should consult with department faculty advisors in selecting courses.

No one class can fulfill more than one requirement in the major.

Research Project Option

As an alternative to one of the 4000-level seminars, students having a grade-point average of 3.30 or better may, with department chair approval, take POLS 4960 Senior Research (3 cr), an individual research project under the supervision of a political science faculty member.

Honors Thesis Option

The political science honors thesis option is for qualified and highly motivated students. These students need to inform the coordinator of undergraduate studies of their interest by the spring of their junior year if they want to write the thesis during their senior year or by the fall of the junior year if they want to start a semester earlier.

Students doing an honors thesis must have a political science GPA of 3.50 and an overall GPA of 3.40. This program involves a full year, two-course sequence: POLS 4990 Research Design (3 cr) and POLS 4991 Political Science Honors Thesis (1-6 cr) . Students doing honors theses will have a 37-credit major. POLS 4990 Research Design (3 cr) fulfills one 4000-level seminar requirement.

Internships

The political science department encourages majors to take political science internships as part of their degree programs. These provide excellent practical experience that potential employers appreciate. Internships often help majors select a future career. Students select internships in consultation with their mentors.  The department offers a variety of internships, which may satisfy up to six credits of electives. Students may contact the coordinator of undergraduate studies for more information.

Federal Government Internship
State or Local Government Internship
Public Service Internship
Foreign Service Internship
Legal Internship
Campaign Internship
Research Internship
Political Science Internship

International Affairs Concentration

International Relations Requirement6
One of the International Relations courses must be POLS 1600 and can satisfy the general major requirement
Comparative Politics Requirement6
One of the Comparative Politics courses can satisfy the general major requirement
Additionally, 3 of the 6 required major Senior Seminar hours must have the International Affairs Seminar attribute
Total Credits12

International Relations Concentration (Madrid)

University Undergraduate Core32-35
Major Requirements
American Politics Requirement
POLS 1150American Political Systems3
Comparative Politics Requirement
POLS 1500Introduction to Comparative Politics3
International Relations Requirement
POLS 1600Introduction to International Politics3
Political Thought Requirement
POLS 1700Foundations of Political Theory3
Research Methods Requirement
POLS 2000Methods in Political Science4
Economics Requirement
ECON 1900Principles of Economics3
Communications Requirement 3
Select one of the following:
Media and Society
Political Communication
Global Media
Political Science Elective Courses15
Select five courses
Senior Seminar Requirement
POLS 4610International Relations: Theory and Practice3
POLS 4630The European Union: Politics and Political Economy3
Optional Course
Introduction to Politics
General Electives45
Total Credits120

Public Law Concentration

Public Law Electives12
Select 12 credits with the Public Law Elective attribute
Additionally, 3 of the 6 required major Senior Seminar hours must have the Public Law Seminar attribute. These 3 hours may not be counted towards the 12 Public Law Elective credits for the concentration.
Total Credits12

Public Policy Concentration 

Policy Foundation Requirement6
Select six credits with the Policy Foundation attribute
Policy Elective Requirement6
Select six credits with the Policy Elective attribute
Additionally, 3 of the 6 required major Senior Seminar hours must have the Policy Seminar attribute. These 3 credits may not be counted towards the 6 Policy Elective credits.
Total Credits12

Continuation Standards

Students in the political science major must maintain a 2.00 GPA in political science coursework.

Graduation Requirements

  • Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses numbered below 1000).
  • Complete the University Undergraduate Core curriculum requirements.
  • Complete major requirements: minimum of 30 credits required.
  • Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate and/or electives to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
  • Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s), and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate, or related elective credits.
  • Complete department-/program-specific academic and performance requirements.
  • Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study abroad program.
  • Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study abroad program.
  • Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

Comparative Politics Attributed Courses

POLS 1500Introduction to Comparative Politics3
POLS 1510Politics of the Developing World3
POLS 1540Blood and Money: Ethnic War3
POLS 2510European Politics3
POLS 2520Introduction to African Politics3
POLS 2530Soviet and Post-Soviet Politics3
POLS 2550Political Systems of the Sub-Sahara3
POLS 2560The Politics of Asia3
POLS 2570Introduction to Latin American Politics3
POLS 2590Politics of the Middle East and North Africa3
POLS 3500East Asian Political Economy3
POLS 3520Communism, Capitalism and Social Justice3
POLS 3530Comparative Revolutions3
POLS 3567Political Development in Contemporary Spain3
POLS 3810Latin American-U.S. Relations3

International Relations Attributed Courses 

POLS 1600Introduction to International Politics *3
POLS 2600Introduction to International Political Economy3
POLS 2640International Terrorism3
POLS 2691Theory and Practice of Human Rights3
POLS 2820American Foreign Policy3
POLS 3600Problems of Globalization3
POLS 3620International Organization and the Management of World Problems3
POLS 3630International Security and Conflict Resolution3
POLS 3640International Law3
POLS 3650International Relations of Africa3
POLS 3810Latin American-U.S. Relations3
*

Required when international affairs is the student's concentration.

International Affairs Seminar Attributed Courses

POLS 4500Russian Political Culture3
POLS 4510Democratization3
POLS 4520Political Change3
POLS 4530Authoritarian Politics: Rigging Elections and Clinging to Power3
POLS 4650War, Peace, and Politics3
POLS 4670Politics of International Trade and Finance3
POLS 4692Theories of World Politics3
POLS 4840Global Health Politics and Policy3

Political Thought Attributed Courses

POLS 1700Foundations of Political Theory3
POLS 2700Fundamental Issues in Political Philosophy3
POLS 3710Ancient and Medieval Classics in Political Thought3
POLS 3720Renaissance and Modern Political Theories3
POLS 3770Feminist Theory: Gender Justice3

Policy Elective Attributed Courses

POLS 1510Politics of the Developing World3
POLS 2010Ethics and Politics3
POLS 2140The American Presidency3
POLS 2200State and Local Politics3
POLS 2220Urban Politics3
POLS 2230Mass Incarceration3
POLS 2300Public Administration3
POLS 2600Introduction to International Political Economy3
POLS 2820American Foreign Policy3
POLS 3100Judicial Politics3
POLS 3300U.S. Public Policy3
POLS 3520Communism, Capitalism and Social Justice3
POLS 3800The Structure of Poverty: Globally and Locally3
POLS 3810Latin American-U.S. Relations3
POLS 3910Federal Government Internship1-6
POLS 3911State or Local Government Internship1-6
POLS 3912Public Service Internship1-6
POLS 3915Legal Internship1-6
POLS 4150Gender and Politics3
POLS 4171Law, Policy, Society3
POLS 4300Law, Politics, and Regulatory Policy3
POLS 4325Public Sector Budgeting3
POLS 4340Issues in Public Policy3
POLS 4360Urban Economic Development3
POLS 4650War, Peace, and Politics3
POLS 4840Global Health Politics and Policy3
POLS 4960Senior Research3
POLS 4980Advanced Independent Study1-6
POLS 4990Research Design3

Policy Foundation Attributed Courses

POLS 2200State and Local Politics3
POLS 2220Urban Politics3
POLS 2300Public Administration3
POLS 2600Introduction to International Political Economy3
POLS 3300U.S. Public Policy3

Policy Seminar Attributed Courses

POLS 4150Gender and Politics3
POLS 4171Law, Policy, Society3
POLS 4300Law, Politics, and Regulatory Policy3
POLS 4325Public Sector Budgeting3
POLS 4340Issues in Public Policy3
POLS 4360Urban Economic Development3
POLS 4650War, Peace, and Politics3
POLS 4840Global Health Politics and Policy3
POLS 4960Senior Research3
POLS 4980Advanced Independent Study1-6
POLS 4990Research Design3

Public Law Elective Attributed Courses

POLS 1300Introduction to Law0,3
POLS 3130Civil Liberties and Civil Rights3
POLS 3340Foundations of Law3
POLS 3640International Law3
POLS 3880Violence Against Women3
POLS 3915Legal Internship1-6
POLS 4120Civil Rights: A Moot Court Seminar3
POLS 4126Sexuality and the Law3
POLS 4171Law, Policy, Society3
POLS 4120Civil Rights: A Moot Court Seminar3
POLS 4126Sexuality and the Law3
POLS 4171Law, Policy, Society3
POLS 4300Law, Politics, and Regulatory Policy3

Public Law Seminar Attributed Courses

POLS 4120Civil Rights: A Moot Court Seminar3
POLS 4126Sexuality and the Law3
POLS 4171Law, Policy, Society3
POLS 4300Law, Politics, and Regulatory Policy3

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

General Major

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
CORE 1000 Ignite First Year Seminar (Must be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 2-3
CORE 1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community (Must be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes / Must be taken at SLU) 1
CORE 1900 Eloquentia Perfecta 1: Written and Visual Communication (Should be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 3
POLS 1150 American Political Systems (satisfies CORE 3600) 3
1000 or 2000-level course in International RelationsSome options carry Core Global Interdependence attributes 3
General Electives 3
 Credits15-16
Spring
CORE 1200 Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication (Should be taken in first 60 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 3
CORE 1600 Ultimate Questions: Theology 3
1000 or 2000-level course in Comparative PoliticsSome options carry Core Identities in Context, Global Interdependence, or Dignity, Ethics and a Just Society attributes 3
Political Thought requirement (1700, 2700, 3710, 3720, or 3770)Some options carry Core Identities in Context or Dignity, Ethics and a Just Society attributes 3
General Electives 3
 Credits15
Year Two
Fall
CORE 2800 Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression 2-3
CORE 1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy 3
POLS 2000 Methods in Political Science (satisfies core 3200) 4
General Electives 6
 Credits15-16
Spring
CORE 3800 Ways of Thinking: Natural and Applied Sciences 3
CORE 2500 Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation 0
POLS Electives 6
General Electives 6
 Credits15
Year Three
Fall
CORE 3400 Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture 3
POLS Electives 6
General Electives 6
 Credits15
Spring
CORE 4000 Collaborative Inquiry 3
POLS 4000 Level SeminarSome options carry Core Writing Intensive attribute 3
General ElectivesBe sure to fulfill all Core attributes 9
 Credits15
Year Four
Fall
CORE 3500 Cura Personalis 3: Self in the World 1
POLS 4000 Level Semniar 3
General Electives 11
 Credits15
Spring
General Electives 15
 Credits15
 Total Credits120-122

International Affairs Concentration

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
CORE 1000 Ignite First Year Seminar (Must be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 2-3
CORE 1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community (Must be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes / Must be taken at SLU) 1
CORE 1900 Eloquentia Perfecta 1: Written and Visual Communication (Should be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 3
POLS 1150 American Political Systems (satisfies CORE 3600) 3
POLS 1600 Introduction to International Politics (Fulfills Core Global Interdependence attribute) 3
General Electives 3
 Credits15-16
Spring
CORE 1200 Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication (Should be taken in first 60 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 3
CORE 1600 Ultimate Questions: Theology 3
1000 or 2000-level course in Comparative PoliticsSome options carry Core Identities in Context, Global Interdependence, or Dignity, Ethics and a Just Society attributes 3
Political Thought requirement (1700, 2700, 3710, 3720, or 3770)Some options carry Core Identities in Context or Dignity, Ethics and a Just Society attributes 3
General Electives 3
 Credits15
Year Two
Fall
CORE 2800 Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression 2-3
CORE 1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy 3
POLS 2000 Methods in Political Science (satisfies CORE 3200) 4
General Electives 6
 Credits15-16
Spring
CORE 3800 Ways of Thinking: Natural and Applied Sciences 3
CORE 2500 Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation 0
POLS course with International Relations attribute 3
POLS course with Comparative Politics attribute 3
General Electives 6
 Credits15
Year Three
Fall
CORE 3400 Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture 3
POLS Electives 6
General Electives 6
 Credits15
Spring
CORE 4000 Collaborative Inquiry 2-3
POLS 4000-level seminar from the range POLS 4500-4699 or POLS 4840Some options carry Core Writing Intensive attribute 3
General Electives 10
 Credits15-16
Year Four
Fall
CORE 3500 Cura Personalis 3: Self in the World 1
POLS 4000-level seminarSome options carry Core Writing Intensive attribute 3
General Electives 11
 Credits15
Spring
General ElectivesAs needed to complete Core and graduation requirements 15
 Credits15
 Total Credits120-123

Public Law Concentration

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
CORE 1000 Ignite First Year Seminar (Must be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 2-3
CORE 1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community (Must be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes / Must be taken at SLU) 1
CORE 1900 Eloquentia Perfecta 1: Written and Visual Communication (Should be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 3
POLS 1150 American Political Systems (satisfies CORE 3600) 3
1000 or 2000-level course in International RelationsSome options carry Core Global Interdependence attributes 3
General Electives 3
 Credits15-16
Spring
CORE 1200 Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication (Should be taken in first 60 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 3
CORE 1600 Ultimate Questions: Theology 3
1000 or 2000-level course in Comparative PoliticsSome options carry Core Identities in Context, Global Interdependence, or Dignity, Ethics and a Just Society attributes 3
Political Thought requirement (1700, 2700, 3710, 3720, or 3770)Some options carry Core Identities in Context or Dignity, Ethics and a Just Society attributes 3
General Electives 3
 Credits15
Year Two
Fall
CORE 2800 Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression 2-3
CORE 1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy 3
POLS 2000 Methods in Political Science (satisfies CORE 3200) 4
POLS 2230 Mass Incarceration 3
General Electives 3
 Credits15-16
Spring
CORE 3800 Ways of Thinking: Natural and Applied Sciences 3
CORE 2500 Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation 0
POLS 2100 The American Constitution (or other Public Law required course) 3
POLS 2710 Theories of Justice (or other Public Law required course) 3
General ElectivesBe sure to fulfill all Core attributes 6
 Credits15
Year Three
Fall
CORE 3400 Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture 3
POLS 3130 Civil Liberties and Civil Rights (or other Public Law elective course) 3
General Electives 9
 Credits15
Spring
CORE 4000 Collaborative Inquiry 2-3
POLS 4171 Law, Policy, Society (or a different seminar that fulfills Public Law requirements or electives) 3
General Electives 10
 Credits15-16
Year Four
Fall
CORE 3500 Cura Personalis 3: Self in the World 1
POLS 4000-level seminarSome options carry Core Writing Intensive attribute 3
General Electives 11
 Credits15
Spring
General ElectivesAs needed to complete Core and graduation requirements 15
 Credits15
 Total Credits120-123

Public Policy Concentration

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
CORE 1000 Ignite First Year Seminar (Must be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 2-3
CORE 1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community (Must be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes / Must be taken at SLU) 1
CORE 1900 Eloquentia Perfecta 1: Written and Visual Communication (Should be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 3
POLS 1150 American Political Systems (satisfies CORE 3600) 3
1000 or 2000-level course in International RelationsSome options carry Core Global Interdependence attributes 3
General Electives 3
 Credits15-16
Spring
CORE 1200 Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication (Should be taken in first 60 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) 3
CORE 1600 Ultimate Questions: Theology 3
1000 or 2000-level course in Comparative PoliticsSome options carry Core Identities in Context, Global Interdependence, or Dignity, Ethics and a Just Society attributes 3
Political Thought requirement (1700, 2700, 3710, 3720, or 3770)Some options carry Core Identities in Context or Dignity, Ethics and a Just Society attributes 3
General Electives 3
 Credits15
Year Two
Fall
CORE 2800 Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression 2-3
CORE 1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy 3
POLS 2000 Methods in Political Science (satisfies CORE 3200) 4
General Electives 6
 Credits15-16
Spring
CORE 3800 Ways of Thinking: Natural and Applied Sciences 3
CORE 2500 Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation 0
POLS 2300 Public Administration (or other foundation course in the Public Policy concentration) 3
POLS 3300 U.S. Public Policy (or other foundation course in the Public Policy concentration) 3
General ElectivesBe sure to fulfill all Core attributes 6
 Credits15
Year Three
Fall
CORE 3400 Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture 3
Elective courses in the Public Policy Concentration 6
General Electives 6
 Credits15
Spring
CORE 4000 Collaborative Inquiry 2-3
POLS 4300 Law, Politics, and Regulatory Policy (or another POLS 4000-level seminar with the Public Policy concentration attribute) 3
General Electives 10
 Credits15-16
Year Four
Fall
CORE 3500 Cura Personalis 3: Self in the World 1
POLS 4000-level seminarSome options carry Core Writing Intensive attribute 3
General ElectivesBe sure to fulfill all Core attributes 11
 Credits15
Spring
General Electives 15
 Credits15
 Total Credits120-123

Political Science (Madrid Campus)

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
POLS 1000 Introduction to Politics 3
MATH 1200 College Algebra (A&S Core) 3
UNIV 1020 The First-Year Seminar-Madrid 1
Core Electives 9
 Credits16
Spring
POLS 1700 Foundations of Political Theory 3
Minor course 1 3
Core Electives 9
 Credits15
Summer
POLS 1150 American Political Systems 3
 Credits3
Year Two
Fall
POLS 1500 Introduction to Comparative Politics 3
POLS 2xxx 3
ECON 1900 Principles of Economics 2 3
Minor course 3
Core Electives 6
 Credits18
Spring
POLS 2000 Methods in Political Science 4
POLS 2xxx 3
Minor course 3
General Electives 6
 Credits16
Year Three
Fall
POLS 2xxx 3
POLS 2xxx 3
Minor course 3
General Elective 3
Core Elective 3
 Credits15
Spring
POLS 3xxx 3
CMM Requirement: Select one of the following: 3
Media and Society  
Global Media  
Special Topics  
General Electives 6
Minor course 3
 Credits15
Year Four
Fall
POLS 3xxx 3
POLS 4xxx 3
Minor course 3
Electives 6
 Credits15
Spring
POLS 4610 International Relations: Theory and Practice 3
POLS 4630 The European Union: Politics and Political Economy 3
Elective 3
Minor course 3
 Credits12
 Total Credits125
1

The number of courses required may vary depending on minor

2

Prerequisite: MATH 1200 College Algebra (0,3 cr).

Program Notes

  • A minor (or second major) is required.
  • Diversity in the EU courses:
    POLS 3567Political Development in Contemporary Spain3
    POLS 4630The European Union: Politics and Political Economy3
  • Global Citizenship courses:
    POLS 1600Introduction to International Politics3
    POLS 2550Political Systems of the Sub-Sahara3
    POLS 2560The Politics of Asia3
    POLS 2570Introduction to Latin American Politics3

Students can complete the international relations track of the political science program at SLU’s campus in Madrid.

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