Students who declare a major in Political Science beginning on September 1, 2009 will need to fulfill new, more rigorous requirements to complete the major.  Currently the major requires completion of 24 credits, one 300-level course, and one course in each of the four fields (American politics, comparative politics, political theory, and international politics).  Although the department recommends taking no more than two 100-level courses, students may use more than that to fulfill the major.

As of September 1, 2009, newly declared majors must meet the following requirements:

• Complete at least 30 credits in Political Science;
• Use no more than two (2) 100-level courses in Political Science to satisfy major requirements (additional 100-level courses may be used as electives);
• Complete at least one course in each of the four subfields of political science;
• Complete at least 3 courses (9 credits) at the 300- or 400-level;
• Use no more than six (6) credits in internship, independent study, and/or experiential courses (such as Model United Nations) to satisfy the 30 credits in the major. Also, such credits may not be used to satisfy the distribution requirements in the four fields.

Students who have declared a political science major before September 1, 2009 remain under the old rules. However, if students re-declare the major (as must be done when declaring a second major or adding a minor), then they would fall under the new rules. Students in such a situation may request a waiver from the department to remain under the old rules.

Changes in Course Numbers:

Students should also be aware that the course numbers for internships, independent study, and experiential courses will move from the 400- to the 200-level. The new numbers are as follows:

Internship Seminar in State / City Government:
• FROM: PLSC 411 – Seminar in NY State Government
  TO: PLSC 221 – Seminar in NY State Government
• FROM: PLSC 412 – Seminar in NY City Government
  TO: PLSC 222 – Seminar in NY City Government
Internships (1-6 credits)
• FROM: PLSC 498.01 – 498.06
  TO: PLSC 298.01 – 298.06
Independent Study (1-3 credits)
• FROM: PLSC 490.01 – 490.03
  TO: PLSC 290.01 – 290.03
Honors Independent Study remains at the 400 level.