Political Science Program Map

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B.S. in Political Science

Political Scientists are some of the most versatile graduates in the career world, ranging from attorneys and city managers to lobbyists and not-for-profit directors, from professors to researchers, and from entrepreneurs to members of Congress.  

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Stats

60

Core Credit Hours

42

Major Credit Hours

18

Elective Credit Hours

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Plan Your Degree

Disclaimer: This program map is intended ONLY as a guide for students to plan their course of study. It does NOT replace any information in the Undergraduate Catalog, which is the official guide for completing degree requirements.

Term 1: Fall
Course Name Credit Hours
C1: ENGL 1101

English Composition I

 3
M: MATH 1401

Elementary Statistics

 3
P2: POLS 1101

American Government

 3
F: PHIL 2020

Critical Thinking

 3
T2: Non-lab Science 3

Milestone:

  • POLS 1101 is a prerequisite for all other POLS major courses.

Term 2: Spring
Course Name Credit Hours
C2: ENGL 1102

English Composition II

 3
S1 OR P1

World or US History

 3
T1: Science + Lab 4
I1: Oral Communication 3
A: Humanities 3

 

15 Fall Credit Hours + 16 Spring Credit Hours = 31 Credit Hours

Term 1: Fall
Course Name Credit Hours
F: POLS 2101

Introduction to Political Science

 3
A: Humanities 3
S2: Social Science 3
T3: STEM Course 3
I2: Institutional Option 2

Term 2: Spring
Course Name Credit Hours
S1 OR P1

World or US History

 3
F: POLS 2201/2401/2601

State & Local Government, Global Issues, or Introduction to Political Science Inquiry

 3
F: Course

1000 or 2000 level class as specified

 3
F: Major Course

3000 level POLS class

 3
F: Major Course

3000 level POLS class

 3

 

14 Fall Credit Hours + 15 Spring Credit Hours = 29 Credit Hours

Term 1: Fall
Course Name Credit Hours
POLS Course

Any 3000-level POLS class

 3
POLS Course

Any 3000-level POLS class

 3
POLS Course

Any 4000-level POLS class

 3
Elective

Upper Division Course

 3
Elective 3

Term 2: Spring
Course Name Credit Hours
POLS Course

Any 4000-level POLS class

 3
POLS Course

Any 4000-level POLS class

 3
POLS Course

Any 4000-level POLS class

 3
Elective 3
Elective 3

 

15 Fall Credit Hours + 15 Spring Credit Hours = 30 Credit Hours

Term 1: Fall
Course Name Credit Hours
POLS Course

Any 3000 or 4000-level POLS class

 3
POLS Course

Any 3000 or 4000-level POLS class

 3
POLS Course

Any 3000 or 4000-level POLS class

 3
Elective

Upper Division Course

 3
Elective 3

Term 2: Spring
Course Name Credit Hours
Capstone Experience 3
POLS Course

Any 4000-level POLS class

 3
POLS Course

Any 4000-level POLS class

 3
POLS Course

Any 4000-level POLS class

 3
POLS Course

Any 4000-level POLS class

 3

 

15 Fall Credit Hours + 15 Spring Credit Hours = 30 Credit Hours

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Crush Your Course

First Year:

  • Focus on your core courses to build your foundations.
  • Your English and Communication courses will help you with your political science coursework.
  • Take POLS 1101 - Intro to American Government right away! It’s a prerequisite for all your other political science major courses.

Middle Years:

  • Don’t put off those science and math courses!
  • Make sure to mix these in with your other coursework so that you’re developing the skills you need when you need them and not overwhelming yourself in a single semester.
  • Identify courses within each area of your major (like comparative, international relations, etc.) that fit with your career goals.

Last Year:

  • Use your electives to explore other disciplines and find courses complementary to your major! Not sure where to start? Ask your political science faculty and your advisor what they would recommend!
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Find Your Place

First Year:

Middle Years:

Last Year:

  • Consider running for office in student government.
  • Hone your leadership skills by mentoring new political science students.
  • Ask about research opportunities with your favorite political science professor.
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Broaden Your Perspectives

First Year:

Middle Years:

Last Year:

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Connect Off-Campus

First Year:

  • Visit Wolves Vote to learn about the voting process and registration.
  • Consider volunteering for a campaign or organization in your community.

Middle Years:

  • Complete an internship in your field.
  • Consider a summer or part-time job.
  • Ask your department about networking opportunities with alumni.

Last Year:

  • Ask for advice from professionals in your field of interest.
  • Explore career shadowing opportunities.
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Take Care of Yourself

First Year:

Middle Years:

Last Year:

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Pave Your Path

First Year:

Middle Years:

  • Draft your resume and attend a resume blitz.
  • Learn about how to network on social media and update your Handshake profile.
  • Draft your personal statement.
  • Visit the graduate school to find out about graduate programs and admission requirements.

Last Year:

  • Request references from professors and supervisors.
  • Draft your resume cover letter and personal statement and revise it with career services.
  • Attend business fairs and career fairs at UWG and across the state.
  • Attend an interview workshop.
  • Apply for graduate programs.

Careers

Capitol building in Washington DC

Career Opportunities

This degree can help you get work as the following:

  • Educator
  • Federal, state, and local government
  • Intelligence and homeland security
  • Interest groups
  • International and domestic business
  • International development
  • Local nonprofit organization
  • Law
  • Policy analyst
  • Political campaigns

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Don't forget to check out Wolf Watch to explore degree requirements!