Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree
To ensure you receive a well-balanced education at MSU, PLS majors must satisfy the requirements of three separate units:
You must meet the graduation requirements of each unit. In addition, you will need to choose elective coursework to achieve the minimum number of 120 credits for a degree.
Specific Degree Requirements
WRITING REQUIREMENT—The Tier I writing requirement is fulfilled by successful completion of WRA 101 or 195H. The Tier II portion of your writing requirement is fulfilled by the completion of a designated 300-400 level course in your major. These course titles are followed by a “W”.
MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT— Two of the following courses: MTH 101, 102, 103, 114, 124, 132, 152H, or 201; or STT 200 or 201. Students may test out of one math course requirement via the Mathematics Placement Exam
INTEGRATIVE STUDIES REQUIREMENT—The Integrative Studies requirement includes the completion of coursework in the Arts & Humanities, the Social Sciences, and the Biological and Physical Sciences. Students must complete 24 credits in the Integrative Studies courses (IAH, ISS, ISB, ISP, and lab).
Integrative Studies in Arts and Humanities—8 credits
Integrative Studies in Social Science—8 credits
Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences*—8 credits
DIVERSITY REQUIREMENT - Must include at least two courses in National, International, and Diversity from the following combinations: N&I; N&D; or I&D. The letter will be found after the IAH/ISS course title.
INTERDISCIPLINARY MINOR REQUIREMENT
Complete a minimum of 15 credits in one Interdisciplinary Minor from a list of minors approved by the College of Social Science Committee on Curriculum and Academic Policy. Examples of Minors approved for this requirement include: African Studies; Asian Studies; The City: Environment, Design and Society; Law, Justice, and Public Policy; Leadership of Organizations; Human Behavior and Social Services; Youth and Society; Environment and Health; International Development. A list of approved minors is maintained by the College of Social Science on their website here. Minor requirements can have some duplication between major and minor, but not more than two courses. If you wish to add one of the College of Social Science minors, please meet with a psychology advisor.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING REQUIREMENT
All students within the College of Social Science must complete an experiential learning requirement. The experiential learning requirement may be satisfied either within or outside the requirements of the major. The requirement may be met by completing a 3 or 4-credit experiential learning course, approved by the College of Social Science Committee on Curriculum and Academic Policy or its designee. A list of approved courses is maintained by the College of Social Science on their website here. Many students complete this requirement by successfully completing a study abroad, a study away, an internship or by conducting research with a faculty member.
Complete a minimum of 32 credits in Political Science with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA in PLS coursework.
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PLS 300-400 level requirement: Complete a minimum of four courses in Political Science at the 300-400 level.
Distribution Requirement: At least one course is required from the three following subfields: 1) American Politics, 2) Comparative Politics and International Relations, and 3) Political Philosophy. These courses may meet the 300-400 level requirement.
Complete a minimum of 32 credits in Political Science with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA in PLS coursework.
Required:
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PLS 300-400 level requirement: Complete a minimum of three courses in Political Science at the 300-400 level.
Distribution Requirement: At least one course is required from the two following subfields: 1) Comparative Politics and International Relations, and 2) Political Philosophy. These courses may meet the 300-400 level requirement.
Complete a minimum of 32 credits in Political Science with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA in PLS coursework.
Required:
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Complete a minimum of 32 credits in Political Science with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA in PLS coursework.
Required:
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Political Science Outstanding Senior Lindsey Sullivan receives her degree. Photography by Jackie Belden Hawthorne, College of Social Science.