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.
Breadth Requirement
The College of Social Science requires each student to complete a breadth requirement. The requirement can be fulfilled by completing any of the following: (1) any minor in the College of Social Science, with a maximum of two courses from the student’s primary major counting towards requirements of the minor; (2) a second degree or additional major within the College of Social Science; (3) a second degree or additional major in a college other than the College of Social Science; or (4) a minor outside of the College of Social Science. A maximum of two courses from the student’s primary major may count towards requirements of the minor.
It is encouraged that you meet with your College of Social Science academic advisor to discuss which option is best for your degree plan.
A list of the minors within the College of Social Science can be found here. A full list of minors available can be found here.
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 33 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 five 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 33 credits in Political Science with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA in PLS coursework.
Required:
Choose one:
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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 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 33 credits in Political Science with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA in PLS coursework.
Required:
Choose one:
Choose one:
Choose one:
Choose four:
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Complete a minimum of 33 credits in Political Science with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA in PLS coursework.
Required:
Choose one:
Choose one:
Choose five:
Choose one:
Political Science Outstanding Senior Lindsey Sullivan receives her degree. Photography by Jackie Belden Hawthorne, College of Social Science.