The Political Science major is designed to enhance students’ knowledge of politics, policy, governance, and government ranging from a global to a local perspective. It will help them become knowledgeable citizens capable of reasoned judgments on political issues and ideas.
Major Requirements
POL Courses That Meet General Education Requirements
Each of the following POL courses can count toward your major requirements and toward your General Education requirements:
Major Advising in Fall/Spring
Major Advising in Summer/Winter
Registration and Major Holds
Sophomores with 45-59 credits may have a hold on their registration. The hold will be removed when they have a major advising appointment with Dr. Rutledge or Dr Arbour. This meeting will encourage wise planning and allow students to ask any questions they may have about the major. Students must bring a copy of their current transcript (unofficial is fine) and most recent degree audit. How do you know if you have a major hold? Go to CUNYfirst and complete the following steps:
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Check the Holds box of your CUNYfirst Student Center. If "Advisement Required" appears, click on “details.”
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Click on “Advisement Required.”
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See which type of advisement you need. If you must see a major advisor, then make a major advising appointment following the steps preferred by this department.
Concentrations
Declare a concentration before you take your concentration courses. If you are unsure about which concentration to choose, see a major advisor.
Avoid Course Planning Mistakes!
As you progress through the POL major, keep the following important information in mind:
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Take POL 101 as early as possible, since it is the prerequisite for all major courses.
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We have fewer offerings at night. Night students should speak with a major advisor if they are having issues registering.
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Do not count on courses being available in summer or winter sessions. We offer only a few courses during these sessions.
- Take advantage of early registration windows, especially if you are near the end of your program.
- Remember that you will need at least a 2.0 in the major and at least an overall 2.0 GPA to graduate.
Monitor Your Progress in the Major
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DegreeWorks degree audit - Use this online planning tool to track your overall progress toward graduation. You will see which of your general education and major requirements are completed, in progress, or still needed. Refer to the DegreeWorks FAQs to better understand how to use this helpful tool. Note: be sure to confirm the accuracy of your degree audit with a general advisor and major advisor.
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Political Science Major Checklist - Fill out this printable worksheet to keep track of which major requirements you have completed and which ones you still need.
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Sample Four Year Plan - See an example of how you could complete all your degree requirements (major, general education, electives) and graduate in four years! Remember that this sample plan shows just one possible way to combine your requirements. Transfer students in particular should work with advisors to determine a plan that works best for them.
Meet with a General Academic Advisor
A General Academic Advisor will confirm what general academic requirements you still need, make suggestions about smart course planning that will help you graduate without delays, discuss your interest in adding a minor or second major, inform you about opportunities such as study abroad, discuss general questions and concerns, and make helpful referrals. Visit the Academic Advisement Center's webpage for more information.
Career Opportunities Related to Political Science
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Administrator (corporate, government, non-profit)
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Attorney
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CIA Agent or Analyst
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City planner
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Journalist
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Government relations specialist
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Policy analyst
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Political commentator
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State, local, or national legislator
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Teacher
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Urban planner
Graduate Degree in Political Science
1. Do your research.
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Look for programs with faculty and courses that match your interests.
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Email faculty to express an interest in and ask questions about their program.
- Search for and inquire about funding opportunities. Most PhD programs fully fund their students for at least 5 years, and many MA programs offer funding as well.
2. Write the GRE.
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Most MA and PhD programs require this. Consider taking a prep course, like those offered by Princeton Review and Kaplan.
3. Carefully draft your personal statement.
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Most graduate programs require a personal statement, so yours needs to be excellent.
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Start writing early, and have multiple proof readers (especially your professors).
- Follow instructions; adhere to word limits, formatting requirements, etc.
4. Request letters of reference.
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Most graduate programs require letters of reference from at least 3 of your professors.
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Ask your professors for letters well in advance of the application deadline.Be sure the professor can write you a strong letter—this is most likely to happen when you earned an A in his or her class.
- Help your professors write strong letters: provide them with your transcript, resume, and information about your chosen programs (including where they should send the letter, and by when).