COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts, Major in Political Science at KPU requires students to complete a total of 48 specified credits in Political Science courses, in addition to meeting the general Bachelor of Arts framework requirements. The program begins with 9 credits of foundational courses at the 1100 level, offering an introduction to the discipline and core political concepts. At the 2000 level, students must complete 3 credits in research methodology, choosing between SOCI 2260 (Research Methods in Sociology) and POLI 2260 (Approaches and Methods in the Study of Politics), alongside 6 additional credits of intermediate-level Political Science coursework. At the upper level, students must complete at least 30 credits in POLI courses at the 3000 and 4000 levels, with a minimum of 9 credits at the 4000 level. This includes at least 3 credits from regional or international politics (e.g., POLI 3131 or POLI 3160) and 3 credits from experiential or policy-focused courses (e.g., POLI 3500, 4110, or 4500). The remaining 24 credits can be selected from a wide range of advanced Political Science courses, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests while ensuring exposure to both theoretical and practical dimensions of politics. This structure ensures students gain comprehensive knowledge of political systems, power dynamics, and global issues, while developing analytical, research, and communication skills crucial for careers in public service, law, international relations, policy analysis, and beyond. The program’s emphasis on both academic and experiential learning prepares graduates to critically engage with political challenges in an increasingly interconnected world.