Jun 09, 2023  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Political Science BA - International Politics Concentration


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Course Requirements


Two Political Science Introductory Courses (6 credits)


Ten Political Science International Politics Concentration Core Courses (30-31 credits)


Eight (24 credits) of the ten must be at the 300/400 level.

Two Political Science Field Courses


From among the remaining three fields of American Politics, Comparative Politics and Public Law

Two Political Science Electives


  • 2 PSC courses. UB Seminar (198/199) courses are excluded.
  • A maximum of 2 courses (6 credit hours) can be from: PSC 496 PSC 497  and PSC 499  .

Total Credits Required for Major: 36-37


Additional Degree Requirements Include:


  • Additional coursework to fulfill UB Curriculum requirements
  • Elective courses as needed to complete the 120 credit hour total

Total Credits Required for Graduation: 120


Total Credit Hours Required represents the minimum credits needed to complete this program, and may vary based on a number of circumstances. This should not be used for financial aid purposes.

Academic Requirements


  • Minimum GPA of 2.000 overall and in the major required for graduation.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.000 overall and in the major is required for all internships.

Transfer Credit Policy

The department gives transfer credit for a maximum of five political science courses. 

Program Honors and Program Distinction


Students must have at least a 3.250 GPA and complete one of the following courses: PSC 492 , PSC 495 , PSC 497 , or (with the permission of the instructor) any graduate seminar with a grade of B or better. Students must also meet the remaining Program Honors criteria outlined in the Academic Honors policy

Majors who do not pursue a thesis but have exceptional grades are eligible for Program Distinction upon degree conferral if the criteria are met.  These criteria are also found in the Academic Honors policy

Curricular Plan


A Curricular Plan provides a roadmap for completing this academic program and the UB Curriculum on time. Your actual plan may vary depending on point of entry to the university, course placement and/or waivers based on standardized test scores, earned alternative credit and/or college transfer credit.

First Year Fall


Total Credits: 15 or 16


First Year Spring


Total Credits: 15 or 16


Second Year Fall


  • PSC Methods of Inquiry Credits: 3
  • Math & Quantitative Reasoning Credits: 4
  • Pathway Credits: 3
  • Pathway Credits: 3
  • Scientific Literacy 1Credits: 3
  • Scientific Literacy Lab Credits: 1

Total Credits: 17


Second Year Spring


  • International Politics Elective at 300/400 Level Credits: 3
  • PSC Field Requirement Credits: 3
  • Pathway Credits: 3
  • Scientific Literacy 2 Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15


Third Year Fall


  • International Politics Elective, 300/400 Level Credits: 3
  • International Politics Elective, 300/400 Level Credits: 3
  • Communication Literacy 2 Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15


Third Year Spring


Total Credits: 13


Fourth Year Fall


  • International Politics Elective, 300/400 Level Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15


Fourth Year Spring


  • PSC Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 2

Total Credits: 14


Total Credits Required: 120


Note: Some classes may count toward both a major and UB Curriculum requirement.

Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge of:

  • Developing writing skills to intellectually communicate their ideas and research findings about political topics
    • Develop the ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively in writing
    • Develop the ability to effectively take a position and defend an argument against criticism
    • Be able to write an essay or paper presenting a clear thesis supported by relevant research
  • Develop the analytical skills necessary to think critically about political, social, and economic behavior
    • Be able to identify and critically evaluate the arguments of scholarly research in political science.
    • Engage in conceptual analysis and theoretical interpretation of political ideas and phenomena
    • Develop the ability to analyze a scholarly question in political science by drawing logical inferences from qualitative and/or quantitative data
  • Develop an understanding of their role as an engaged citizen in a democratic political system
    • Be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of government policies
    • Develop an awareness of the global dynamics that influence the context of domestic and international politics
    • Develop the ability to apply social scientific reasoning in the analysis of a wide range of political issues and problems

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