School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences
Political Science (BA)
Political Science involves the study of interesting and important topics about citizenship, government and politics. These topics include the influence of citizens on what government does, the scope, responsibilities and effectiveness of government itself, and the activities of both elected and appointed public officials. These topics are important parts of what political scientists know about American government and politics, comparative government and politics, international relations, political behavior, political economy, political institutions, and political theory. Political scientists and public administrators pay particular attention to the design, implementation, and evaluation of laws and public policies that may affect people's well-being.
The Political Science Program at The University of Texas at Dallas provides:
- the foundations for more advanced, graduate study of citizenship, government and politics in Political Science;
- the special core knowledge needed for subsequent professional education in law and public policy analysis;
- the opportunity to acquire useful skills for careers in federal, state, and local government, community service, educational and other nonprofit organizations, and business firms.
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Degree Requirements (120 semester credit hours)
View an Example of Degree Requirements by Semester
Faculty
Professors: Patrick T. Brandt, Thomas L. Brunell, Euel W. Elliott, Jennifer S. Holmes, Robert C. Lowry, Banks P. Miller, Clint W. Peinhardt, Marianne C. Stewart
Associate Professor: Thomas Gray
Assistant Professors: Curtis Bram, Sivaram Cheruvu, Elías Cisneros, Natalia Lamberova, Marcelo Leal, Erin Litzow, Jonathan Pinckney, Lauren Santoro, Anton Sobolev, Pengfei Zhang
Professor Emeritus: Anthony M. Champagne, Paul Diehl, Edward J. Harpham
Professor of Instruction: Karl K. Ho
I. Core Curriculum Requirements: 42 semester credit hours
Curriculum Requirements can be fulfilled by other approved courses from institutions of higher education. The courses listed are recommended as the most efficient way to satisfy both Core Curriculum and Major Requirements at UT Dallas.
Communication: 6 semester credit hours
Select any 6 semester credit hours from Communication Core courses (see advisor)
Mathematics: 3 semester credit hours
MATH 1314 College Algebra
Or select any 3 semester credit hours from Mathematics Core courses (see advisor)
Life and Physical Sciences: 6 semester credit hours
Select any 6 semester credit hours from Life and Physical Sciences Core courses (see advisor)
Language, Philosophy and Culture: 3 semester credit hours
Select any 3 semester credit hours from Language, Philosophy and Culture Core courses (see advisor)
Creative Arts: 3 semester credit hours
Select any 3 semester credit hours from Creative Arts Core courses (see advisor)
American History: 6 semester credit hours
Select any 6 semester credit hours from American History Core courses (see advisor)
Government/Political Science: 6 semester credit hours
GOVT 2305 American National Government1
GOVT 2306 State and Local Government1
Or select any 6 semester credit hours from Government/Political Science Core courses (see advisor)
Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 semester credit hours
Choose one course from the following:
CRIM 1301 Introduction to Criminal Justice
ECON 2301 Principles of Macroeconomics
ECON 2302 Principles of Microeconomics
SOC 1301 Introduction to Sociology
Or select any 3 semester credit hours from Social and Behavioral Sciences Core courses (see advisor)
Component Area Option: 6 semester credit hours
EPPS 2301 Research Design in the Social and Policy Sciences
EPPS 2302 Methods of Quantitative Analysis in the Social and Policy Sciences1
Or select any 6 semester credit hours from Component Area Option Core courses (see advisor)
II. Major Requirements: 58 semester credit hours
Major Preparatory Courses: 1 semester credit hours beyond Core Curriculum
EPPS 1110 Critical Issues in the Social Sciences
GOVT 2305 American National Government1
GOVT 2306 State and Local Government1
EPPS 2302 Methods of Quantitative Analysis in the Social and Policy Sciences1
Major Core Courses: 15 semester credit hours
Required Core Courses: 6 semester credit hours
PSCI 3322 Constitutional Law
PSCI 3333 Political Behavior
Choose three courses from the following: 9 semester credit hours
PSCI 3301 Political Theory
PSCI 3328 International Relations
PSCI 3350 Comparative Politics
PSCI 4329 Global Politics
PSCI 3362 The American Political Institutions
Major Related Courses: 42 semester credit hours
42 semester credit hours Major and Related electives2
III. Elective Requirements: 20 semester credit hours
This requirement may be satisfied with lower- and upper-division courses from any field of study.
The plan must include sufficient upper-division courses to total 45 upper-division semester credit hours.
1. A Core Curriculum Requirement that also fulfills a Major Requirement. Semester credit hours are counted in the Core Curriculum.
2. Most students take upper-division PSCI courses. However, subject to advisor approval, courses from other disciplines may be used to satisfy this requirement.
Minors
Students must take a minimum of 18 semester credit hours for the minor, 12 of which must be upper-division semester credit hours. Students who take a minor will be expected to meet the normal prerequisites in courses making up the minor, and should maintain a minimum GPA of 2.000 on a 4.00 scale (C average). Semester credit hours may not be used to satisfy both the major and minor requirements; however, free elective semester credit hours or major preparatory classes may be used to satisfy the minor.
Minor in Political Science
18 semester credit hours
Required Courses: 6 semester credit hours
GOVT 2305 American National Government
GOVT 2306 State and Local Government
Upper-Division Courses: 12 semester credit hours
Any upper-division courses with a PSCI prefix except PSCI 4V76, PSCI 4V97, PSCI 4V98 and PSCI 4V99.
Certificates
Certificate in Archer Fellowship
15 semester credit hours
The Archer Fellowship Certificate is for students of all majors, with an interest in public service, who wish to experience working in the field in combination with rigorous coursework in civic engagement, policymaking, and leadership. It enables students to earn a credential that speaks to their dedication to civic engagement and highlights the coursework and internship they have completed.
The Archer Fellowship combines 9 credit hours of academic coursework with a (6-semester credit hour) internship in Washington, DC.
Students live and work side by side as they experience the nation's capital.
Admission Requirements
Open only to UT Dallas majors who are fellows in the Archer Center.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Junior or senior status by years and hours (first and second year students are not eligible)
- 24 hours of academic residency at UT Dallas
- Completion of core government requirements (GOVT 2305 and GOVT 2306)
- Application (including resume, personal statement, 500-word policy memo, and faculty recommendation)
- Interview
Course Requirements
PSCI 4370 Policy Making Process
PSCI 4372 Advocacy and Politics: Success in Washington
PSCI 4373 Politics of National Memory
PSCI 4V76 Archer Center Washington Internship (6 Semester Credit Hours)
Certificate in Initiative for Civic Leadership (ICL)
12 semester credit hours
The Initiative for Civic Leadership Certificate is for students of all majors, with an interest in public service, who wish to experience working in the field in combination with rigorous coursework in civic engagement, policymaking, and leadership. It enables students to earn a credential that speaks to their dedication to civic engagement and highlights the coursework and internship they have completed.
The ICL combines 6 semester credit hours of academic coursework with a 6-semester credit hour internship in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex.
The ICL benefits UT Dallas by providing students with the opportunity for professional and civic development while deepening the university's ties to the broader DFW community and continuing to support its brand of excellence in higher education.
Admission Requirements
Open only to UT Dallas majors who are fellows in the Initiative for Civic Leadership.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Sophomore, junior, or senior status (dependent on program)
- 24 hours of academic residency at UT Dallas
- Completion of core government requirements (GOVT 2305 and GOVT 2306)
- Application (including resume, personal statement, 500-word policy memo, and faculty recommendation)
- Interview
Course Requirements
Select two from the following courses:
PSCI 4335 Local and State Government Institutions
PSCI 4336 Civic Engagement and Participation
PPOL 4311 Wicked Social Problems
PPOL 4305 Policy Analysis, Theory, and Methods
A 6 semester credit hour internship within the DFW metroplex with a government agency or nonprofit organization is also required.
PSCI 4V37 Initiative for Civic Leadership Internship (6 Semester Credit Hours)
Certificate in Texas Legislature Fellowship Program (TLFP)
12 semester credit hours
The Texas Legislature Fellowship Program Certificate is for students of all majors, with an interest in public service, who wish to experience working in the state legislature in combination with rigorous coursework in civic engagement, policymaking, and leadership. It enables students to earn a credential that speaks to their dedication to the legislative process and highlights the coursework and internship they have completed.
The TLFP combines 6 semester credit hours of academic course work with a 6-semester credit hour internship in Austin at the Texas State Capitol during the spring semester while the Legislature is in session.
Admission Requirements
Open only to UT Dallas majors who are fellows in the Texas Legislature Fellowship Program.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Sophomore, junior, or senior status
- 24 hours of academic residency at UT Dallas
- Completion of core government requirements (GOVT 2305 and GOVT 2306)
- Application (including resume, personal statement, 500-word policy memo, and faculty recommendation)
- Interview
Course Requirements
PSCI 4374 Policy Making in Austin
PSCI 4375 Advocacy in the State Legislature
PSCI 4398 Texas Legislative Fellowship (6 Semester Credit Hours)