Undergraduate Catalog 2008-2009

Undergraduate: BA, Minor
Concentrations: Advanced, American Politics and Public Affairs, Comparative, General, International, and Public Law
Graduate: MA, MA/JD, PhD, PhD/JD

General Concentration. For those majors with general interests in politics and government. This program allows majors the most flexibility in choosing courses to match individual interests from the five fields of American politics, comparative politics, international relations, methods of inquiry, and political philosophy. The intent behind the core requirements is to give every student the breadth to understand political issues, theories, and concepts, along with the needed skills for interpreting and doing political research.

Public Law Concentration. Specifically for students who plan to attend law school. Students who complete the core concentration in political science are not precluded from applying to law school; however, the public law concentration represents the department's best collective recommendations for a structured undergraduate plan.

American Politics and Public Affairs Concentration. Prepares students for careers in public service or political organizations, and provides a solid background for the more than 15 million employment opportunities in local, state, or federal government. An internship is considered a useful part of this option.

International Politics Concentration. Students planning careers in the international field are encouraged to pursue this concentration.

Comparative Politics Concentration. Students planning careers in the comparative field are encouraged to pursue this concentration.

Advanced Concentration. Students with excellent undergraduate records are likely to be successful applicants to graduate school; however, the department recommends this particular concentration to provide the best preparation for the top graduate programs in political science. A foundation in the areas of research design, mathematics, formal modeling, and statistics make the transition to a graduate program much easier. In addition, upper division courses that enable students to execute independent research projects and write research essays are highly recommended.

Double majors must satisfy all of the requirements of two departments.

Joint majors combine the programs in two departments, subject to the specific requirements in each. A student pursuing political science as a joint major is restricted to the core concentration, and must complete eight courses in political science, including PSC 100, PSC 101, one methods of inquiry course, four courses at the 300-level or above (three must be courses other than PSC 496, PSC 497, or PSC 499), and at least one course in comparative politics, international relations, or political philosophy.

Minors in political science must complete the three required courses, PSC 100, PSC 101, and PSC 200 or PSC 393 or PSC 408; three upper-division courses, one of which must be in international relations, comparative politics, or political philosophy; and one additional political science course in any field or at any level.

After acceptance into the major or minor, students may consult with a departmental advisor for assistance in understanding departmental and university requirements for the degree. Advisor office hours are posted at the department office, 520 Park Hall.

Students should apply for admission to the major in political science no later than the beginning of their junior year. To become eligible, students must have completed two political science courses with a minimum GPA of 2.0, and have a minimum UB GPA of 2.0. Applicants should bring a copy of their current UB DARS report directly to the Department of Political Science. Prospective majors are encouraged to complete the department's required courses: PSC 100 during their first semester, and PSC 101 as well as PSC 200 or PSC 393 or PSC 408 during their second semester.

Please note that a minimum GPA of 2.0 in both the major and overall is required for graduation.

Credit for political science courses completed with a passing grade at other colleges or universities may be granted in instances where comparable courses exist within the department at UB. The department gives transfer credit for a maximum of five political science courses. Where applicable, transfer courses may be used to meet specific departmental requirements.