Sample Degree Pathway for Political Science
For students who entered fall 2013 to spring 2015.
Freshman Year
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| xxxx.xxxx | (Gen. Ed.) AH (Arts/Humanities) | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | (Gen. Ed.) SS (Social Science) | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | (Gen. Ed.) Science w/lab | 4
|
| xxxx.xxxx | Language 3
| 3
|
| POLI.xxxx | Distribution requirement
| 3 |
| Total | 16 | |
Junior Year
Senior Year
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLI.xxxx | Seminar Requirement | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Political Science or Free Elective
| 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Free Elective | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Free Elective | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Free Elective | 3 |
| Total | 15 | |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLI.4xxx | Practicum Experience/Practicum of the Law | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Free Elective | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Free Elective | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Free Elective | 3 |
| xxxx.xxxx | Free Elective | 3 |
| Total | 15 | |
Total Minimum Credits = 120
A major in Political Science consists of at least 36 credits to a maximum of 45 credits (i.e., 3 credit Practicum and 33 to 42 other credits.) At least 15 credits must be taken at the 3000 level or above, not counting POLI.3010 and Practicum, but counting courses that may also meet the Distribution and/or Seminar requirements.
The Gen. Ed. Ethics and Diversity requirement can be met with the Political Analysis (POLI.2010) or any of several courses with ethics and diversity designation.
A minimum of 5 Political Science courses (15 credits) must be at the 3000/4000 level. These may not include POLI.3010 and the Practicum but may include courses that also meet the Distribution and/or Seminar Requirements.
Distribution Requirements
The Department also requires at least 2 courses at any level in the 3 following sub-areas:
- American Politics, Government and Policy
- Law, Thought/Theory and Methods
- Comparative and International Politics
POLI.101, POLI.2010 & POLI.3010 may not be used to meet distribution requirements.
Seminar Requirement
Take any course that meets the Political Science Seminar Requirement from the approved list posted regularly on the Department Bulletin Board.
Current UMass Lowell students should be using their Advisement Report in SIS. If you need assistance, please contact your advisor.
To assure a depth of knowledge, the Department expects Political Science majors, in conjunction with the faculty advisor, to formulate a Program of Studies in the major that includes 3 to 5 courses that focus in progressively more advanced stages upon a sub-area. The Department also recommends that Political Science majors select supporting coursework from Economics, History, Sociology, etc., and encourages students to develop minor areas of study or supporting majors in related social science disciplines.
Waivers
Waiver of any requirement may be granted only by the Department chair in unusual circumstances and for a valid reason.
1Freshman Political Science majors must take Freshman majors-only section of POLI.1010.
2First Year Seminar is required for all entering Freshmen.
Restriction on off-campus study:
Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.
See the catalog policy for details.
Last updated: 10/26/2017.