Political Science, B.A. Suggested 4-Year Plan

How to Use your 4-year Plan

This is a suggested 4-year plan for your major and not meant to replace regular academic advising.
The plan is flexible and can be changed to accommodate studying abroad, a second major/minor(s) or AP/IB credits.
You should work with an academic advisor to develop a plan that meets your interests and goals.
You must earn a minimum of 120 credits to graduate and 42 major-specific credits to earn a B.A. in Political Science.
Transfer students and those looking to add B.A. in Political Science as a second major should contact the program advisor for degree planning.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. John Compton at compton@chapman.edu.

We encourage you to select your General Education (GE) and minor/second major/Themed Inquiry/Honors program around the plan below. Once you fill your GE classes around your major classes, you will have a better idea of space remaining each semester when choosing your Exploration Focus.
To be enrolled full time, you must take at least 12 credits a semester.
In order to graduate within 4 years, we recommend you take 30 credits a year.

Fall Semester (9 credits for major)
POSC 200 - Introduction to Political Theory 3 credits (if not already completed)
POSC 201 - Political Research Design 3 credits
Elective Course 1 (3 credits)
Spring Semester (9 credits for major)
POSC 201 - Political Research Design 3 credits (if not already completed)
Emphasis Course 1
Elective Course 2

Fall Semester (9 credits for major)

Spring Semester (6 credits for major)

Fall Semester (6 credits for major)
POSC 410 - Seminar in American Politics 3 credits
OR
POSC 420 - Seminar in International Relations 3 credits
Elective Course 5 (3 credits)
Spring Semester (6 credits for major)
- POSC 410 - Seminar in American Politics 3 credits
- OR
- POSC 420 - Seminar in International Relations 3 credits
- Emphasis Course 5 (3 credits)

Core Requirements (9 credits) Must complete these courses:

Political Science Elective Requirements (15 credits):

At least 12 credits must be 300 level or above; see course catalog for list of elective courses.

Political Science Emphasis Requirements (15 credits):

Complete five courses, four of which must be 300 level or above, within one emphasis (Political Economy and Policy; American politics; Law and Justice; Quantitative and Analytical Science; and Security, Peace, and Conflict); see course catalog for list of elective courses.

Political Science Capstone (3 credits):

Note: Elective and Emphasis requirement courses are also often offered in Interterm and Summer sessions.