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.

Suggested 4-year Plan

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.

Students pursuing the B.A. in Political Science are required to:

Maintain at least a 2.000 GPA in the major, earn a grade of “C” or higher in major courses, complete all courses in the major for a letter grade, complete 21 credits from the upper division courses, complete one of our capstone courses (POSC 410 or 420), or another 400 level course with prior approval from department chair.

Students need an average of 15 credits per semester to graduate in four years. Fill your schedule with courses that fulfill requirements for the general education program, your minor or your cluster.
Please review your program evaluation each semester and meet regularly with your academic and/or program advisor to review your progress.

Year 1

Fall Semester (3 credits for major)
POSC 101 - Introduction to Political Science 3 credits
Spring Semester (3 credits for major)
POSC 200 - Introduction to Political Theory 3 credits
POSC 101 - Introduction to Political Science 3 credits (if not already completed)

Year 2

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

Year 3

Fall Semester (9 credits for major)

Emphasis Course 2 (3 credits)
Elective Course 3 (3 credits)
Emphasis Course 3 (3 credits)

Spring Semester (6 credits for major)

Elective Course 4 (3 credits)
Emphasis Course 4 (3 credits)

Year 4

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
Elective Course 5 (3 credits

Requirements

Core Requirements (9 credits) Must complete these courses:

POSC 101
POSC 200
POSC 201

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):

Must complete one Capstone course
POSC 410
POSC 420

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