Political Science Major Requirements
A major in Political Science requires completion of 36 semester hours (all courses are 3 semester hours credit).
Required courses
PSCI 1110 - Introduction to Political Science
PSCI 1120 - Introduction to American Government; and either
PSCI 2210 - Intro to Comparative Politics; or
PSCI 2220 - Intro to World Politics
PSCI 3440 - Research Methods
One course at or above the 3000 level in each of the (5) sub-fields:
American Politics (AP)
Comparative Politics (CP)
International Politics (IR)
Political Theory (PT)
Public Law (PL)
Three courses to be selected freely from the Political Science curriculum - 9 hrs
The Baccalaureate Program
The International Affairs major is a study of the behavior of states, international organizations, and domestic political actors within the international community. The major provides a basis for analyzing international issues such as international cooperation and conflict, the global political economy, US foreign policy, world cultures, global health and environmental concerns, and international law and organization.
Although International Affairs majors take most of their courses in political science, they also may take courses in history, economics, anthropology, public health, and other liberal arts disciplines. Beyond learning theories, concepts, and principles within the study of international relations, students in the major develop research, analytical, presentation, and communication skills. Additionally, students much acquire knowledge of at least one foreign language, and participation in study abroad programs is highly encouraged.
The International Affairs major provides excellent preparation for law school and/or graduate school, and majoring in International Affairs can lead to employment in many sectors of the economy. Potential positions of employment include policy analyst, social science teacher, international business manager, foreign correspondent, consultant, legislative aide, intelligence officer, Foreign Service Officer, non-governmental organization researcher or manager, Peace Corps officer, and United Nations staff member.
Major Requirements
Total credits required for graduation: 120 hours
All majors are required to take 15 credits in the Major Field Core of the following courses:
PSCI 2210 Introduction to Comparative Politics
PSCI 2220 Introduction to World Politics
PSCI 3310 International Relations
PSCI 3440 Research Methods
PSCI 3750 International Law and Organizations
Comparative Political Systems: Students must choose two courses (6 credits) from the following:
PSCI 3010 Chinese Politics
PSCI 3800 European Politics
PSCI 3830 Government and Politics of Latin America
PSCI 3850 Politics of the Middle East
PSCI 4820 Politics of Development and Change
PSCI 3900 Government & Politics of Russia and East Europe
Issues in International Affairs: Students must choose two courses (6 credits) from the following:
PSCI 4300 International Politics
PSCI 3350 International Political Economy
PSCI 3000 Peace, Security, and Development
PSCI 4330 American Foreign Policy
ECON 4527/5527 International Economics
Contemporary Societies and Cultures: Students must complete two 3-credit hour courses. The following list of courses is illustrative only. These courses or others not listed
should be selected in consultation with a faculty advisor.
PSCI 4194/5194 Study Abroad
ANTH 1240 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
SOAA 3700 Peoples and Cultures of Latin America
HIST 3720 History of Africa
HIST 3731 Modern Latin American
HIST 3732 History of Mexico
HIST 3740 History of Asia
HIST 3730 Colonial Latin America
SPAN 3413 Civilization of Latin America
HIST 3340 Modern Europe
COBH 4707 International Health: An Overview of Problems and Issues
HIST 4717 Modern Middle East: 1800-present
ECON 4527/5527 International Economics
Other credits: Minor Program (18-28 credit hours)
Additional university general electives (10-22 credit hours)
Three credit hours of a foreign language course numbered 2020 or above, and three credit hours of a non-US history course are required in addition to forty-one to forty-two credit hours of the University General Education requirements.
For more information regarding the International Affairs Major, please contact Dr. Michele Crumley at (423) 439-6629 or crumleyml@etsu.edu
