Majors and Minors

Major / Minor Details

Political Science (Major, Minor) | BA

  • Political Science
  • School: SAS
  • Program Code: 790
  • Degree Type: BA
  • Program Type: Minor, Major
  • Program Summary: The study of political science at Rutgers University–New Brunswick is designed to expose you to the central concepts of political behavior. This involves exploring the philosophical and practical problems of political organizations, action, and governance. The major emphasizes the enhancement of key intellectual skills and qualities of mind--the habits of questioning, debating, challenging, and shaping coherent and persuasive arguments and interpretation--and seeks to involve you in the active research life of the department. Ranked the best political science program in New Jersey by Political Science Schools, the department is home to more than 25 enormously interesting and engaging faculty teaching nearly 100 courses. Outside the classroom, opportunities abound for experiential learning. U.S. News ranks Rutgers Political Science as the 45th best program in the country.

  • Prerequisites- two courses from 01:790:101,102,103,104,106, each with a grade of C or better.

  • None

  • Political Science (790) majors may not may not major or double minor in History/Political Science (514) or Government and Business (793) minors.

  • We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.

    Your schedule will look something like this:

    College Writing or English course per placement results (3 credits)

    Major Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Major or Minor Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

     Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit) 

     Total Credits: 15-16

     

  • Introductory courses recommended by faculty. Include at least one of these in your schedule:

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    		 Subject on University Schedule of Classes

    Nature of Politics

    01:790:101

    3

    		 Political Science (790)
    International Relations 01:790:101 3 Political Science (790)

    Comparative Politics

    01:790:103

    3

    		 Political Science (790)
    American Government 01:790:104 3 Political Science (790)

    Law & Politics

    01:790:106

    		 3 Political Science (790)

     

  • Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page.

    Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester.

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    Subject on University Schedule of Classes
    Introduction to Microeconomics 01:220:102 3 Economics (220)
    Introduction to Ethics  01:730:107 3 Philosophy (730)
    Introduction to Art History 01:082:106 3 Art History (082)
    Introduction to Gender, Race, and Sexuality 01:988:101 3 Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (988)
    Any World Language   3-4 See Course Planning Sheet for languages offered

     

  • The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects.

    To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one:

    1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue.
    2. In the Search By box, click the "search multiple subjects" link. Select the following departments:
      • Economics (220)
      • History (510, 508, 512, 506)
      • Psychology (830)
      • Sociology (920)
      Students considering this discipline are strongly encouraged to also incorporate the study of a world language into their Rutgers degree. This can be starting anew language or continuing a language per your World Language placement test results!
    3. In Section Status, deselect Closed
    4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering.

    Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters.
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