Program
In the Political Science Program, students investigate the causes and effects of various forms of political behavior; they analyze the policymaking processes of governments, the political and social consequences of laws, sources of international conflict and diplomacy, and values that shape political institutions and procedures. We offer courses in American Government, International Relations, Public Policy, Comparative Politics, and Political Theory. Students work with faculty who research and publish in these areas and who have direct experience in the process of government.
The Program offers the opportunity to pursue either a Major or Minor in Political Science, and many courses count toward the university's General Education requirements. The course requirements for the degrees are listed below, and at the bottom of this page you can find more information about courses, internships, and the Political Science Program.
Requirements
Students majoring in Political Science and operating under the most recent (2020-2021) catalog must complete a minimum of 42 semester credit hours in the Program, including 18 hours in the Political Science core. Students are required to earn a grade of C or better in all courses.
| POLS Courses | Titles | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLS 101 | American National Politics | 3 |
| POLS 201 | International Relations | 3 |
| POLS 202 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
| POLS 250 | Political Analysis I | 3 |
| POLS 251 | Political Analysis II | 3 |
| POLS 370 | Political Thought | 3 |
|
POLS 480 - or - POLS 492 |
Practicum in Politics or Public Service Research |
3 |
| POLS 493 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
|
Political Science electives. Electives must include one course in each of four categories. Two remaining electives may be of any type. |
1) American Politics: 350, 360, 405, 411 2) International Relations: 230, 305, 306, 460 3) Comparative Politics: 440, 445, 450, 455 4) Public Policy / Administration: 330, 340 |
18 |
| 42 Total Credits |
Students minoring in Political Science must complete a minimum of 21 semester credit hours in the Program, including 9 hours in the Political Science core. Students are required to earn a grade of C or better in all courses
| POLS Courses | Titles | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLS 101 | American National Politics |
3 |
| POLS 201 POLS 202 |
International Relations ~or~ Comparative Politics |
3 |
| POLS 250 | Research Methods | 3 |
| Political Science Electives | 12 | |
| 21 Total Credits |
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Courses
(*) Indicates course meets General Education requirements.
See the university's course catalog for scheduling.POLS 101
American National Politics (*)
POLS 102
State and Local Government and Politics
POLS 201
International Relations (*)
POLS 202
Comparative Politics (*)
POLS 250
Political Analysis I
POLS 251
Political Analysis IIPOLS 270
Introduction to Homeland Security
POLS 271
Terrorism
POLS 272
Critical Incident Management
POLS 305
International Conflict
POLS 306
Peace Studies
POLS 322
American Constitutional Law (prerequisite: POLS 321 or permission of instructor)
POLS 323
Criminal Law and Procedure (prerequisite: POLS 101 or permission of instructor)
POLS 324
Family Law (prerequisite: POLS 101 or permission of instructor)
POLS 330
Introduction to Public Administration (prerequisite: POLS 101)
POLS 340
Public Policy (prerequisite: POLS 101 or permission of instructor)POLS 350
Political Attitudes and BehaviorPOLS 360
Media, Politics, and Power
POLS 370
Western Political Thought (prerequisite: POLS 101 or permission of instructor)
POLS 373
Intelligence and National Security
POLS 374
Homeland Security and the Law
POLS 375
Threat and Strategic Planning
POLS 395
Independent Study (prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1-3 credits, repeatable to 6 credits)
POLS 405
The American Presidency (prerequisite: POLS 101 or permission of instructor)
POLS 411
The U.S. Congress (prerequisite: POLS 101 or permission of instructor)
POLS 440
Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict
POLS 445
Inequality and Economic Development
POLS 450
Democracy and Dictatorship
POLS 460
U.S. Foreign and Security Policy (prerequisite: POLS 201 or permission of instructor)
POLS 461
War and Film
POLS 480
Practicum in Politics and Public Service (prerequisite: permission of department) 1-3 credits, repeatable to 6 credits.
Student manual
POLS 491
Special Topics (prerequisite: junior or senior status with adequate preparation and approval of instructor.) 1-3 credits, repeatable
POLS 492
Research 1-3 credits, repeatable to 6 credits
POLS 493
Seminar, Prerequisite: POLS 250 and 370, or permission of instructor. -
Internships
Political Science majors are strongly encouraged to pursue an internship at some point in the course of their undergraduate study. One such option is the Legislative Internship. Every year, CSU-Pueblo Political Science majors have the opportunity to travel to Denver to work in the offices of Colorado state legislators to get a firsthand experience in politics. Internships provide valuable experience and unmatched access to government officials that are helpful in gaining future employment. Students also earn academic credit toward their major requirement by producing work demonstrating that they are able to apply concepts learned in relevant coursework to their practical experiences. Consult the faculty in the Political Science Program for other internship possibilities, including on political campaigns or in local government.
Our Resources page has forms with more information about internship opportunities, the internship student manual, and the application for the legislative internship.
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Forms
See our Resources page for advising and internship forms. -
Political Science Club
The Political Science Club is one of the most active and visible student groups at CSU-Pueblo. It organizes events on campus and in the community that promote learning about important policy issues, politics and elections, and the field of Political Science. One of the most popular events on campus, the annual Southern Colorado Policy Issues Forum, is organized by the Political Science Club.
For more information about the Club, please visit the Political Science Club section of the Student Organizations list.