Requirements
The Yale College Program of Study (YCPS) provides an authoritative description of the Department’s programs and requirements.
Students are encouraged to complete the Political Science Worksheet to review their progress toward the Political Science major and plan their remaining coursework.
| Introductory Lectures | 2 courses | PLSC 1000 level | ✓ may count toward subfield requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Lectures | 2 courses | PLSC 2000 level | ✓ may count toward subfield requirement |
| Seminars | 2 courses | PLSC 3000 level | 1 before senior year; 1 during senior year |
| Methods & Formal Theory | 1 course | PLSC X500 | ✓ count toward 12 total credits |
| Subfields | 4 courses | 2 courses in 2 subfields* | ✓ may overlap with Intro or Core courses |
| Additional Electives | At least 1 course | ✓ count toward 12 total credits |
*International Relations (PLSC X100), American Politics (PLSC X200), Political Philosophy (PLSC X300), and Comparative Politics (PLSC X400).
Political Science Interdisciplinary Major
The requirements for the Political Science Interdisciplinary Major mirror those of the Political Science Major.
In addition, students must complete at least seven courses in their field of concentration. Up to three approved courses taken outside the Political Science Department may count toward the major.
Students considering the interdisciplinary concentration are encouraged to meet with the DUS during their sophomore or junior year to discuss their proposed program of study.
Before meeting with the DUS, students should complete the Political Science Worksheet.
The formal application must be submitted before the beginning of the November recess in the student’s final year of enrollment.
Political Science Intensive Major
The Political Science Intensive Major requires 15 course credits, compared with 12 course credits for the standard major.
Students pursuing the Intensive Major complete a three-semester senior essay and register for PLSC 4900, PLSC 4901, and PLSC 4903.
Students considering the Intensive Major are strongly encouraged to consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies to discuss how this option fits with their broader academic goals.
BA/MA Program
Yale College undergraduate students of extraordinary ability who are interested in pursuing advanced research in political science may undertake graduate work for the simultaneous award of the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. This highly selective program and it only admits one to three students each year.
For further information regarding the application, you are encouraged to visit the BA/MA Program page.
Last updated 07-27-26