Requirements
The Yale College Program of Study (YCPS) provides an authoritative description of the Department’s programs and requirements. Requirements were updated in December, 2021 and an explanation of these changes and who they affect are explained here.
The two most popular versions of the major are the Standard major and the Interdisciplinary Concentration major (described below).
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Standard Major |
Interdisciplinary Concentration Major |
Intensive Major |
|
|
Requirements of the Major: |
12 term courses | 12 term courses | 15 term courses |
|
Distribution of Courses: |
2 courses in each of 3 fields* | 2 courses in each of 2 fields* plus 7 in field of concentration** | 2 courses in each of 3 fields* |
| 2 Political Science Seminars (at least one in senior year) | 2 Political Science Seminars (at least one in senior year) | 2 Political Science Seminars (at least one in senior year) plus PLSC 474b | |
|
Substitution permitted: |
Up to 2 courses in other departments** | Up to 3 courses in other departments** | Up to 2 courses in other departments** |
|
Specific Courses Required: |
None | None | PLSC 474b, PLSC 490a/493b |
|
Senior Requirements: |
Senior Essay in a seminar, or in PLSC 480 a or b, or in PLSC 490a/491b | Senior Essay in a seminar, or in PLSC 480 a or b, or in PLSC 490a/491b | Senior essay in PLSC 490a/493b |
*There are five fields: (1) American Government, (2) Comparative Government, (3) International Relations, (4) Analytical Political Theory, and (5) Political Philosophy.
** Requires DUS approval.
Previously course listings:
- List of Spring 2019 PLSC courses (with subfields)
- List of Fall 2018 PLSC courses (with subfields)
- List of Spring 2018 PLSC Courses
- List of Fall 2017 PLSC courses
- List of Spring 2017 PLSC courses
- List of Fall 2016 PLSC courses
- List of all courses offered (Fall 2010 - Spring 2015) with field distributions
2024-2025 Undergraduate Deadlines
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September 6, 2024
- Fall Senior Essay Prospectus form due by 4:00 p.m. for an essay written in a seminar.
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November 15, 2024
- Intensive Major Applications are due by 4:00 p.m.
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December 6, 2024
- Fall Senior Essays due by 4:00 p.m.
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January 17, 2025
- Spring Senior Essay Prospectus form due by 4:00 p.m. for an essay written in a seminar
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April 11, 2025
- Year Long Senior Essay due by 4:00 p.m.
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April 18, 2025
- Spring Senior Essay due by 4:00 p.m.
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May 7, 2025
- Year Long Senior Essay Prospectus form due by 4:00 p.m.
Rev. 10-11-24