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 PLSC Worksheet before meeting with your advisor to review your progress toward the Political Science major and plan your remaining coursework.

 

Standard Major

Interdisciplinary Concentration Major
       

Requirements of the Major:

 12 term courses 12 term courses  
       

Distribution of Courses:

1 methodology course

1 methodology course

  
  2 courses in each of 2 fields* 2 courses in each of 2 fields* plus 7 in field of concentration**  
 

2 Political Science Seminars (one required senior year)

 2 Political Science Seminars (at least one in senior year)  
  Additional Political Science electives to meet the 12 credit requirement Additional Political Science electives to meet the 12 credit requirement  
       

Substitution permitted:

 Up to 2 courses in other departments** Up to 3 courses in other departments**  
       
Senior Requirements:

PLSC Seminar taken Senior Year

* Senior Essay is optional, however, the senior essay is required for consideration for Distinction in the Major (grade A- or A required).

 PLSC Seminar taken Senior Year
 		  
       

*There are four fields

** Requires DUS approval. Cannot be used towards introductory or core lecture courses.

PLSC Course Numbers:

PLSC 0-1000 - Introductory Courses

PLSC 2000 - Lectures

PLSC 3000 - Seminars

Subfields:

PLSC X100 - (1) International Relations

PLSC X200 - (2) American Government

PLSC X300 - (3) Political Philosophy 

PLSC X400 - (4) Comparative Government

PLSC X500 - Methodology requirement 

Current Courses:

Previous course listings:

Advising

All majors are expected to select a faculty member of the department as their adviser. Majors should identify an adviser as soon as possible after declaring their major. Advisers can discuss course offerings, discuss courses that would be of benefit for the student’s particular intellectual and research interests and ambitions, sign course schedules, and advise senior essays.

Selecting an adviser is largely up to the student. Most students ask a faculty member with whom they have taken one or more courses to advise them but it is not a requirement that a student take a course with a faculty member prior to making an appointment and discussing any questions the student may have about the major.

Students who are unsure who they might contact, either for advice about a specific issue or general advice about the major, can find information about the research and teaching interests of the faculty on the department’s Faculty Listing and List of Lecturers. Here are the most current faculty office hours. 

Students may, of course, also arrange to meet with the DUS to discuss questions or matters pertaining to courses and the major, including identifying a possible adviser. Visit this page to make an appointment with the DUS.