Political Science, Bachelor of Arts

Political Science Bachelor of Arts Requirements

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS - 34 Hours Required
Minimum of “C-“required
Fundamental Skills 15
Writing – 6 hrs.
ENGLISH COMPOSITION I
COLLEGE RESEARCH AND INFORMATION LITERACY
Oral Communication – 3 hrs.
PUBLIC SPEAKING FUNDS
ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE
Quantitative Literacy – 3 hrs.
INTRODUCTION TO MATHEMATICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL THINKING
QUANTITATIVE LITERACY
QUANTITATIVE REASONING FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
COLLEGE ALGEBRA WITH SUPPORT
Data Literacy – 3 hrs.
Select one from the following:
DATA LITERACY AND VISUALIZATION
ELEMENTARY STATISTICS
Until Fall 2028, students can satisfy this requirement with an approved data literacy course, or any approved natural or social science general education course.
Breadth of Knowledge13
Social Science – 3 hrs.
Humanities – 3 hrs.
Natural & Physical Science (must complete a lab) – 4 hrs.
Arts – 3 hrs.
Individual and Social Responsibility 6
Cultural Knowledge – 3 hrs.
Civic Knowledge and Engagement – 3 hrs.
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
**Course will satisfy UNO's General Education requirement
^Course requires pre-requisite(s)
Political Science BA - 36 Hours Required
At least 18 hours of political science courses must be taken at the 3000 - 4000 levels.
Required Courses15
INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN NATIONAL GOVERNMENT (**)
INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL INQUIRY AND WRITING (^)
INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (**)
INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THOUGHT (**)
INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS (**)
SENIOR ASSESSMENT IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (^)
Select any seven 3-credit hour courses (6 of the courses must be 3000 - 4000 level)21
Remaining hours in political science shall be elected by students in accordance with their interests. At least 18 hours of political science courses must be taken at the 3000 - 4000 levels.
College Breadth (choose one option) 15-30+
Option 1: Complete any UNO minor or undergraduate certificate - 15+ hours
Option 2: Additional General Education Requirements - 18+ hours
Additional quantitative literacy - 3 hours
Additional Social Science Gen. Ed. from another Discipline - 3 hours
Additional Humanities Gen. Ed. from another Discipline - 3 hours
HIST 1000 and HIST 1010 - 6 hours
Additional Natural Science with or without Lab - 3-5 hours
Option 3: CAS comprehensive major (50+ hours) OR any second UNO major (30+ hours)
Bachelor of Arts Language Requirement 16
FREN, GERM, Or SPAN, 1110, 1120, 2110, 2120
ELECTIVES
Elective hours as required to reach a total of 120 hours

Political Science Bachelor of Arts Four Year Plan

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman
FallCredits
ENGL 1150 ENGLISH COMPOSITION I 3
PSCI 1100 INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN NATIONAL GOVERNMENT 3
MATH 1120
INTRODUCTION TO MATHEMATICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL THINKING
or QUANTITATIVE LITERACY
or QUANTITATIVE REASONING FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
or COLLEGE ALGEBRA WITH SUPPORT
3-4
World Language 1110 5
Attend Durango Days; other campus events. Set up a Handshake account and take the Pathway U career assessment. Attend the Student Involvement & Volunteer Fair to explore student organizations. Make advising appointment for spring: Sept-Oct. Work with your advisor to develop your Pathway in Stellic.
 
 Credits14-15
Spring
ENGL 1160 COLLEGE RESEARCH AND INFORMATION LITERACY 3
CMST 1110
PUBLIC SPEAKING FUNDS
or ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE
3
PSCI 2210 INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 3
World Language 1120 5
Attend campus events such as major exploration week to get an idea of interests and career paths. Schedule a resume review with UNO Career Services. Visit faculty office hours and ask about undergraduate research opportunities. Make advising appointment for summer and fall: February – March.
 
 Credits14
Sophomore
Fall
PSCI 2000 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL INQUIRY AND WRITING 3
PSCI 2310 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THOUGHT (*) 3
World Language 2110 3
General Education Course or Elective 4
General Education Course or Elective 3
Attend the Career & Internship Fair to start networking with employers. Look for volunteer, research, or part-time work to gain experience. Join a student organization or club related to your field or interests. Make advising appointment for spring: Sept. - Oct.
 
 Credits16
Spring
PSCI 2500 INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS 3
PSCI 3000+ Elective 3
World Language 2120 3
General Education Course or Elective 3
General Education Course or Elective 3
Attend a career fair for informational and networking purposes. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile with new experiences. Investigate and apply for summer internships, research, or study abroad programs. Make advising appointment for summer and fall: February – March.
 
 Credits15
Junior
Fall
PSCI 3000+ 3
PSCI 3000+ 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Apply for a paid internship or research assistantship. Attend a mock interview workshop or use online interview tools with Career Services. Start researching and visiting graduate programs or professional schools. Visit Career Center, continue updating resume. Make advising appointment for spring: Sept-Oct.
 
 Credits15
Spring
PSCI 3000+ 3
PSCI 3000+ 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 1
Request letters of recommendation from faculty for jobs or grad school. Attend the All-Majors Career Fair with a plan to network. Meet with your advisor or submit for a graduation check-in to review remaining degree requirements. Make advising appointment for summer and fall: February – March.
 
 Credits16
Senior
Fall
PSCI 3000+ 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Check in with Career Center for networking tips. Finalize graduate school applications or job search strategy. Attend a career fair and start applying for full-time jobs. Prepare for interviews and salary negotiations with Career Services. Make advising appointment for spring: Sept. - Oct.
 
 Credits15
Spring
PSCI 4950 SENIOR ASSESSMENT IN POLITICAL SCIENCE 0
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Complete your final advising check before graduation. Polish your resume, cover letters, and LinkedIn profile. Stay connected by joining alumni networks and professional organizations. Apply for graduation via MavLink.
 
 Credits15
 Total Credits120-121

College Breadth: Students should plan on using at least 15 hours of "Electives" to fulfill Option 1, 2, or 3, of the College of Arts and Sciences' breadth requirement.

Upper Level Credits: Students need 27 upper level credits throughout the degree with at least 18 upper level credits within the major. Electives may need to be selected at the 3000-4000 level to reach these minimums.

Additional Information About this Plan:
University Degree Requirements: The minimum number of hours for a UNO undergraduate degree is 120 credit hours. Please review the requirements for your specific program to determine all requirements for the program. In order to graduate on-time (four years for an undergraduate degree), you need to take 30 hours each year.

Placement Exams: For Math, English, World Language, a placement exam may be required. More information on these exams can be found at https://www.unomaha.edu/enrollment-management/testing-center/placement-exams/information.php
 

Transfer credit or placement exam scores may change suggested plan of study.

GPA Requirements: 2.0

Note: This plan provides a general guide, but your specific courses, experiences, and career goals may differ. Work with your academic advisor to ensure you’re meeting degree requirements and consult with career advisors to explore internships, research opportunities, and post-graduation plans. Regular check-ins will help you stay on track and make the most of your time at UNO!