Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Undergraduate Program
The major or minors in Political Science afford students opportunities to explore issues on the cutting edge; develop substantive knowledge in the various fields of the discipline; hone analytical, methodological, and communication skills; and broaden their perspectives as educated citizens. Our students also benefit from the department’s excellence in teaching, commitment to mentoring, diverse extracurricular activities, and opportunities for scholarly advancement.
Most of our students are the first in their families to have attended college. We take immense pride in helping them complete their B.A. degrees. Some of our alumni have gone on to pursue graduate degrees in Political Science at leading universities, such as New Mexico and UT Austin. Others have taken advantage of UTEP’s Law School Preparation Institute to win admission to top-tier law schools, including California-Berkeley, Cornell, Harvard, Michigan, Stanford, Texas, Virginia, and Yale.
Our department has placed undergraduate majors in internships at the U.S. Department of State, the office of Congressman Beto O’Rourke, the Organization of American States, and other governmental agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. The Center for Civic Engagement allows students to link classroom learning to community service, policy advocacy, and activism. Student organizations advised by Political Science faculty include Amnesty International, the Global Relations Organization (GRO), the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Pi Sigma Alpha Political Honor Society, and University Democrats.
Our majors and minors are outlined below. Come study with us! ¡Vengan a estudiar con nosotros!
Major in Political Science
In addition to POLS 2310 and 2311—which must be taken by all students at UTEP and the State of Texas—the major requires 30 semester hours in Political Science. The only required class is POLS 3600, which should be taken before many 4000 level courses, and also many at the 3000 level. At least one course must be taken in three of the following six fields: American Political Behavior and Institutions, Law and Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics, Political Thought and Theory, and Public Administration. Each student majoring in Political Science must also complete a minor of at least 18 hours. The minor may be from another liberal arts discipline, from approved interdisciplinary minors, or from approved disciplines in other colleges. In selecting a minor, students should consult with one of the department’s undergraduate advisors.
