Political Science, Bachelor of Arts
Political Science Bachelor of Arts Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GENERAL EDUCATION (MavEd) REQUIREMENTS - 34 Hours Required | ||
| Minimum of “C-“required | ||
| Fundamental Skills | 15 | |
Writing – 6 hrs. | ||
| ENGLISH COMPOSITION I | ||
or ENGL 1140 | ENGLISH COMPOSITION I WITH SUPPORT | |
| ENGLISH COMPOSITION II | ||
Oral Communication – 3 hrs. | ||
| PUBLIC SPEAKING FUNDS | ||
or CMST 2120 | ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE | |
Quantitative Literacy – 3 hrs. | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO MATHEMATICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL THINKING | ||
or MATH 1130 | QUANTITATIVE LITERACY | |
or MATH 1140 | QUANTITATIVE REASONING FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS | |
or MATH 1300 | COLLEGE ALGEBRA WITH SUPPORT | |
or MATH 1320 | COLLEGE ALGEBRA | |
Data Literacy – 3 hrs. | ||
Select one from the following: | ||
| DATA LITERACY FOR WORK AND LIFE | ||
| DATA AND INFORMATION LITERACY | ||
| 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 (MavEd) course. | ||
| Breadth of Knowledge | 13 | |
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 (MavEd) 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 Courses | 15 | |
| 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 (MavEd) Requirements - 18+ hours | ||
Additional quantitative literacy - 3 hours | ||
Additional Social Science Gen. Ed. (MavEd) from another Discipline - 3 hours | ||
Additional Humanities Gen. Ed. (MavEd) from another Discipline - 3 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 | 15-16 | |
| FREN, GERM, Or SPAN, 1210, 1220, 2210, 2220, and 2240 (15 hours) OR 1110, 1120, 2110 and 2120 (16 hours) | ||
| ELECTIVES | ||
| Elective hours as required to reach a total of 120 hours | ||
Political Science Bachelor of Arts Four Year Plan
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| 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 1210* | 3 | |
| General Education (MavEd) Course or Elective | 3 | |
*Students fulfilling their World Language requirement by completing the 1110, 1120, 2110, and 2120 sequence should check with their advisor. | ||
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. | ||
| Credits | 15-16 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL 1160 | ENGLISH COMPOSITION II | 3 |
| CMST 1110 or CMST 2120 | PUBLIC SPEAKING FUNDS or ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE | 3 |
| PSCI 2210 | INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS | 3 |
| World Language 1220 | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
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. | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| PSCI 2000 | INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL INQUIRY AND WRITING | 3 |
| PSCI 2310 | INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THOUGHT (*) | 3 |
| World Language 2210 | 3 | |
| General Education (MavEd) Course or World Language 2240 | 3 | |
| General Education (MavEd) 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. | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSCI 2500 | INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS | 3 |
| PSCI Upper-Level Course | 3 | |
| World Language 2220 | 3 | |
| General Education (MavEd) Course or World Language 2240 | 3 | |
| General Education (MavEd) Course or Elective | 4 | |
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. | ||
| Credits | 16 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| PSCI Upper-Level Course | 3 | |
| PSCI Upper-Level Course | 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. | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSCI Upper-Level Course | 3 | |
| PSCI Upper-Level Course | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 2 | |
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. | ||
| Credits | 14 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| PSCI Upper-Level Course | 3 | |
| PSCI Course | 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. | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| 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. | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 120-121 | |
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!