POLSC-BA - Political Science (BA)

The mission of the undergraduate program in Political Science is to provide students with a solid grasp of the American political system and other political systems within the context of global forces, international conflicts, social movements, ideological systems and diversity. Courses in the major are designed to help students gain competency in the study of political science; to introduce students to a variety of research methodologies and analytical frameworks; and to develop students' written and oral communication skills. Students in the program have excellent preparation for further study in graduate or professional schools as well as careers in government, business, and not-for-profit organizations.

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

The Department of Political Science offers a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Eligible students may also pursue a Bachelor of Arts with Honors. The department also offers a minor in Political Science: program.

How to Declare the Major

Students are encouraged to declare the major by the end of the sophomore year. Students must complete a declaration form, available on the Political Science website and in the department office in Encina Hall West 100. The form must be signed by an advisor of the student’s choosing who is a member of the Political Science faculty or courtesy faculty. The advisor should not be a Political Science lecturer. Next, the student should submit the declaration form during a meeting with the Political Science undergraduate administrator and declare on Axess. For additional information, students may visit the Political Science website or office or call (650) 723-1608.

Students who completed coursework at another institution are encouraged to begin the process of petitioning their coursework for inclusion into the Political Science requirements when declaring the major. Credits successfully accepted by the University Registrar will be evaluated on a course by course basis by the Director of Undergraduate Studies for credit toward degree requirements. A maximum of 25 units completed outside the Department of Political Science may be given credit toward the major. Transfer credits, study abroad units, and courses from other departments at Stanford are all considered out-of-department units. University policies related to transfer credit can be found on the Office of the University Registrar website.

The department expects undergraduate majors in the program to be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes. These learning outcomes are used in evaluating students and the department's undergraduate program. Students are expected to demonstrate:

1. an understanding of core knowledge within the discipline of Political Science

2. the ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively in writing

3. the ability to analyze a problem and draw correct inferences using qualitative and/or quantitative analysis

4. the ability to evaluate theory and critique research within the discipline of Political Science