Political Science, B.S.

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A Bachelor of Science in Political Science provides students with advanced training in both political analysis and quantitative methods, combining coursework in statistics, calculus, and research design with comprehensive study of political institutions and behavior. For students interested in how we can use data and analytics to understand and guide political decision-making, this degree offers an opportunity to develop cutting-edge skills while studying the forces that shape our world. The program prepares graduates for professional positions that demand sophisticated analytical and data skills, including roles in policy research, program evaluation, campaign analytics, and political consulting. Students work closely with faculty who are actively engaged in research, developing the technical expertise and substantive knowledge required for success in both professional careers and graduate programs in political science, public policy, data analytics, and related fields.

The BS program is built on three integrated components that together provide students with both breadth and depth of knowledge:

Comprehensive Political Science Core (18 units)
Students begin with PSC 101 and gain broad exposure to political science through required coursework across the discipline’s five subfields: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Public Administration & Policy. This foundation ensures students understand various approaches to studying political phenomena while developing knowledge in all areas of the discipline.

Methodological and Quantitative Analysis Component (12 units)
The program’s methods sequence provides progressive training in quantitative and analytical skills essential for political analysis. Students develop a strong foundation in social science statistics, calculus, and methods, before advancing into specialized methodological approaches. This sequence prepares students to conduct sophisticated data analysis, evaluate research, and contribute to evidence-based policymaking.

Advanced Electives (12 units)
Through upper-division elective coursework, students develop expertise in their areas of interest while applying their methodological skills to complex political questions. These advanced courses emphasize research application, critical analysis, and sophisticated theoretical approaches to political issues.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

construct clear, evidence-based arguments analyzing political phenomena through both theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence. (C)
design and execute sophisticated quantitative analyses of political data using appropriate statistical methods and research designs. (QR)
critically evaluate political science research, including its methodological approaches, data quality, and analytical conclusions. (CT)
apply advanced quantitative methods to analyze contemporary political problems and policy challenges at local, national, and international levels.
integrate theoretical and empirical knowledge of political institutions and behavior to produce original political science research.

Contact Information

Department of Political Science
Thompson Building 221
(775) 784-4601
polisci@unr.edu

College of Liberal Arts Student Center
Lincoln Hall 305
(775) 682-8745
https://www.unr.edu/liberal-arts/academic-advising

Transfer to the University of Nevada, Reno

Use the transfer agreement and the degree planner (available by clicking Icon at the top right of this page) to build your plan for graduation with your advisor. Course substitutions not identified on the transfer agreement require UNR advisor approval.

If a major-to-major transfer agreement is not available for your transfer institution, please check the General Core agreement if available. If neither is available, access Transferology to assist in your planning.

Graduation Requirements

Total Units | 120
Cumulative GPA | 2.0
University GPA | 2.0
Major GPA | 2.0
Residency Requirement | 30 Upper-Division Units at UNR
Major Residency Requirement | 15 Upper-Division Units in the major at UNR
Upper-Division Requirement | 42 Upper-Division Units

I. Core General Education Requirements (24-30 units)

NOTE: Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter of this catalog for information regarding the “Core English and Math Completion Policy .”

Students in this major must meet all Core Objectives (CO1 through CO14). Courses satisfying Core Objectives are designated (e.g., CO9) in General Catalog curricula and course descriptions.

A. Composition & Communication; Critical Analysis & Use of Information (3-6 units) - CO1, CO3

ENG 101 - Composition I (3 units)
ENG 102 - Composition II (3 units) CO1, CO3
See the Core Curriculum section for information on CO1&3 placement. Students who place in ENG 102 are not required to complete ENG 101.

B. Quantitative Reasoning (3-6 units) - CO2

MATH 126 - Precalculus I (3 units) CO2
MATH 176 - Introductory Calculus for Business and Social Sciences (3 units) CO2
NOTE: Students who place in MATH 176 or higher are not required to complete MATH 126. Students may take MATH 181 instead of MATH 176.

C. Physical & Natural Phenomena (6 units minimum) - CO4, CO4L

Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO4 /CO4L courses.

D. Cultures, Societies, & Individuals (3 units) - CO6

The following courses are recommended:

PSC 101 - Introduction to American Politics (3 units) CO6, CO8
PSC 211 - Introduction to Comparative Politics (3 units) CO6, CO11
PSC 231 - Introduction to International Relations (3 units) CO6, CO11
OR
Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO6 courses.

E. Artistic Composition, Interpretation, & Expression (3 units) - CO7

Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO7 courses.

F. History & Culture (6 units) - CO5

Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO5 courses. CH 201 and CH 202 are recommended.

G. Constitution (0 units) - CO8

PSC 101 - Introduction to American Politics (3 units) CO6, CO8 (units counted for CO6)
NOTE: Students who earned credit for PSC 101 or an equivalent outside the Nevada System of Higher Education must also complete PSC 100 to satisfy this requirement. An alternate course satisfying the Nevada Constitution requirement may be substituted for PSC 100 with advisor approval.

II. Additional Core Requirements (18 units maximum)

Students must take courses that satisfy the following Core Objectives. Some or all of these Core Objectives may be satisfied in the Major Requirements (Section IV). Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter in this catalog.