Major & Minor Requirements

Beginning in the fall of 2007, the political science department is implementing a new 36-credit major program of study. However, students who entered Hope College prior to fall of 2007 can opt to fulfill the old major requirements.
The departmental minor remains a 16 credit requirement.

There are also separate tracks for students pursuing a teaching certification in political science or social studies, and a separate composite major in International Studies.

Major Requirements
(for students entering Hope College beginning with or after fall of 2007)

Each student must complete a minimum of 36 credits in the department:

Foundation courses:

1. POL 100 - Intro to American Political Institutions (4 credits)
2. POL 151 - Introduction to Global Studies (4 credits)

Advanced courses:

3. POL 242 - Scope and Methods (4 credits)
4. POL 251 - International Relations (4 credits)

One elective course from each area:

5. American Government (4 credits)
6. Comparative Politics (4 credits)
7. Political Theory (4 credits)

8. An experiential course (4 credits)

9. POL 494 - Capstone Seminar (4 credits)

Major Requirements
(for students who entered Hope College prior to fall of 2007)

Each student must complete a minimum of 28 credits in the department:

1. Either POL 100 (4 credits) or POL 110 (2 credits)

2. POL 242 - Scope and Methods (4 credits)

3. POL 251 - International Relations (4 credits)

4. An elective in American Government (4 credits)

5. An elective in Comparative Politics (4 credits)

6. An elective in Political Theory or advanced International Relations (4 credits)

7. POL 494 - Capstone Seminar (4 credits)

Minor Requirements

Each student must complete a minimum of 16 credits in the department:

1. Either POL 100 (4 credits) or POL 110 (2 credits)

2. POL 242 - Scope and Methods (4 credits)

3. POL 251 - International Relations (4 credits)

4. One to two advanced courses to reach the 16 credits requirement.

Majors can also focus their study of political science by specializing in one or more subfield concentrations.