Feb 01, 2025  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Political Science - Law (BS)

Location(s): Manhattan Campus


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The major in political science acquaints students with political aspects of society and encourages them to develop a critical and imaginative perspective on public issues. The program in political science provides the foundation for a liberal education, including the intellectual skills of critical analysis, writing, and discussion. It also emphasizes the importance of continuing involvement in political activity and public affairs. These educational experiences prepare our students for a variety of careers in fields including public service, business, teaching, research, journalism, public relations, and administration.

The Law Track offers a special focus on the judiciary, legal reasoning, and is an ideal opportunity for students considering law school.

Kansas State University Core: 34-36 Credit Hours


KBOR Statewide Transfer (SWT) Courses: https://www.kansasregents.org/academic_affairs/transfer-articulation.

English (Written Communication Outcomes): 6 Credit Hours


Communication (Oral Communication Outcomes): 3 Credit Hours


Natural & Physical Sciences (Natural & Physical Sciences Outcomes): 4-5 Credit Hours


Choose 1 subject area which must include a lab.

Social & Behavioral Sciences (Social & Behavioral Sciences Outcomes): 6 Credit Hours


At least 2 courses from 2 subjects under this area.

Arts & Humanities (Arts & Humanities Outcomes): 6 Credit Hours


At least 2 courses from 2 subjects under this area.

Free Electives (Institutionally Designated Area): 6 Credit Hours


Includes ALL 100 and 200 level courses at K-State or in Transfer. 
Note: One course may be used to satisfy more than one requirement. However, students must complete a total of 34-36 credit hours of general education courses.

For a Full Listing of K-State 100/200 level courses you may search those courses individually via the University Course Catalog.

TOTAL CREDITS: 34-36


Program Requirements


Outside Concentration: 9 Credit Hours


Outside credential of at least 9 credit hours (May be from any unit, except Poltical Science, OR from approved interdisciplinary credentials within the unit).

OR

Any 9 credit hours in a single prefix (except for POLSC) (all must be 300 level or above OR at any level with a prereq in the same prefix; up to 5 credit hours may overlap with program).

OR

Any 9 credit hour microcredential (up to 5 credit hours may overlap with program).

Overlays: [9] Credit Hours


May be filled in K-State Core, Outside Concentration, electives, or the Program itself.

  • Ethical Reasoning Overlay, 1 course Credits: [3]
  • Global Perspectives Overlay, 1 course Credits: [3]
  • US Multicultural Overlay, 1 course Credits: [3]

Program


Introductory Courses: 9 Credit Hours


Required Introductory Course (3 credits)


Methods Course: 3 Credit Hours


Law Requirements: 6 Credit Hours


Required Law Track Courses (3 credit hours)


Law Track Electives (3 credit hours)


Choose one of the following.

May choose POLSC 614  or POLSC 615  only if not taken above for credit as Required Courses

Advanced Courses: 9 Credit Hours


To be taken after POLSC 400 . Choose three courses (9 credits) at the 500 level or above with at least one course from one of following areas: Political Thought, International Relations, Comparative Government and Politics. One course may be from American Government & Politics. 

Major Electives: 9 Credit Hours


Choose four courses (12 credits) from POLSC at any level.

BS Natural and Quantitative Restricted Electives: 12-15 Credit Hours


One course in each of the following, with at least two courses at the 300 level or above OR at any level with a prerequisite in the same discipline.

Natural Science course: 3-5 Credit Hours


Quantitative course: 3-4 Credit Hours


Natural Science, or Quantitative, or Social Science w/MATH or STAT prereq Credits: 6


Chose at least two (2) additional courses that are Natural Science, Quantitative, or a Social Science with MATH or STAT pre-req. 

BS Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Restricted Electives: 3 Credit Hours


3 credit hours of Fine Arts or Humanities at any level (any course or combination of courses). See College catalog page for course lists.

Free Electives: 22-25


In addition to K-State Core Free Electives requirement, take any course so that the total credit hours completed equals 120.

Grand Total for Program of Study: 120


A&S Common Degree Requirements are satisfied by upper level Political Science courses, and the BS Restricted Electives in Natural and Quantitative Sciences and Humanties and Fine Arts.

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