Dec 05, 2025

2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Political Science - Public Service (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 Public Service track is designed for students interested in an administrative position in the public or nonprofit sector.

Kansas State University Core: 34-36 Credit Hours

K-State Core is the foundation for an impactful life and career after time at K-State.

The K-State Core framework covers six disciplinary areas: English, Communications, Mathematics & Statistics, Natural & Physical Sciences, Social & Behavioral Sciences, and Arts and Humanities. In addition, a seventh area is reserved for institutionally designated use, which K-State is keeping as free electives. In total, the framework takes up 34-35 credit hours of 100 and 200-level coursework. Students who complete their general education elsewhere cannot be required to take additional general education coursework in the disciplinary areas of the framework without permission from KBOR to continue requiring courses in the K-State Core.

General Education: K-State Core

Program Requirements

Orientation: 1 Credit Hour

DAS 101 - Discover, Create, and Thrive: Arts and Sciences Orientation Credits: 1

Outside Concentration: 9 Credit Hours

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

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).

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

Statistics Requirement

If not met through K-State Core requirements, STAT 225 is required.

KSC-030
STAT 225 - Introduction to Statistics Credits: 3

Introductory Courses: 9 Credit Hours

Public Service Requirements:

Required Public Service Courses (6 credits)

Both courses are required.

POLSC 307 - Introduction to Public Administration Credits: 3
POLSC 377 - Introduction to Public Policy Credits: 3

Public Service Electives (3 credits)

Choose one course from the following.

POLSC 607 - Administrative Law Credits: 3
POLSC 618 - Urban Politics Credits: 3
POLSC 620 - State and Local Government Credits: 3

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.

Students pursuing an accelerated degree with the MPA program should, for one of their Advanced Courses, choose one course (3 credits) from:

POLSC 700 - Research Methods in Political Science Credits: 3
POLSC 702 - Public Administration and Society Credits: 3
POLSC 708 - Public Personnel Administration Credits: 3
POLSC 710 - Policy Analysis and Evaluation Credits: 3
POLSC 735 - Public Organization Theory Credits: 3
POLSC 737 - Public Budgeting Credits: 3

Major Electives: 6 Credit Hours

Choose two courses (6 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 Requirements: 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.

Total Required for Graduation: 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.