Dec 08, 2025

2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Political Science (BS)

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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.

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

Advanced Courses: 12 Credit Hours

To be taken after POLSC 400 . Choose four courses (12 credits) at the 500 level or above in two of the following areas: Political Thought, American Government and Politics, International Relations, Comparitive Government and Politics

Advanced Courses Credits: 12

Major Elective Courses: 12 Credit Hours

Choose four courses (12 credits) of POLSC at any level, except for POLSC 350 . Only 3 credit hours are allowed to be readings or problems. Only six credits are allowed to be internship.

BS Natural and Quantitative Restricted Electives: 12 Credit Hours

At least two (2) 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 in the following, at any level

Fine Arts or Humanities: Any course or combination of courses Credits: 3

Free Electives: 25

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

Total Hours 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.