Dec 06, 2025  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Political Science (B.A. or B.S.)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Information

The student learning outcomes for this degree are located at http://www.niu.edu/assessment/clearinghouse/outcomes/index.shtml.

Check departmental information for any additional requirements.

Emphasis 1. Politics and Governance


Requirements in Department (36)


Electives in political science (27)


Students pursuing the B. S. degree must complete POLS 340-Political Analysis (3) as part of their elective course work. Students should complete POLS 340 by the end of their junior year.

Requirements outside Department (B.A., 0-12; B.S., 10-15)


For the B.A. degree
Fulfillment of the foreign language requirement (0-12)
See “Foreign Language Requirement for the B.A. Degree” in the Other Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.

For the B.S. degree
Laboratory science/mathematical/computational skills sequence (10-15) [Students selecting a sequence that does not include STAT 200 (4) or STAT 300 (3) will also be required to take one of these courses.]
See “College Requirement for the B.S. Degree” in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section of this catalog.

Total Hours for Emphasis 1, Politics and Governance: 36-48 (B.A.) OR 46-51 (B.S.)


Emphasis 2. Public Law


Requirements in Department (36)


One of the following (3)


Two additional courses from either of the two preceding lists (6)


Electives in political science (15)


Students pursuing the B. S. degree must complete POLS 340-Political Analysis (3) as part of their elective course work. Students should complete POLS 340 by the end of their junior year.

Requirements outside Department (B.A., 0-12; B.S., 10-15)


For the B.A. degree
Fulfillment of the foreign language requirement (0-12)
See “Foreign Language Requirement for the B.A. Degree” in the Other Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.

For the B.S. degree
Laboratory science/mathematical/computational skills sequence (10-15) [Students selecting a sequence that does not include STAT 200 (4) or STAT 300 (3) will also be required to take one of these courses.]
See “College Requirement for the B.S. Degree” in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences information section of this catalog.

Total Hours for Emphasis 2, Public Law: 36-48 (B.A.) OR 46-51 (B.S.)


Emphasis 3. Public Policy and Administration


Requirements in Department (36)


Electives in political science (15)


Students pursuing the B. S. degree must complete POLS 340-Political Analysis (3) as part of their elective course work. Students should complete POLS 340 by the end of their junior year.

Requirements outside Department (B.A., 0-12; B.S., 10-15)


For the B.A. degree
Fulfillment of the foreign language requirement (0-12)
See “Foreign Language Requirement for the B.A. Degree” in the Other Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.

For the B.S. degree
Laboratory science/mathematical/computational skills sequence (10-15) [Students selecting a sequence that does not include STAT 200 (4) or STAT 300 (3) will also be required to take one of these courses.]
See “College Requirement for the B.S. Degree” in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences information section of this catalog.

Total Hours for Emphasis 3, Public Administration and Service: 36- 48 (B.A.) OR 46-51 (B.S.)


Emphasis 4. International Politics


Requirements in Department (36)


Electives in political science (15)


Students pursuing the B. S. degree must complete POLS 340-Political Analysis (3) as part of their elective course work. Students should complete POLS 340 by the end of their junior year.

Requirements outside Department (B.A., 0-12; B.S., 10-15)


For the B.A. degree
Fulfillment of the foreign language requirement (0-12)
(See “Foreign Language Requirement for the B.A. Degree.”) in the Other Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.

For the B.S. degree
Laboratory science/mathematical/computational skills sequence (10-15) [Students selecting a sequence that does not include STAT 200 (4) or STAT 300 (3) will also be required to take one of these courses.]
(See “College Requirement for the B.S. Degree.”) in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences information section of this catalog.

Total Hours for Emphasis 4, International Politics: 36-48 (B.A.) OR 46-51 (B.S.)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Information