Bachelor Degree in Political Science

Our program, in the heart of downtown Denver, is the perfect place for students who are curious about why systems are the way they are, who possesses power and why, and what can be done to impact and change power structures. We prepare students for informed and creative activism by providing hands-on opportunities to supplement high-quality instruction in political science subfields. Our undergraduate students are connected with opportunities for legislative internships, professional networking, research, publication, and study abroad programs in Germany and South Korea.

Our graduates go on to make a difference in their communities and the world as organizers, attorneys, legislators, educators, public relations specialists, consultants, lobbyists, and more. Take a look at our amazing alumni! With mentorship from exceptional faculty, students are supported in all areas of their academic journey, from application to the start of their career.

Studying political science offers a thorough understanding of governmental structures, political leadership, and public policy. It helps you develop critical thinking abilities required to analyze complicated political situations and understand motivation behind political decisions and actions.

Political science is about curiosity. We explore what we don't know about political institutions and ideologies, and challenge our thinking to develop broader perspectives. You'll learn how to use scientific methods to investigate political events, allowing you to add new insights and perspectives to the field.

The Political Science Department creates diversity and invites students from various backgrounds to attend and study in our program. We recognize the importance of differing view points, and the value of engaging in dialogue when view points differ. This dialogue generates well-rounded students able to address the interests and concerns of many communities.

Our undergraduate advisor, Karen Breslin, is available to help students navigate their academic and career options in the subjects of political science. Whether you're looking for advice on course options, internship possibilities, or graduate school preparation, our advisor is here to help you on your journey at CU Denver.

Pi Sigma Alpha inductees posing for group photo

Forming connections within the Political Science Department is important for your academic and professional development. Pi Sigma Alpha is the National Honor Society for Political Science, and provides a great deal of professional development opportunities for students. Connections formed in Pi Sigma Alpha extend beyond the classroom, allowing for cooperation and networking with classmates, teachers, and advisors.

General Requirements

PSCI Program Requirements

39 credit hours
21 credit hours of upper division (3000 and up) courses
Minimum grade of a C- (1.7) in all courses
Minimum cumulative major GPA of 2.0
15 PSCI credit hours with CU Denver Faculty

Majoring in Political Science

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science gives you an extensive background in all subfields of Political Science, including comparative politics, American politics, international relations, and political theory, with a special emphasis on experiential learning.

Earning a BA in Political Science will provide you a great deal of professional choise in career upon graduation. With related occupations (political scientists, public relations specialists, compliance officers) growing between 6 and 18% from 2018-2022, our program will set you up for success. Many courses are offered online.

Course topics include:

Human Rights
Legal Studies
Gender Politics
Race and Ethnic Politics
Middle East Politics
International Relations
American Politics
Urban Politics
European Politics

Electives and/or foreign language proficiency

Foreign language courses may be satisfied if you’ve taken a certain number of classes in high school. These electives give you the freedom to dive deeper into topics or courses that interest you.

Planning your graduate experience as an undergrad

Driven and dedicated undergraduates will likely consider graduate study following the completion of their undergraduate degree. We encourage interested political science students to consider our 4+1 program, which allows undergrads to begin completing masters level coursework and overlaps up to 15 credits. It is wise to begin building relationships with faculty, exploring extracurricular programs, and connecting with other students to form community and make professional connections during this time.

Find your next Political Science Course

Go to the CU Denver course database

CU Denver Course Database

Select "CU Denver" for Institution
Enter the semester and year
Select "Denver Campus"
NOTE: Online courses are listed under "Denver Campus"; New Directions courses are listed under "Extended Studies."
Enter "PSCI" in the Subject field
Hit search

Political science has many possibilities and can be linked with other degrees. In many circumstances, there will be a crossover with another degree, so ask an advisor before pursuing a dual degree.

The BS in poltical science is well suited for those going into fields, including:

Government
Law
Nonprofit Organization
Journalism

Learn more about the political science major

Undergraduate Options:

Political Science Courses
Professional Certificates
"4 + 1" Dual BA/MA Degree Plan
CU Succeed Dual Enrollment

Political Science Minor

Do you want to add political science to your degree but aren't ready to take a dual degree? You can add a political science minor. Topics include:

Gender and Politics
Media and Politics
Political Economy
International Relations
Global Governance
Public Administration

Learn more about the political science minor

Declare a PSCI Major or Minor:
1. Meet with College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) advising to declare their major or minor.

2. Meet with your PSCI Advisor, Karen Breslin.

3. Meet with your CLAS Academic Advisor.

Running a Degree Audit:

1. Log into your UCD Access

2. Scroll to quick links and select "Degree Audit"

3. Select your audit and click "Run Audit"

4. Select "Political Science Major: General Requirements"

Lawyer

Journalist

Political Scientist

Foreign Service Officer

Policy Analyst

Legislator

Public Relations Specialist

Lobbyist

Social Media Manager

Educator

Learning Goals & Objectives for Undergraduates

In their introductory classes, and continuing at successively higher levels across their departmental studies, Political Science students will consistently improve their:

1. Knowledge of the role of political action and political systems in shaping human cultures and socio-economic patterns, including:

Knowledge of the American Political System Knowledge of political systems across history and world region Knowledge of theoretical foundations of political systems and political values Ability to compare political systems in their differing abilities to deliver public welfare Knowledge of the processes, institutions and actors involved in globalization This knowledge will be focused by engagement with the fundamental questions of political life, both contemporary and enduring. Students will place themselves in conversation with multiple political and moral perspectives, including those outside of the traditional Western canon, by developing their own positions and by seeing how their positions build from and contribute to these perspectives.

2. Intellectual and Practical Skills, including:

Inquiry and analysis • Critical thinking • Creative thinking • Written communication • Oral communication • Reading Ability • Quantitative literacy • Information literacy • Teamwork • Problem solving These skills will be applied to evaluate conflicting arguments, assemble and present empirical evidence using appropriate methods of research and data analysis, make reasoned conclusions from the evidence available, and prepare professional and persuasive presentations regarding those conclusions.

3. Personal and Social Responsibility, including:

Civic knowledge and engagement—local and global Intercultural knowledge and competence Ethical reasoning and action Foundations and skills for lifelong learning This responsibility will be anchored through active involvement with diverse communities and real-world challenges (including internships, service-learning and other experiential learning opportunities) that allow students to reflect on the relationship between theory, political practice and potential career paths. In these experiences, students will apply critical thinking skills to solve collective problems in a manner that improves the public good.

4. Integrative/Holistic and Applied Learning, including:

Completion of department course work across a range of political science subfields Application of insights from other programs of study to enhance their political understanding and practical skills This learning will be demonstrated through the application of integrative and holistic knowledge and skills to foster purposeful civic commitments, to produce effective oral and written presentations, and to develop practical skills for continual personal and professional development.

Assessing Learning Objectives

The Department of Political Science conducts annual assessments of student progress towards departmental learning objectives. Assessments are typically targeted towards different categories of courses in different years. For example, one year the department might assess all “experiential learning” courses, while another year we might assess our “core curriculum” courses, and in another year we might assess our study abroad courses. In some years, the department conducts a broader assessment of department-wide progress towards learning objectives across many different courses. The specific strategies typically utilized in our annual assessment process are a mixture of the following: • Direct Assessment of Course-Based Learning. The Political Science Department reviews student exams, written papers, oral presentations and final portfolios for targeted classes during its assessment • Student Self-Assessment Surveys. The Political Science Department often embeds a student self-assessment survey into its assessment process. The survey collects students’ self-assessment of their own intellectual growth, knowledge gained, and level of change in political aptitudes, skills, attitudes and engagement level during their time in our classes and department. Informal assessments include a review of student FCQ comments and other informal verbal feedback from students. • Master’s Capstone Assessment. The Political Science Department periodically assembles a team of faculty to review all master’s theses or projects submitted for oral defense in an academic year, to conduct an assessment of progress towards learning objectives among our master’s students.

The cost of tuition for the BA in Political Science is different for in-state and out-of-state students. See the link for the current table of rates.

Department Scholarships

Each year, the Political Science Department awards a variety of scholarships ranging from $500-$1500. The scholarship cycle runs each October.

University Scholarships

Each year, CU Denver students are awarded over $30 million in scholarships from institutional, local, state, and national sources. Learn more, and apply here.

Student Employment Opportunities

Student work opportunities are available via Handshake to offset the cost of enrollment.

Admission requirements

You can apply at CU Denver using either the Common Application or the Milo Application, no matter whether you are an in-state or international applicant. Transfer students are needed to submit the Milo Application.

Incoming first-year students

CU Denver requires that students complete the Colorado Higher Education Admission Requirements (HEAR). You will not have to meet all Minimum Academic Preparation Standards (MAPS) for admission, but you will need to complete CU Denver coursework by graduation.

Transfer Students

We have strong connections with other four-year and community colleges. If you have completed more than 24 hours of transferable coursework, you will be evaluated for admission on the basis of your college GPA without regard to your high school performance. If you have fewer than 24 hours, you will be evaluated based on both your high school and college GPAs. For more information and to plan your transfer, see transfer admissions in the admissions office.

International Students

You will need to begin your application through the Office of International Affairs. They will help you manage your application process.

Fall

Domestic Application: August 1
International Applications: Priority is March 15, and Final is May 15

Spring

Domestic Applications: January 1
International Applications: Priority is September 15, and  Final is October 15

Summer

Domestic Applications: May 15
International Applications: Priority is January 15, and  Final is March 15

PSCI 1001 – Introduction to Political Science: The Quest for Freedom and Justice

Section E01: Harvey Bishop, online