2013-2014

Political Science, Bachelor of Arts

Department of Politics and International Affairs

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The objectives of this degree are to provide students with knowledge of the theory, principles, and practice of government and politics at the local, national, and international levels. This flexible degree, with Political Science electives, enables students to explore areas of interest with advisor support, creating a cohesive plan of study. A language requirement further connects the student to international perspectives.

This plan will not be available to new students after Summer 2022

  • To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.

    • All of Northern Arizona University's diversity, liberal studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
    • At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
    • At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
    • A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.

    The full policy can be viewed here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • At least 39 units of major requirements
  • At least 16 units of language requirements
  • At least 18 units of minor requirements
  • Be aware that you may not use courses with a POS prefix to satisfy liberal studies requirements.
  • Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 120
Major GPA C
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 114
Foreign Language Required
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Optional
Research Optional
University Honors Program Optional
Progression Plan Link Not Available

Major Requirements
  • Take the following 39 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
    If you take individualized study coursework (up to 6 units in POS 408, POS 466, POS 485 and POS 497), you must obtain prior written approval from your faculty advisor. You may only use individualized study coursework with a course prefix other than POS in exceptional circumstances, with your advisor's prior approval; any such coursework counts toward the 6-unit maximum for individualized study coursework. If you take more than 6 units of individualized study coursework, they will count in general elective credit.
Minor Requirements
  • You must complete a minor of at least 18 units from those described in this catalog. In consultation with your advisor, you should select a minor that is appropriate for your career aspirations and educational needs. Your minor advisor will advise you about this part of your academic plan.


  • Also note that you may elect to complete a merged or dual major instead of a minor; see your advisor for more information.

Foreign Language Requirement
  • You must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English that is equivalent to four terms of university coursework in the same language. You may satisfy this requirement by taking language courses or by testing out of all or part of it by taking CLEP exams. 

General Electives
  • Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.

    You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.

    We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.

Additional Information
  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.