The Political Science & Government major is part of the social sciences program at University of Denver.

Here, you’ll find out more about the major, including such details as the number of graduates, what degree levels are offered, ethnicity of students, average salaries, and more. Also, learn how DU ranks among other schools offering degrees in political science.

Go directly to any of the following sections

• Available Degrees
• Rankings
• Popularity
• Earnings
• Student Debt
• Student Demographics
• Related Majors

DU Political Science Rankings

The bachelor’s program at DU was ranked #152 on College Factual’s Best Schools for political science list. It is also ranked #2 in Colorado.

Popularity of Political Science at DU

During the 2018-2019 academic year, University of Denver handed out 52 bachelor’s degrees in political science and government. Due to this, the school was ranked #225 out of all colleges and universities that offer this degree. This is an increase of 13% over the previous year when 46 degrees were handed out

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

Areas of Study

We offer a bachelor of arts degree in political science and a minor in political science.

UPON COMPLETING OUR POLITICAL SCIENCE PROGRAMS, YOU’LL

• Develop writing, critical thinking, public speaking and analytical skills.
• Study politics, in breadth and depth, through foundational 1000-level courses.
• Explore four sub-fields within political science:
  • American politics
  • comparative/international politics
  • political theory
  • law

By choosing a minor in political science, you gain the flexibility to craft your own course of study within the department, allowing students to specialize in an area of interest or gain an overview of the field.

Because our faculty members work only with undergraduate students, we’re able to devote more time and one-on-one attention to each student. You’ll learn from faculty with PhDs in the field, who emphasize interactive learning through seminars, class discussions, presentations and community engaged learning.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR DEGREE PROGRAMS

• BA in political science
• Minor in political science

Major Requirements

As an undergraduate political science major at the University of Denver, you can take advantage of the close interaction and attention of small classes, critical thinking exercises and intensive writing assignments.

You’ll explore the meanings of concepts such as justice, democracy, totalitarianism, rights and responsibilities. We aim to develop your capacity to think and act in the world in ways that that will serve you long after graduation.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

1. Take a minimum of 40 quarter hours of courses in the department—at least 28 of which are 2000- or 3000-level courses.
2. Take TWO of the following introductory PLSC courses:
   • PLSC 1000: Introduction to American Politics
   • PLSC 1110: Comparative Politics
   • PLSC 1610: Power and Justice
   • PLSC 1810: Law and Society
3. Complete at least one course at the 2000 or 3000 level in each of four sub-fields:
   • American Politics
   • law
   • political theory
   • comparative/international politics
4. If you entered the University in Fall 2010 or later (including transfer students), you must take Political Inquiry (PLSC 2901), which will prepare you for in-depth research in the Capstone Seminar in Politics (PLSC 3290). It also prepares qualified students for honors theses. We recommend taking Political Inquiry in your sophomore year.
5. Take the Capstone Seminar in Politics (PLSC 3290) during your senior year.