Undergraduate Program

The Major
Major Requirements: Ten courses in political science, at least eight of which must be at or above the 100 level. Among the ten courses taken at least one course must be in each of the four fields and at least one course taken at Duke at the 200-299 level. The department also requires that each major select one area of concentration in consultation with their advisor.

An area of concentration is defined as five courses, at least one of which must be at the 200 level. The four areas of concentration are the same as the four fields of political science: American government and politics (A), comparative government and politics (B), political theory: normative (C-N) and empirical and methodology (C-E), international relations, law, and politics (D).

Of the ten required political science courses, at least eight must be Duke courses taught by a member of the Duke instructional staff. However, this requirement may be reduced to seven courses if the student (1) is taking political science courses in a year-long study abroad through either a Duke-administered or Duke-approved program, or (2) transferred to Duke after completing two undergraduate years at another institution; or (3) completed one semester at an approved study abroad program and one semester in the Washington Semester Program at American University.

The Minor
Minor Requirements: A minimum of five courses in political science, no more than two of which may be numbered less than 100. Four courses must be Duke courses taught by a member of the Duke instructional staff, but one course may be a transfer course. Courses taken Pass/Fail and Advanced Placement courses DO NOT satisfy course requirements for the minor.