Major in Political Science

Students learn about political processes, governance, and theories of political life while gaining critical knowledge of political and legal systems that shape society. Our majors develop skills to make a tangible impact on the everyday lives of the people and places in their community and beyond.

Students chose our major because of the exciting and relevant course content, the quality of teaching, academic freedoms, and educational opportunities offered both inside and outside the classroom. Individual courses are demanding, but the major requires only a modest number of credits, allowing students more flexibility.

Specializations

Majors are not required to specialize in any particular political science sub-field. However, our department specializations make it possible for students to create their own programs and delve deeply into a specific area of study. Majors may also choose to develop a broad understanding of local, national, and global politics by taking courses across various specializations. In this way, a specialization is possible but is never formally declared.

Coursework Requirements

Students must complete at least 30 credits of POLS courses with a C or better grade in each course. At least 24 of these credits must be POLS 399 or lower, including:

One three-credit introductory course at the 100- or 200-level
12 credits (4 classes) from the following:
- POLS 335: History of Political Thought (3);
- POLS 301: Hawai‘i Politics (3) or POLS 302: Native Hawaiian Politics (3);
- POLS 305: Global Politics/Comparative (3) or POLS 315 Global Politics/International Relations (3),
- and either POLS 375: Constitutional Law I: Institutional Power (3), POLS 376: Constitutional Law II: Rights and Liberties (3), or POLS 385: American Politics (3)
POLS 390: Political Inquiry and Analysis (3)
Nine credits (3 classes) of POLS electives
- Three credits from any other 100-level or higher, and
- Six credits from any other 300-level or higher course (excluding courses listed in the second bullet)
At least three credits from a Capstone 400-level course (POLS 401–406) or a Graduate-level course with instructor permission

Capstone

Majors must take one Capstone course (POLS 401–406) in their senior year. Students may take more than one if they choose. Options include:

I. Research

The research experience will enable students to write a scholarly paper of potentially publishable quality.

POLS 404: Senior Thesis (3) - Students will work with an advisor of their choice in designing and carrying out an individual research project. Students can complete work within the Honors Program.
POLS 406: Senior Seminar in Political Science (3) - An advanced inquiry into a selected question or area in Political Science. Each semester's class will reflect the instructor's area of specialization. Students will write a significant research paper or the equivalent.
Graduate Seminar - Students who take a graduate seminar in Political Science will complete three credits and fulfill their capstone requirements.

II. Teaching

POLS 401: Teaching Political Science (6) - The teaching experience will enable students to assist in teaching a college-level course to fellow students. The following conditions must be met:

Students must have permission from an instructor to work with them on a course. Faculty should be approached individually regarding their interest in mentoring a student through the process.
Students must have taken the course for which they will be a teaching assistant or a commensurate course as determined by the faculty involved.
Students must have received an A in the course.
The instructor and student will devise a set of expectations regarding the work that will be required for the course. This may include:
- Grading tests and quizzes
- Facilitating discussion
- Delivering a guest lecture
- Supporting study sessions and advising
- Other duties
Students should attend all classes along with the instructor.
Students will not be the sole teacher in the course but instead will be mentored by the faculty instructor.

III. Community Action/Field Work

The community experience will enable students to develop significant leadership and organizational skills and participate in a political organization or community group.

POLS 402: Legislative Internship (V) - Students are placed with a State Legislator and work full–time in the Legislator’s office, gaining an understanding of Hawaiʻi state politics and developing skills in policy analysis, organizational practices, and community leadership. Offered each spring. Students receive 15 credits for this full–time internship.
POLS 403: Community Internship (V) - Students spend 8–10 hours per week working with a community organization or agency, learning about local political practices and community activities. Students typically receive three credits for this internship.

Students can plan/track degree progress using Program Sheet & Academic Plan and STAR Degree Check.

For inquiries on undergraduate study, see Undergraduate Advising.