2026-2027 Binghamton University Academic Guide
Department of Political Science
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 Return to: Harpur College of Arts and Sciences
Political science studies and evaluates theories and practices of politics and government at various levels-domestic, foreign and international. Depending on the area studied, particular emphasis may be given to the role and performance of institutions and political systems, to the political behavior of individuals and groups, or to questions of a philosophical nature.
Courses in political science are structured on three levels: introductory (numbered below 200); upper-level intermediate (300-399); and advanced (400-499). Unless otherwise specified, courses above 400 may be counted toward the department’s seminar requirements. There are four introductory courses that assume no prior background in the discipline: PLSC 111 (Introduction to American Politics), PLSC 113 (Introduction to Comparative Politics), PLSC 115 (Introduction to Ideas and Politics), and PLSC 117 (Introduction to World Politics). These serve as prerequisites for more advanced courses but may not be required of students who have equivalent prior coursework in political science or related disciplines, including Advanced Placement credit in American government or comparative politics.
The Department of Political Science also offers a graduate program of study leading to the Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. The primary goal of both the MA and PhD programs is to educate scholars who will contribute to the development of political science through careers in teaching and research.
The program emphasizes a broad-based theoretical understanding of political behavior and institutions coupled with the ability to carry out systematic empirical analysis. Students pursuing the PhD are normally required to take five semesters of coursework, including five courses providing training in research methodology and statistics. Students choose two primary substantive fields from among the subfields of American Politics, Comparative Politics or International Relations.
Honors Program
Superior students majoring in political science are considered for admission to the honors program upon the successful completion of five semesters or SO-credit hours (including at least 24 in political science). The program consists of a six-credit research project (PLSC 498 with a grade of B+ or better) in the first semester of the senior year, one graduate seminar in either the fall or spring semester, a six-credit thesis project (PLSC 499), and a successful defense of an honors thesis in the spring semester. Students should consult with the departmental honors director or the director of undergraduate studies for full information.
Programs
Return to: Harpur College of Arts and Sciences
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