College of Liberal & Creative Arts
B.A. and M.A. degrees.
Coursework in American politics, comparative politics, political theory, public law, quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Particular strengths in comparative/non-Western political theory, the politics and electoral behavior of traditionally under-represented groups in the United States, contentious politics and social movements, public law.
Rigorous and interdisciplinary research and engaged pedagogy.
Mostly "brick-and-mortar" courses but many online courses.
Some highlights to consider:
- All core classes and the GWAR require a C- or above to count for graduation.
- Only 3 units of lower-division classes can count towards the PLSI electives.
- Take PLSI 300 as soon as you can, since it is required for some other important courses that can help you develop important skills in empirical research.
- We have several internship courses, PLSI 603/604 for general political internships, and a judicial internship, PLSI 610/611. These offer important opportunities for work experience related to the major.
- The department has some scholarships and awards. Apply for them!
Access the list of the major requirements to better understand the structure of the major.
The roadmap puts all of your graduation requirements into an easy-to-follow semester-by-semester plan so you know what to take to stay on track. Whether you are a freshman or a transfer student, you'll be able to find a roadmap that best fits you.
Besides your major requirements, students must complete their GE and University requirements. Be sure to make sure you've completed all of these requirements for graduation.
To learn more about this major, check out the major department’s website below. You can also find out how you can access their faculty advisors who can assist you not just with course choices, but also answer questions about the field and discuss your career plans.
Department of Political Science
Humanities (HUM) Building and Room 304 - The department is physically closed but "virtually" open. Please refer to our phone number, email and website (below) for contact.
Phone: (415) 338-2247
Email: plsi@sfsu.edu
Website: https://politicalscience.sfsu.edu/
Chair: Nicole Watts
Freshmen Student Advising Information
After choosing “Basic Subjects” GE courses in Steps 1-3 of your Orientation process (if you haven’t done so, log onto your Orientation Profile page to follow the “Pre-Orientation Advising Module”), STEP 4 Choosing Major Classes will show you if there are any classes you can take to satisfy major requirements for your first and/or second semester.
Once you have determined your Roadmap above, review the first section below and write down any course recommendations based on your corresponding major roadmap on your Freshmen Class Planner worksheet.
Students can select from any of the 3 required lower division courses they should complete during your first two years:
PLSI 200 Introduction to American Politics (course also satisfies USG/CSLG of GE area D)
PLSI 250 Comparative Politics
PLSI 275 Introduction to Political Theory.
Most commonly, students take PLSI 200 in their first semester, PLSI 250 in their second semester and PLSI 275 in their third semester.
Scores of 3-5 in AP US Government would satisfy the PLSI 200 requirement. Scores of 3-5 or AP Comparative Government would satisfy the PLSI 250 requirement.
Graduates are prepared for careers in government organizations, civic groups, political parties, political consulting, teaching, policy work, lobbying, campaign management, political polling, and media.
Our public law and Moot Court programs, in particular, prepare students for law school and careers in law.
Other career options include international businesses, multinational corporations, and international organizations.
Transfer Student Advising Information
Please see the box above labeled “Major Curriculum/Roadmaps & GE/University Requirements” for information on what courses to take in your first semester at SF State. View our Frequently Asked Questions for Transfers for helpful tips and additional information.