What is a "focus?" These are groups of courses the Political Science faculty advise you to take if you want to specialize in a particular part of political science. Your degree will be in Political Science, however, and the name of the focus will not appear on your transcript or diploma. Instead, the Department will issue a certificate or letter verifying that you have completed a focus. This gives you the choice of presenting yourself either as a recipient of a BA in Political Science, when a general degree is called for, or as having completed a more specialized course of study if your professional plans call for that. While completing a focus may be useful for some students, there is no requirement to do so. Simply satisfying the normal requirements for the major will earn you a BA in Political Science and give you greater flexibility in scheduling your courses.

FOCUSES are a new opportunity for students to specialize in a particular area of political science. Our aim is to better 'focus' your studies on the subject within political science that interests you most and to help prepare you for specific careers. Your specialization in these areas will be documented with a certificate from the department.

FOCUSES are not required. The usual political science major remains available and unchanged. This traditionally accepted political science major prepares students for a broad range of careers and offers maximum choice in courses and scheduling.