MIT Political Science

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS  |  Undergraduate Studies

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Major in Political Science

Would you like to know more about the connection between science, technology and public policy? Do you think it matters whether the United States takes the lead in promoting laws and policies that protect the environment and stop global warming? Are you concerned about problems of poverty, hunger and homelessness in this country and in other parts of the world? What are some of the conflicts between national security and individual freedom after September 11, 2001?  Do you care whether Democrats, Republicans or Independents are elected to office in the United States? Whatever your point of view you can begin a path that can help you to make a difference with a political science degree.

Major Requirements

I. ONE CLASS FROM EACH OF THE FOLLOWING FIELDS:
(48 units)  

Political Philosophy or Theory
examples include:
17.007J  Feminist Political Thought
17.01J    Justice
17.03  Introduction to Political Thought
 
United States Politics
examples include:
17.20  Introduction to American Political Process
17.251 Congress and the American Political System I
17.265 Public Opinion and American Democracy

Public Policy    
examples include:
17.30J  Making Public Policy
17.309J  Science, Technology, and Public Policy
17.315  Health Policy

Politics of Foreign Countries / International Relations / Comparative Politics
examples include:
17.42  Causes and Prevention of War
17.447  Cyberpolitics in International Relations
17.473 The Politics of Nuclear Proliferation

II. BOTH OF THESE CLASSES ARE REQUIRED
(27 units – taken junior year)
17.869 Political Science Scope and Methods (CI-M, 12 units)
Introduces principles of empirical and theoretical analysis in political science through research projects currently conducted in the department. Introduces students to major research questions in political science - and to different ways of examining those questions. Emphasizes how this research in progress relates to larger themes, and how researchers confront obstacles to inference in political science. Includes substantial instruction and practice in writing (with revision) and oral presentations.

17.871 Political Science Laboratory (LAB, 15 units)
Introduces students to the conduct of political research using quantitative methodologies. The methods are examined in the context of specific political research activities like public opinion surveys, voting behavior, Congressional behavior, comparisons of political processes in different countries, and the evaluation of public policies. Students participate in joint class projects and conduct individual projects. Does not count toward HASS Requirement.

III. THESIS RESEARCH AND WRITING
(minimum of 24 units)

17.THT Thesis Research Design Seminar (CI-M, 12 units)
First semester senior year
Seminar participants will develop their own research topics, review relevant research and scholarship, frame their research questions and arguments, choose an appropriate methodology for analysis, and draft the introductory and methodology sections of their theses.

17.THU Thesis (minimum of 12 units)
Second semester senior year
Students work directly with a faculty advisor and second reader in a program of research and writing leading to the writing of an S.B. thesis.

IV. CHOOSE AT LEAST THREE POLITICAL SCIENCE ELECTIVES
(36 units)
Three additional political science subjects representing a coherent plan of study. Specific subjects satisfying these criteria should be chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor.
These classes will add up to approximately 135 units.