High school students thinking about a major in political science should follow the college prep curriculum in their high school. Courses that provide exceptional preparation include English composition, mathematics, and the natural and physical sciences. Foreign language and high school social science will be helpful as will culture and humanities work, but writing and clear thinking are the most important skills that students can master. Students majoring in political science at Ohio State need to work closely with their faculty adviser. The GEC is a body of courses designed to ensure that each student becomes acquainted with the basic areas of academic study.
Some majors also require completion of a foreign language requirement.
A major in political science must include at least 40 course credit hours at the 200 level or above including 25 hours at the 500 level or above. There are no prerequisites for the major beyond those imposed by the University to transfer from UVC to the Colleges of the Arts and Sciences, but there are some additional rules, and all major programs must be approved by a political science adviser. To meet the requirements, students can select from more than 60 courses numbered from 201 to 694. Most courses are offered at least once per year, with some offered quarterly. Students should check with an adviser in the department to be sure that they are familiar with the requirements that apply to them.