Foreign Affairs
Politics Major Requirements
We offer two majors: Government and Foreign Affairs. Students can also minor in each.
The Department offers two special programs for students interested in conducting original research: the Distinguished Majors Program and the Honors Program.
All majors take courses in four subfields – American Politics (PLAP), Comparative Politics (PLCP), International Relations (PLIR), and Political Theory (PLPT) – with some classes, including in research methods, that cut across these fields (PLAD). Majors take courses across all subfields, but with different concentrations. Government Majors concentrate in American Politics or Political Theory. Foreign Affairs Majors concentrate on global politics, combining courses in Comparative Politics and International Relations.
Both Government and Foreign Affairs majors must complete 30 credits of course work in the Department of Politics plus 12 credits of related coursework, as specified below.
Use the "How to Declare" button for information on major requirements, prerequisites, double majoring, dual enrollment, declaring a major, and AP credit.
Note: the information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements. These publications may be found at https://records.ureg.virginia.edu/.