HOURS
Fall Semester
LITERATURE (2303, 2309, 2319, 2329) Pols 3000 Life and Physical Science HIST 1302 SOCIAL SCIENCE
Spring Semester
LITERATURE(2303, 2309, 2319, 2329) Pols 3000 Life and Physical Science Creative Arts SOCIAL SCIENCE
POLS ELECTIVE ELECTIVE or MINOR ELECTIVE or MINOR ELECTIVE or MINOR ELECTIVE or MINOR
ENGL 1301 LANGUAGE 1441 MATH 1301 POLS 2311 UNIV 1301
Summer (Optional)
POLITICAL THOUGHT POLS CLASS POLS CLASS COMS (1301, 2305, 3302 or 3315) SOCIAL SCIENCE
RESEARCH METHODS POLS CLASS POLS CLASS ELECTIVE or MINOR ELECTIVE or MINOR
ENGL 1302 LANGUAGE 1442 MATH 1308 POLS 2312 HIST 1301
1st Year
30
POLS ELECTIVE POLS ELECTIVE POLS ELECTIVE ELECTIVE or MINOR ELECTIVE or MINOR
3rd Year
plan for success
4th Year
120
2nd Year
TOTAL DEGREE HOURS
Beginning the Journey
Trailblazing the Path
Be Bold. Be Ambitious. Set Yourself Apart.
ENGAGE
global engagement
Learn how to improve academic performance Explore tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, writing support, and study groups
Explore student groups within your major, college, and university, e.g., Pi Sigma Alpha, SOPA Get to know people in your classes
*You can ask your freshman advisor about what these requirements are
Explore model UN, NATO Attend lectures Take courses in international and comparative politics
Destination Graduation
Take POLS 3310 early in your career Attend public lectures/events on campus (Maverick Speakers Series Events, POLS Week events, Pi Sigma Alpha/SOPA-sponsored talks Consider the Fast Track MA program Consider applying for research/internship opportunities (Saxe Fellows, Archer Fellowship) Consider the UROP program Explore the different optional specializations Talk to your professors about their research (and whether they need research assistance)
leadership development
Design your journey
community engagement
Maverick Advantage
Take courses in leadership Be a mentor Become a POLS ambassador Run for an officer position in a student organization
Review core curriculum requirements Visit student success and complete self-assessments to identify strengths Use Focus 2 Career Assessment Tool at Student Success Meet with a POLS advisor early Take UNIV1101 or 1301
Become a POLS ambassador Consider running for office in Pi Sigma Alpha/SOPA Be a mentor and share your experiences with incoming students
Strive to meet requirements for Pi Sigma Alpha Explore the Honors College requirements Participate in COLA’s Spotlight on Research Participate in the department’s annual Poster Session celebration of research Apply for scholarships (departmental and university) Consider the Archer Fellowship program Build relationships with faculty who will be able to write letters of recommendation for you Create a portfolio of class assignments
Career Development
Attend department, college, and university awards ceremonies Consider participating in UTA ring ceremony Take steps to attend graduation
EXCEL
undergraduate research
Take courses in civic engagement Participate in UTA Volunteers Do a service learning project Participate in service projects with campus organizations
Career Assessment Tool Self-assessments Internships Explore career options Strive to meet PSA requirements Finalize your resume Participate in on-campus interviews
Take 3310 early in your career Consider becoming a Saxe Scholar Explore opportunities to work with faculty on research Consider the UROP program and the McNair Scholars program, if eligible
EDUCATE
Explore career options and graduate school Attend POLS-sponsored information sessions Consider an internship or service learning Make sure all transfer transcripts are submitted
Participate in Test Drive (attend graduate classes) Visit the Career Development Center and finalize your resume Participate in on-campus interviews for jobs Apply for graduate school or law school
Career Readiness
Workforce Skills
Explore workforce skill development through on and off-campus activities Engage with the UTA Career Development Center at uta.edu/careers Meet with a career consultant Network with employers Discover internships and co-ops Apply for on-campus employment Join Handshake, our career services platform Participate in career development programs In addition, students are required to complete a research methods/data analysis course
Application of Theoretical Frameworks to Concrete, “Real-World” Examples Data Analysis, Both Quantitative (Through the Use of Descriptive Analysis and Inferential Statistics) and Qualitative (Text and Content Analysis) Data Collection (Interviewing, Survey Design, Experiments, Use of Primary Source Data) Develop Strong Sense of Civic Engagement Evaluate Community Problems and Propose Policy Solutions Evaluate the Quality of Information and Arguments Exceptionally Strong Written and Oral Communication Skills, Including Targeting the Style and Content for Appropriate Audiences (For Example, Op-Eds, White Papers, Persuasive/Argumentative Essays) Problem Solving and Teamwork (Including Active Listening and Collaboration), and Consensus-Building Turn Complex Data into Usable Information Understand Global and International Dynamics Understand and Appreciate Diverse Cultural Perspectives
Find your career
Take Action
Activist/Advocate/Organizer Ambassador Attorney Banking Analyst or Executive Campaign Operative CIA Analyst or Agent City Planner Communications Director Congressional Office/ Committee Staffer Corporation Legislative Issues Manager FBI Agent Foreign Service Officer Free Lance Writer High School Government Teacher Immigration Officer Journalist Lobbyist Mediator Policy Analyst Political Consultant Pollster Research Analyst State Legislator Teacher University Professor Urban Policy Planner Web Content Editor Writer
What career options do I have with this major?
Communication: Develop and articulate ideas clearly and effectively across all mediums, including but not limited to written, oral, and digital communication. Critical Thinking: Analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems by using sound reasoning before forming a strategy, decision, or opinion. Teamwork/Collaboration: Work within a team and foster collaborative relationships with peers and supervisors. Use interpersonal skills to demonstrate respect and dignity for others while working toward a common goal.
Visit uta.edu/student-success/major_maps for the latest version of this major map.