Capstone in Political Science
The Political Science Capstone course, POL 4991, is required for all political science majors. It is a 3 credit course designed to be a culmination of what students have learned during their time as a political science major. The 3 credits for the course count toward the required 36 overall credits for the major.
The capstone course is typically taught by a faculty member in the comparative politics focus area. The instructor for the course changes every semester, as do some aspects of the course, such as assignments and readings.
Honors students may not need to take POL 4991 and should refer to the BA in Political Science page for more information on the honors thesis.
Multiple Majors
If you are double-majoring in political science and another major in the College of Liberal Arts, you may choose to complete your other major’s capstone instead of the political science capstone. However, if you choose to go this route, the 3 credits from the course still need to be completed. Please check-in with Political Science Undergraduate Advising to make sure this option is available to you and to discuss the APAS adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that these answers are based on previous versions of POL 4991 and are subject to change depending on the instructor and curriculum adjustments.
There technically is no prerequisite course for the capstone, but you do have to be a political science major and senior to take the course.
The capstone project is a component of the course. The project consists of a three-part portfolio: the major narrative, review essay, and poster presentation. To find a more detailed description of the project, review past capstone course syllabi in our syllabi bank.
Yes! Students can tailor all three aspects of their project portfolio to their interests and experiences.
There can be various reading, assignment, and exam components to the capstone course. This is largely dependent on the faculty member teaching the course.
The course is offered usually in-person during the fall and spring semesters. However, the course might also be offered as a remote class during the summer term, when possible.
Yes, the two are different. For more information on the honors thesis, refer to the BA in Political Science page.