Change your Major to Political Science

Practice Politics. Build Skills. Keep Your Options Open.

Our political science major prepares students to analyze data, write persuasively, lead diverse teams, and apply politics in real-world settings, from courthouses to international diplomacy. This is a hands-on political science program where students don’t just study politics, they practice it through real research, real institutions, and real global experiences. In an uncertain world, our political science major gives students adaptable skills, real-world experience, and close faculty mentorship.

Why add the major?

A major that keeps doors open.

One degree, with many paths: law, policy, public administration, analytics, advocacy and beyond, with skills that transfer across industries and careers: quantitative analysis and statistics, writing and argumentation, leadership and teamwork, applied policy skills.

Classes don’t stay in the classroom.

From writing and defending your own senior thesis to taking a course in a real courthouse, students gain hands-on experience to build your resume through Mock Trial, Model UN/OAS, and immersive field opportunities on study abroad trips.

You'll Belong Here.

This is a program where students feel supported, seen, and guided. Faculty work closely with students one-on-one, ensuring personalized mentorship, a strong sense of belonging, and clear support for careers.

A serious education with ample opportunity.

You get a serious, hands-on education with real-world training in Southern California. The major offers access to courts, government agencies, nonprofits, and international networks, so the value of your degree extends well beyond the classroom.

What are the requirements to switch?

Currently enrolled Cal Poly �ǿմ�ý students may switch into the Political Science major if they meet the following criteria:

Completion of at least one full semester at Cal Poly �ǿմ�ý (with grades posted)
A minimum 2.0 GPA in all categories (overall, CPP, and major GPA, if applicable and viewable on your Degree Progress Report)

Undeclared students are welcome to declare Political Science.

Not sure if you qualify? Schedule a Zoom or in-person meeting with Dr. Guerrero to talk through your situation and next steps.

Students interested in adding Political Science as a double major must be within 32 units of degree completion, per university policy.

A meeting with Dr. Guerrero is required to discuss planning and unit strategies. To start the process, and email Dr. Guerrero at mag@cpp.edu to set up a Zoom or in person meeting.

Build Your Resume

Research You Can Show

Senior Thesis Author • Data Analysis • Research Design Write and defend an original senior thesis while building skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis, argumentation, and research methods. You graduate with a substantial, self-directed project you can list on resumes, applications, and portfolios.

Experience in Real Institutions, at Home and Abroad

Mock Trial Competitor • Model UN Delegate • Court-Based Coursework • International NGO Field Study �ǿմ�ý political science in real-world settings, from courthouses and national political events to NGO-focused study abroad in Costa Rica, Panama, Singapore, Japan, the UK, and Scotland. These experiences show employers you can operate across institutions, cultures, and contexts.

Leadership and Professional Skills

Team Lead • Policy Analyst • Collaborative Project Lead Develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills through group projects, presentations, and applied coursework. Employers see evidence of initiative, cultural competency, and the ability to work across difference.

Research You Can Show

Senior Thesis Author • Data Analysis • Research Design Write and defend an original senior thesis while building skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis, argumentation, and research methods. You graduate with a substantial, self-directed project you can list on resumes, applications, and portfolios.

Experience in Real Institutions, at Home and Abroad

Mock Trial Competitor • Model UN Delegate • Court-Based Coursework • International NGO Field Study �ǿմ�ý political science in real-world settings, from courthouses and national political events to NGO-focused study abroad in Costa Rica, Panama, Singapore, Japan, the UK, and Scotland. These experiences show employers you can operate across institutions, cultures, and contexts.

Leadership and Professional Skills

Team Lead • Policy Analyst • Collaborative Project Lead Develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills through group projects, presentations, and applied coursework. Employers see evidence of initiative, cultural competency, and the ability to work across difference.

Directions

The Department of Political Science welcomes new majors thought the academic year. Political science is one of the most versatile social degrees, teaching majors an extensive skillset that lead to a variety of different career paths. In 2019, the median salary for graduates with a BA in political science is over $122,220.

How do I change my major to political science?

Students should declare a major as soon as possible.
Make sure you have grades on file. If you are new to Cal Poly �ǿմ�ý, you must have a full semester worth of grades before you switch into the major.Check GPA requirements. To successfully switch into the major, your CPP GPA must be over 2.0. Your overall GPA must be over 2.0. You can check your GPAs on BroncoDirect.
Course requirements. There are no course pre-requisites to switch into the major.
Declare the major. Submit the online change of major form. This is a simple form that should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.
Make an appointment with Dr. Guerrero. After you have submitted the form, email the department chair, Dr. Mario Guerrero (mag@cpp.edu), to set up a short Zoom advising meeting. Your change of major will not be approved until you meet with the department chair. You can also visit Dr. Guerrero's faculty webpage for his current office hours.

Why should I become a political science major?

As a political science major, you will find yourself immersed in a dynamic field that offers unparalleled opportunities for academic growth and real-world engagement. Our department boasts world-class faculty, renowned for their cutting-edge research, who actively involve students in their endeavors. With a strong emphasis on undergraduate research, all students have the chance to undertake year-long projects, delving deep into topics of their choice. Moreover, our tight-knit community fosters connections through activities like the Political Science Club, where ideas are exchanged and friendships forged. For those with a passion for international relations and diplomacy, our Model UN and Model OAS teams consistently excel on a national stage, traveling to prestigious conferences in New York City and Washington DC. Additionally, our Judicial Internship program offers invaluable firsthand experience shadowing judges and lawyers in the LA District Courts. But the excitement doesn't end there; our upper-division courses offer optional travel opportunities to places like the Iowa Caucuses, Hawaii, Italy, Switzerland, England, and Japan, providing a global perspective that enriches classroom learning. Being a political science major isn't just cool—it's an adventure that prepares you for a world of possibilities.