Declaring a Major or Minor, Barnard Political Science

Declaring a Major or Minor in Political Science:

The Major
You may declare a major in political science during the second semester of your sophomore year or any time thereafter. The Major Form is available at the Registrar's Office in Milbank Hall or in the Departmental Office. After you have decided on an adviser (See "Get or Change an Adviser") you see this professor (not the Chair) to obtain an approval signature. You then file the copy with the Department Administrator in 417A Lehman Hall and the original with the Registrar. For details, please go to Requirements.

Please note that a class taken Pass/D/Fail cannot be used toward any major or minor.

The Minor
You declare a minor in political science any time after you have completed five courses in political science or in the second semester of your senior year. The Minor Form is available at the Registrar's Office in Milbank Hall. Obtain the Department Chair's signature and then file the copy with the Department Administrator in 417A Lehman Hall and the original with the Registrar. For the five courses necessary to complete a minor, see Requirements.
Declaring a Double, Combined or Special Major:

Please note that a class taken Pass/D/Fail cannot be used toward any major or minor.

Double Major and Double Major: One Integrating Senior Essay
A double major means that you intend to complete the major requirements in two departments with no overlapping courses. However, regarding the senior essay requirement you have two options:
- You can choose to write one integrating essay that will satisfy the senior essay requirements in both majors. Both departments must agree on your essay grade, including possible Distinction.
  OR
- You can choose to write two distinct senior essays, one for each of the two major departments.
In either case you will need an essay sponsor from each of the two departments with whom you must consult on a regular basis throughout the two-semester senior research seminar. Both departments must agree on your potential Departmental Honors nomination.

You declare a double major any time during the second semester of your sophomore year or any time thereafter. The forms are available at the Registrar's Office in Milbank Hall. Note: if you are doing a complete double major, use the "Major" form; if you are doing one senior essay, use the "Double Major-One Integrating Senior Project" form.
After you have decided on an adviser in political science (See "Get or Change an Adviser"), meet with this major adviser and obtain an approval signature. After you have taken the necessary steps in the other major department, including selecting your second major adviser, file one copy with the Political Science Administrator in Room 417-A Lehman Hall, one copy with your second department and the original with the Registrar.
See also Types of Majors.

Combined Major
A combined major is a program of study that allows you to create your own major from course offerings in two or more departments. It culminates with an integrating senior essay, requiring an adviser (a.k.a. essay sponsor) from each of the departments. Unless that particular course combination is listed in the Barnard Catalogue (e.g. a combined major with Human Rights, Jewish Studies or Women's Studies), you must petition the Committee on Programs and Academic Standing (CPAS) and receive the approval of the Chairs of the sponsoring departments. Obtain forms and instructions from your Class Dean in the Dean of Studies Office. The departments must agree on your senior essay grade, including possible Distinction, and on your potential Departmental Honors nomination. For the necessary courses, see Requirements.
See also Types of Majors.

Special Major
A special major is a major designed by you and not normally offered at Barnard; that is, it is not listed in the catalogue. A list of courses that satisfy the special major must be approved by the Committee on Programs and Academic Standing. A special major does not necessarily involve more than one department. If it does, both departments must agree on your senior essay grade, including possible Distinction, and on your potential Departmental Honors nomination. Obtain forms and instructions from your Class Dean in the Dean of Studies Office.
See also Types of Majors.