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Great Books in Political Thought, Certificate

Examine enduring questions about justice, liberty, democracy and power while connecting classic ideas to today's political issues. This certificate strengthens any major, humanities, STEM, business or public service, with a foundation in ethical reasoning and political thought.

A student in a blazer sits on a leather sofa in a  School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership library setting, showcasing the field explored in the certificate in Great Books in Political Thought

Quick facts

Additional facts

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Certificate description

Great Books in Political Thought undergraduate certificate description

This certificate program in great books in political thought teaches you the foundational great books, focusing on political thought and the Western civic tradition. Beginning with the classics like Plato, Aristotle and the Bible; moving to medieval thought with Augustine and Aquinas; and then to early and late modern authors such as Machiavelli, Locke, Rousseau, Montesquieu, Burke and Marx with other great writers like Tocqueville and Hawthorne, this program helps you engage with impactful texts that have been thought and debated through recorded history and were instrumental in shaping political ideas and institutions today.

GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.

Why earn a great books in political thought undergraduate certificate at ASU?

ASU's great books in political thought certificate sets itself apart by pairing the study of foundational political texts with an interdisciplinary, hands-on approach to civic leadership and public problem solving.

Housed in ASU's School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, the program lets you learn from faculty versed in political philosophy, history, economics and constitutional studies through discussion-based courses built on close reading, civil discourse and analytical writing. You'll also tap into ASU's wealth of undergraduate research, internships, civic engagement, leadership programming and ties to public policy and community organizations.

Courses

Course checksheet and curriculum archive

The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.

Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.

If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.

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Admission requirements

Here are the admission and application details

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before an undergraduate degree is completed. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.


Explore expanded study opportunities

When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Career opportunities

Careers this great books in political thought undergraduate certificate prepares you for

Graduates are prepared with key, specialized knowledge on political thought and civics. They can expect to specialize in their chosen career paths, such as a classical charter school teacher, professor, political scientist or news analyst.

Contact information

Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.

School of Civic & Economic Thought and Leadership | COOR 6611
scetladvising@asu.edu
480-965-0155

Frequently asked questions about degree programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

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