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Politics and the Economy, BS

Would you like a deeper understanding of political and economic problems in the global context? You can gain a solid foundation in both economics and political science while using quantitative analysis and modeling to learn how you can make a difference in addressing important world issues.

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A speaker addresses an audience, connecting public policy and economics in ASU's Politics and the Economy, BS program.

Quick facts

Courses

120 credit hours
Math intensity: Moderate program math intensity moderate
First required math course: MAT 210 - Brief Calculus
Any math course that meets the MATH designation, except MAT 114 College Mathematics.
View more details

Additional facts

STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Degree description

The Bachelor of Science program in politics and the economy prepares you for careers that require a sophisticated understanding of the relationship between politics and the economy.

This program was created in response to the growing recognition that many of the world's most pressing problems (e.g., growth and development, tax reforms and climate change) are fundamentally political and economic problems. The program combines core courses in economics and political science. Using the combined strengths of the Department of Economics and the School of Politics and Global Studies, the program enables you to gain strong quantitative and modeling skills and a rich understanding of political context.

In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you're interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.

Courses

Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.

Sample courses
POS 110 American Government and Politics
POS 150 Comparative Government
ECN 211 Macroeconomic Principles
ECN 212 Microeconomic Principles
POS 210 Political Ideologies
ECN 312 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory

Course checksheet and curriculum archive

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

What If

Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).

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.

See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)

What you'll learn

The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.

  • Evaluate the impacts of a public policy using economic and social science methods.
  • Communicate using clear and concise language on topics related to political science and economics.
  • Apply social science research methods in research design.

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)

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.


Explore expanded study opportunities

This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Graduate advisor
Bridget Perez
480-965-8563
spgs@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-8563
Learn more about this program

Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

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.

Global experience

Students can examine politics and economics from others' standpoints while studying abroad. With more than 300 Global Education programs available, students can tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. It can help them explore how other countries and cultures approach their most pressing problems, giving students insights they can apply in their future careers.

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

Build the career and future you want

Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:

Career opportunities showing job titles, projected growth rates, median salaries, and links to detailed information
Career Growth Median Salary More Information
Compliance Manager 4.9% $141,900
Economist 4.7% $124,720
Environmental Economist 4.7% $124,720
Investment Fund Manager 9.7% $166,570
Lawyer 4.7% $159,670
Market Research Analyst 7.0% $78,760
Political Analyst -2.0% $142,080
Politician Not available Not available
Regulatory Affairs Manager 4.9% $141,900

Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.

Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


More about careers

According to external forecasters of employment growth (U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. News & World Report), overall employment in life, physical and social science occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2024 to 2034. The demand for graduates grounded in economics and political science is driven by the growing complexity of the global economy, the increased implementation of financial regulations in wealthier nations and the growing competitiveness of the business environment.

In terms of specific sectors, graduates are well prepared for entry positions in government at all levels --- local, state and federal --- and in business, economic and political consulting, and law. They are also prepared to pursue advanced degrees in law, business, economics or political science.

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 Politics and Global Studies and Economics Program in CLAS | CRTVC 412
wpcareyecn@asu.edu
480-965-3531

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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