Political Science, BA
Interested in heading to law school, working on political campaigns or serving as a diplomat? Explore how political institutions, public policies and governing systems shape societies. Build your research, analysis and persuasive communication skills so you're ready for a variety of careers, both inside and outside government.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
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
Political Science, BA degree description
The Bachelor of Arts program in political science uncovers politics and policy at the local, national and global levels. The program aims to provide you with the tools and skills you need to link theory with current problems, producing well-rounded learners with strong research and writing skills.
You examine how citizens interact with their governments and how governments at all levels formulate policies to serve, or not serve, their citizens. You explore innovative approaches to today's emerging political challenges, such as those seen in elections and lobbying, and the international issues of terrorism, diplomacy and empowerment.
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are 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.
Why study political science at ASU?
At ASU, you'll learn from leading scholars and practitioners in political science, campaigns and elections, public policy and United States politics. You'll examine the connections between political institutions, public sentiment and public policy while learning to communicate complex ideas accurately to decision-makers.
This program builds your professional readiness through two, semester-long diplomacy simulation courses and a requirement to complete an internship, global experience or professional development course. Current students and recent graduates have pointed to the number, variety and quality of internships as something that sets the school apart from other units.
ASU maintains campuses in Arizona, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., along with global programs and research centers. Those Phoenix and beyond connections give you the chance to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings and expand your network.
You can join also faculty-led research or pursue an Accelerated Master's pathway to the Master of Arts in political science, which lets high-achieving students start graduate coursework while finishing the bachelor's degree.
Additional details
Beyond your coursework, you can get involved in student organizations that deepen your interest in government and politics studies. Model United Nations at ASU brings students together to research complex global issues, discuss international affairs, and simulate the work of the United Nations.
You can also work toward membership in Pi Sigma Alpha, the national honors society that recognizes scholarship and excellence among political science students.
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 |
| POS 210 Political Ideologies |
| POS 301 Empirical Political Inquiry |
| POS 304 Professional Career Development |
| POS 484 Internship |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
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.
- Apply a key political ideology, Classical Liberalism, to a public policy.
- Communicate using clear and concise language on topics related to political science.
- Apply social science research methods in research design.
Apply a key political ideology, Classical Liberalism, to a public policy.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 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:
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.
Students can experience firsthand the diverse political and social powers governing communities around the globe. With more than 300 Global Education programs available to them, students can tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Students majoring in political science can develop a global perspective on politics and public affairs in countries with regimes that have distinctive characteristics.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these global experience programs for students majoring in political science.
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 receive 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 | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Analyst | 10.1% | $101,860 | Learn more |
| Intelligence Officer | 0.2% | $93,790 | Learn more |
| Law Clerk | 2.8% | $64,920 | Learn more |
| Lawyer | 4.7% | $159,670 | Learn more |
| Marketing Manager | 6.9% | $166,790 | Learn more |
| Paralegal | -0.3% | $62,890 | Learn more |
| Political Analyst | -2.0% | $142,080 | Learn more |
| Politician | Not available | Not available | Learn more |
| Public Relations Manager (PR Manager) | 5.7% | $146,910 | Learn more |
| Regulatory Affairs Manager | 4.9% | $141,900 | Learn more |
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
Careers this political science degree prepares you for
Graduates have the skills to analyze and interpret the significance and dynamics of political events and governmental processes. This knowledge, combined with related skills, equips them for success in political or governmental careers, law school, graduate study, business and the nonprofit sector. Many program graduates have found positions in:
- the courts and judicial administration
- foreign service organizations
- international organizations
- legislative staff organizations
- lobbying and advocacy groups
- local and national media organizations
- local, national and global nonprofit organizations
- multinational corporations
- national, state and local government agencies
- political consulting
- research institutions
In addition, some graduates have gone on to other top-tier graduate and professional schools. These students have found a variety of employment opportunities in:
- communication
- education
- foreign service
- journalism
- law
- political science
- public service
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
|
COOR 6797
spgs-ugadvising@asu.edu
480-965-8563
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.
