Political Science, BS
Equip yourself with a variety of problem-solving tools that can be applied to many fields. Develop an understanding of the foundational concepts that shape political science, hone the skills necessary for analyzing complex sociopolitical issues, and work with faculty on current and emerging intellectual theories and policy matters.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Any math course that meets the MATH designation.
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 degree description
The Bachelor of Science program in political science trains you in broad capabilities valued in a highly skilled workforce --- such as data analysis and effective communication as they apply to governance, policy and political theory --- as well as the ability to critically review and analyze policy.
The curriculum enables you to explore how political science concepts can be applied within government and society. You also enjoy individual and group opportunities to work with experienced faculty on concrete intellectual and policy issues.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| ISS 304 Integrated Theories of Social Science |
| POS 110 American Government and Politics |
| POS 150 Comparative Government |
| POS 210 Political Ideologies |
| POS 301 Empirical Political Inquiry |
| POS 401 Political Statistics |
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.
- Analyze political institutions, ideologies, and systems of governance using concepts and theories from political science.
- Apply empirical research methods to questions related to politics, public policy, and governance.
- Develop evidence-based recommendations that address complex public issues by integrating political science concepts with perspectives from related social science disciplines.
- Evaluate the effects of technology on public governance and service delivery.
Analyze political institutions, ideologies, and systems of governance using concepts and theories from political science.
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.
Studying abroad while earning a political science degree adds a global component to students' education, increasing their ability to analyze complex sociopolitical issues and affording them skills and knowledge that prepare them to lead in their chosen career.
Students earn ASU credit for completed courses while they stay on track for graduation, and they may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compliance Manager | 4.9% | $141,900 | Learn more |
| Economist | 4.7% | $124,720 | Learn more |
| Political Analyst | -2.0% | $142,080 | Learn more |
| Political Science Professor | 2.5% | $98,070 | Learn more |
| Regulatory Affairs Manager | 4.9% | $141,900 | Learn more |
| Security Manager | 4.6% | $106,660 | 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
The program serves as excellent preparation for staff, manager or policy analyst positions in local, state and federal government. This degree is recognized by employers as qualification for many careers in business (for-profit and nonprofit) and industry. Opportunities include binational, cross-border positions linking U.S. and Mexican businesses, Arizona-Sonora local government or local community groups on both sides of the border.
Many students use the degree as a gateway to law school or as a basis for further study in such applied fields as:
- community development
- political science
- public administration
- public policy
- social science
- urban affairs
- urban and regional planning
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 Applied Sciences and Arts
|
SANCA 233
CISA@asu.edu
480-727-1526
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.
