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Political Science ,BA

Political Science, BA


Border, Campaigner, Humanitarian, International Politics, International Relations, Latin America, Legislation, Policy, Policy Analyst, Political Science, Politician, Public Policy, World Affairs, politics

Go beyond a basic understanding of the American political system, and develop the critical thinking and research skills you'll need to analyze complex sociopolitical issues. Cultivating your knowledge of the field and honing your ability to evaluate evidence prepare you for a variety of opportunities. This program is offered at ASU's West Valley campus.

Program description

Political science is the study of governmental practices, politics and theories. Coursework in the BA program in political science covers American institutions, international relations, political theory and world affairs.

The program helps students gain a basic understanding of the assumptions underlying political science, conduct meaningful research and formulate arguments. Students learn through internships, service-learning and research opportunities, in addition to coursework.

The BS program requires a quantitative methods course, and the Bachelor of Arts program requires a qualitative methods course.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: West Valley campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees. Students should click the link for more information and eligibility requirements of the WUE program.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
    or any math course that meets the MA designation
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

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

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities
Global experience

Through study abroad, students can experience firsthand the diverse political and social powers affecting communities around the globe. Students in political science can enhance their learning by gaining a global perspective on political theory and world affairs.

With more than 300 programs available to them, students can tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Programs exist in diverse countries, such as those ruled by communist or monarchical regimes. More information on available programs can be found on the Global Education website.

Career opportunities

The political science program serves as a good precursor to staff, manager or policy analyst positions in local, state and federal government. This degree is recognized as qualification for many careers in business (for-profit and nonprofit) and industry. Work may 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 other professional schools or as a basis for further study in such fields as:

  • community development
  • political science
  • public administration
  • public policy
  • social sciences
  • urban affairs and urban and regional planning

Career example titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience, geographical location, and required advanced degrees or certifications may affect pay scales.


Career *Growth *Median salary
2.2%
$49,230
2.2%
$151,030
2.3%
$57,490
Lawyer   Bright Outlook
7.5%
$135,740
1.1%
$94,990
5.0%
$64,030
6.6%
$128,020
3.4%
$48,090
3.7%
$79,540
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
What are concurrent programs?
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.
What are joint programs?
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.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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