Report an accessibility problem

Political Science ,BS

Political Science, BS

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

Intrigued by the political process? Strengthen your research and data skills while studying the American political system and analyzing complex sociopolitical issues. You'll be prepared for graduate study, law school or career opportunities in public administration.

Program description

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

In the Bachelor of Science program in political science, you gain a basic understanding of the assumptions underlying political science and develop the research skills necessary to analyze complex sociopolitical issues. In addition to coursework, you learn through internships, service-learning and research opportunities.

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

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
  • First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
    or any math course that meets the MATH designation
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Curriculum

What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.

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 a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their 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:

Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
General contact
602-496-0450

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 that affect 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 specific interests and skill sets. Programs are available in many countries, including those ruled by communist and monarchical regimes.

Career opportunities

The political science curriculum provides a solid background for employment in a relevant profession. Graduates have a strong foundation to pursue staff, manager or policy analyst positions in local, state and federal governments. 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 governments, 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 graduate study in such applied fields as:

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

Example job titles and salaries listed below 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.


Career *Growth *Median salary
1.0%
$54,210
2.5%
$153,990
2.5%
$64,920
4.1%
$159,670
-0.7%
$117,860
4.3%
$75,530
-3.1%
$142,080
3.4%
Not available
3.4%
$89,320
* 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

Program term definitions

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.

click back to top