Political Science ,BA
Analyst, Campaigns, Civil Rights, Democracy, Elections, Foreign Policy, Human Rights, Immigration, Minorities, National Security, Public Policy, global policies, government, law, politics
Are you interested in politics and public policy in the United States and abroad? Do you see yourself heading to law school, working on political campaigns or serving as a diplomat? Springboard your education in preparation for a wide variety of careers, both inside and outside government.
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.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: Yes
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
- First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
- Math
intensity: General
This video provides an overview of the Political Science degree program at ASU.
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
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:
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.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
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.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
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.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- 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.
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.
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
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
8.8%
|
$101,860
|
|
|
-0.7%
|
$93,790
|
|
|
2.5%
|
$64,920
|
|
|
4.1%
|
$159,670
|
|
|
6.6%
|
$166,790
|
|
|
0.2%
|
$62,890
|
|
|
-3.1%
|
$142,080
|
|
|
3.4%
|
Not available
|
|
|
5.0%
|
$146,910
|
|
|
4.5%
|
$141,900
|
School of Politics and Global Studies
|
COOR 6797
spgs-ugadvising@asu.edu
480-965-8563
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.
