Program Overview
Political Science
Overview
Examine the humanistic and scientific perspectives of politics, a field of study designed to help you embark on a career to help change the world. Political science is the study of government, public policy, and the political behavior of individuals and groups. The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science program helps students cultivate clear and strong communication skills (writing, argumentation, and presentation) as well as analytical abilities. Students examine the foundations of political science: theory, processes, principles, institutions, law, policy, international relations, foreign affairs, and ideas and methods. Students are encouraged to pursue opportunities outside of the classroom, such as internships at nonprofit organizations and government agencies, including the Arizona Legislature, the Arizona Superior Court, and politicians' campaigns.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to critically analyze political information given an issue important in modern U.S. society.
- Students will be able to differentiate the theoretical, structural, historical, and scientific dimensions of politics.
- Students will be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Students will demonstrate sensitivity and tolerance of racial, cultural, and other human differences.
- Students will demonstrate commitment to being a politically responsible citizen.
- Students will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the American political system and/or political systems and governmental institutions around the world.
- Students will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the political processes and institutions that form public policies and impact citizens, as well as the political culture that allows individuals and groups to affect how those processes function.
- Students will demonstrate a basic understanding of foundational concepts, theories, and methodologies used in the study of (their chosen field within) political science.
- Students will be able to demonstrate research and writing skills relevant to the field of political science.
- Students will be able to demonstrate critical thinking about political issues by assessing competing arguments and developing proficiency in communicating arguments in oral and/or written formats.
Program Details
Sample Courses
- POL
- SOC 315: Political Sociology
- POL 404: Experimental Political Science
- POL 424: Politics in the Digital Age
Career Fields
- Business
- Law
- Government
- Finance
- Education
Level of Math
Moderate Knowledge
The M-strand is for students who require mathematical facility at the level of at least MATH 112 (College Algebra Concepts) or 108 (Modeling with Algebraic and Trigonometric Functions). This strand involves reasonable facility with algebra and algebraic functions, graphs, and simple modeling. Students who choose the M-strand are prepared for further mathematical work. This work may include MATH 107 (Exploring and Understanding Data), MATH 113 (Elements of Calculus), MATH 116 (Calculus Concepts for Business), MATH 119A (Mathematics of Biological Systems: A Calculus Based Approach), or a statistics class from outside the Mathematics Department, such as ISTA 116 (Statistical Foundations for the Information Age) or SBS 200 (Statistics for the Social Sciences).
Level of Second Language
4th Semester Proficiency
Fourth-semester skill level in a second language is required. B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options:
- Scoring the equivalent of fourth-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona.
- Completion of a two-course sequence beyond the second semester of post-secondary language instruction.
- Completion with a C or higher of a 300- or 400-level language course at the post-secondary level.
- Completion of one course beyond the third semester in combination with an AP (Advanced Placement) score, IB (International Baccalaureate) score, or a CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) score determined by the individual language department.
- An AP, IB, or CLEP language score determined by individual language departments.
- A minimum of one semester study abroad in a language program approved by the appropriate language department as the equivalent of fourth-semester skill level.
Pre-major Required?
No
This Major's College
College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Sample Plans
2025, Political Science
- 4-Year Sample Plan
- Map Transfer Coursework
- Plan Ahead with a Transfer Pathway
First Year
- 1st Semester
- ENGL 101 First-Year Composition
- First Semester Second Language
- GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
- GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
- UNIV 101: Intro to General Education
- 2nd Semester
- ENGL 102 First-Year Composition
- Second Semester Second Language
- Foundation Mathematics (MATH 107 recommended)
- GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
- GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
Second Year
- 3rd Semester
- Third Semester Second Language
- SBS 200 Introduction to Statistics for the Social Sciences
- GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
- POL 201 American National Government
- GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
- 4th Semester
- Fourth Semester Second Language
- POL Core Course III (POL 202, 203, 204, 206, or 209)
- UNIV 301: GE Capstone
- ECON 200 Basic Economic Issues
Third Year
- 5th Semester
- POL Core Course III (POL 202, 203, 204, 206, or 209)
- POL UD American Politics
- Elective-Upper Division
- Minor Course
- 6th Semester
- POL UD Foreign Affairs
- POL UD Elective
- POL UD Elective
- Minor Course
- Elective-Upper Division
Fourth Year
- 7th Semester
- POL UD Ideas and Methods
- POL UD Elective
- Minor Course
- Minor Course
- Elective-Upper Division
- 8th Semester
- POL UD Elective
- Minor Course
- Minor Course
- Elective-Upper Division
- Elective-Upper Division
Map Transfer Coursework
Enter your coursework from Arizona universities or community colleges to see how they can map to this major.
Connect with The University of Arizona Academic Advisors to validate how your coursework will transfer.
About the Transfer Mapping Categories
Maps to One Requirement
A transfer course with this designation matches a UAZ course that maps to one requirement for this major.
Can Map in Multiple Ways
A transfer course with this designation matches a UAZ course that maps to more than one requirement for this major. This means that the transfer course could meet any of the matching requirements but does not mean it fulfills all matching requirements.
Ask an Advisor
A transfer course with this designation matches a UAZ course that has not yet been mapped to a requirement for this major, or it means that the transfer course was input incorrectly.
Pathways
See the pathway agreement in place between Arizona in-state community colleges and The University of Arizona.
To see a pathway, select an Arizona college: Select an Arizona community college
Pathways are designed for in-state transfer students who plan to attend The University of Arizona. Please use this information for reference only. To develop an individualized plan for transfer, work with your community colleges and The University of Arizona Academic Advisors.