Program Overview
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science is a comprehensive program that delves into the study of governmental practices, politics, and theories. This program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the American political system, international relations, political theory, and world affairs.
Program Description
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 BA program requires a qualitative methods course, while the Bachelor of Science program requires a quantitative methods course.
At a Glance
- College/school: New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
- Location: West Valley
- 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: General
Curriculum
The curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science can be viewed in its entirety, including archives of past curricula.
Concurrent Program Options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees 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.
Admission Requirements
- General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
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.
Global Opportunities
Studying abroad enables students in the political science program to experience firsthand the diverse political and social powers that affect communities around the globe and to gain a global perspective on political theory and world affairs.
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. 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.
Example Job Titles and Salaries
- Government Programs Specialist: 1.0% growth, $51,500 median salary
- Judge: 2.5% growth, $156,210 median salary
- Law Clerk: 2.5% growth, $60,400 median salary
- Lawyer: 4.1% growth, $151,160 median salary
- Legal Court Hearing Officer: -0.7% growth, $115,230 median salary
- Mediator: 4.3% growth, $67,710 median salary
- Political Analyst: -3.1% growth, $139,380 median salary
- Politician: 3.4% growth, $44,810 median salary
- Urban Planner: 3.4% growth, $83,720 median salary
Accelerated Programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree. These programs enable students to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years.
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 an existing degree, students work with their academic advisor.
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.
New Programs
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Students should check back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
Online Programs
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
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. Students from western states who select this major may be eligible for a reduced nonresident tuition rate of 150 percent of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees.