Program Overview

Overview of the Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

The Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Arizona State University emphasizes the development of reasoning with a curriculum focused on policy, public issues, and citizens' interactions with government. This program allows students to learn about local, national, and international political concerns while building valuable skills needed for a successful career in the field.

Program Details

• Total classes: 39
• Weeks per class: 7.5
• Total credit hours: 120
• Next start date: 01/12/2026

What Can You Do with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science?

A political science degree emphasizes critical skills in research design and effective communication, which are then applied to address contemporary political issues across the globe. Policy creation, review, and processes that sit at the core of political science are also key areas of focus. In this program, students will build talents including empirical analysis, reasoning, argumentation, and more.

Career Paths

Upon graduation, students may follow a variety of paths in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Some career examples include:

• Business Analyst
  • Growth: 8.8%
  • Salary: $101,190
• Intelligence Officer
  • Growth: -0.7%
  • Salary: $93,580
• Law Clerk
  • Growth: 2.5%
  • Salary: $60,400
• Lawyer
  • Growth: 4.1%
  • Salary: $151,160
• Marketing Manager
  • Growth: 6.6%
  • Salary: $161,030
• Paralegal
  • Growth: 0.2%
  • Salary: $61,010
• Political Analyst
  • Growth: -3.1%
  • Salary: $139,380
• Politician
  • Growth: 3.4%
  • Salary: $44,810
• Public Relations Manager (PR Manager)
  • Growth: 5.0%
  • Salary: $138,520

How Does This Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Compare to a BS?

The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in political science both emphasize key concepts in this field, including policy, government, and the needs of citizens. However, they differ in a few important areas. The BS in political science degree includes additional focus on statistics and science, along with their relationship to crafting and reviewing policy. Differently, the BA in political science degree features a foreign language component that can prove to be especially valuable for roles involving international relations and global business pursuits.

The Graduate Programs You'll Be Prepared For

Once students have completed this program, they will be equipped to pursue various graduate programs applicable to this field. Graduates of this program seek related programs in study areas such as global security, political psychology, public policy, international affairs, and more. This bachelor's degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master's program, allowing students to earn a master's degree in as little as one year after completing their undergraduate degree.

Eligible Programs

• Master of Arts in global security
• Master of Arts in global security – cybersecurity
• Master of Arts in global security – irregular warfare
• Master of Arts in international affairs and leadership
• Master of Arts in political psychology
• Master of Public Administration

Online Political Science Degree Courses

In addition to core courses, students will select elective courses that allow them to specialize in their areas of interest within political science. In these courses, students will learn to analyze policy, communicate effectively, and engage in productive research. They may also participate in related internships to gain professional experience.

Example Courses

• POS 110: American Government and Politics - Major institutions of modern government and processes of individual and group political activity, with emphasis on the American experience.
• POS 210: Political Ideologies - Leading political ideas and belief systems, e.g., Marxism, liberalism, conservatism, theories of democracy, and alternative futures.
• POS 301: Empirical Political Inquiry - Logic of political inquiry, including research problems, concepts, hypotheses, theories, measurement, data collection, and analysis.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to ASU, students must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and have completed at least 14 of the following courses:

• Four years of math
• Four years of English (non-ESL/ELL courses)
• Three years of lab sciences (One year each from biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences, or physics)
• Two years of social sciences (including one year of American history)
• Two years of the same second language
• One year of fine arts or career and technical education

Additional Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following:

• Top 25% in their high school graduating class
• 3.00 GPA in competency courses (4.00 = A)
• ACT score of 22 for Arizona residents (24 nonresidents) or SAT Reasoning score of 1120 for Arizona residents (1180 nonresidents)

Tuition Calculator

Use the calculator to estimate full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Most students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

About the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. It inspires students to become socially aware, critical thinkers, and global citizens.

Facts About the College

• 31,572 students enrolled as of fall 2024
• $161 million in research expenditures in FY23
• 21 interdisciplinary schools and departments
• 100+ undergraduate degrees

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