BS Political Science
Program Description
The BS program in political science is useful for students who are looking for careers that require analytical thinking and quantitative skills.
It offers a variety of courses and opportunities to study politics and public policy at the local, national and global levels. The program provides students with the tools and skills necessary to link theory with real-world problems and issues. By providing experience with the analysis of political statistics, this degree program acquaints students with quantitative application skills. These skills are useful in graduate studies in political science, careers in public policy and other analytical positions in or related to government and politics.
Students currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program in political science may not pursue a concurrent degree with the Bachelor of Science in politics and the economy due to the high level of overlap in curriculum. Students should speak with their academic advisor regarding any further questions.
Required Courses (Major Map)
What if: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus, or online
- Additional Program Fee: Yes
- Second Language Requirement: No
- First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
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Math Intensity:
General
Admission Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman Transfer International Readmission
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search 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 help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Scholarships
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Career Outlook
Graduates have skills useful for careers in public policy and other analytical positions in or related to government and politics. Many graduates of this degree program have found positions in:
- foreign service organizations
- legislative or judicial 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
- survey research
In addition, some graduates have gone on to other top tier graduate and professional schools. These students have found a range of employment opportunities in the fields of:
- communication
- data science
- education
- foreign service
- journalism
- law
- political science
- public service
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
Business Analyst
- Growth: 10.7%
- Median Salary*: $87,660
Data Analyst
- Growth: 6.4%
- Median Salary*: $50,360
Field Researcher
- Growth: -3.7%
- Median Salary*: $59,870
Human Behavior Researcher
- Growth: 5.8%
- Median Salary*: $49,210
Intelligence Officer
- Growth: 1.1%
- Median Salary*: $86,940
Marketing Manager
- Growth: 6.7%
- Median Salary*: $142,170
News Reporter
- Growth: -11.2%
- Median Salary*: $49,300
Political Analyst
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: $125,350
Politician
- Growth: 6.2%
- Median Salary*: $33,200
Regulatory Affairs Manager
- Growth: %
- Median Salary*:
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu
Attend Online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.