BS Political Science


Study how citizens interact with their governments and how governments at all levels formulate policies to serve (or not serve) their citizens. From domestic elections and lobbying to the international issues of terrorism, diplomacy and empowerment, apply what you learn as you explore innovative approaches to today's emerging local and global challenges.

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)

Major Map

Online Major Map

Major Map on-campus archive

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
  • Math Intensity: General program 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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Affording College

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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
  Bright Outlook

Data Analyst


  • Growth: 6.4%
  • Median Salary*: $50,360
  Bright Outlook

Field Researcher


  • Growth: -3.7%
  • Median Salary*: $59,870

Human Behavior Researcher


  • Growth: 5.8%
  • Median Salary*: $49,210
  Bright Outlook

Intelligence Officer


  • Growth: 1.1%
  • Median Salary*: $86,940

Marketing Manager


  • Growth: 6.7%
  • Median Salary*: $142,170
Green Occupation   Bright Outlook

News Reporter


  • Growth: -11.2%
  • Median Salary*: $49,300

Political Analyst


  • Growth: 6.1%
  • Median Salary*: $125,350
  Bright Outlook

Politician


  • Growth: 6.2%
  • Median Salary*: $33,200
  Bright Outlook

Regulatory Affairs Manager


  • Growth: %
  • Median Salary*:
Green Occupation

* 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.