Political Science, BA
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus, or online
- Additional Program Fee: No
- Second Language Requirement: No
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Math Intensity:
General
- Initial Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
Required Courses (Major Map)
Program Description
The BA program in political science offers a variety of courses and opportunities to study politics and policies at the local, national and global levels. The program aims to provide students with the tools and skills they need to link theory with real-world problems and issues.
Students study how citizens interact with their governments and how governments at all levels formulate policies to serve or not serve their citizens. Students can learn about politics and explore innovative approaches to today's emerging challenges, such as those seen in U.S. elections and lobbying and the international issues of terrorism, diplomacy and empowerment.
With coursework in several areas of political science and broad exposure to ASU's liberal arts offerings, the Bachelor of Arts degree in political science produces well-rounded learners with strong research and writing skills.
In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit the college's website for more information and requirements.
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:
Political Psychology
Website | Locations: ONLNE
Global Security
Website | Locations: ONLNE
Political Science
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Public Policy
Website | Locations: DTPHX
Global Security (Cybersecurity)
Website | Locations: ONLNE
Public Administration
Website | Locations: DTPHX,HAINA
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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Career Outlook
Graduates have skills useful for success in political or governmental careers, law school, graduate study, business or the nonprofit sector. Many program graduates have found positions in the following:
- foreign service organizations
- legislative 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
- the courts and judicial administration
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
- 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:
Management Analysts
- Growth: 9.7%
- Median Salary*: 95290
Intelligence Analysts
- Growth: 1.5%
- Median Salary*: 86280
Judicial Law Clerks
- Growth: 2.3%
- Median Salary*: 57490
Marketing Managers
- Growth: 6.6%
- Median Salary*: 140040
News Analysts, Reporters and Journalists
- Growth: -3.3%
- Median Salary*: 55960
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
- Growth: 4.2%
- Median Salary*: 59200
Political Scientists
- Growth: 6.6%
- Median Salary*: 128020
Legislators
- Growth: 3.4%
- Median Salary*: 48090
Public Relations Managers
- Growth: 5.9%
- Median Salary*: 129430
Regulatory Affairs Managers
- Growth: 3.3%
- Median Salary*: 128620
* 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
Students can experience firsthand the diverse political and social powers governing communities around the globe. With over 300 Global Education programs available, study abroad allows students to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Students majoring in political science can enhance their learning by gaining a global perspective on political theory and world affairs in countries with regimes like communism and monarchies.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these study abroad programs for students majoring in political science.
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. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- spgs-ugadvising@asu.edu
- 480/965-8563