BA 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 U.S. elections and lobbying to international issues of terrorism, diplomacy and empowerment, you can learn about politics and explore innovative approaches to today's emerging challenges.
Details
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 necessary to link theory with real-world problems and issues.
By combining coursework in several areas of political science with broad exposure to ASU's liberal arts offerings, the Bachelor of Arts degree in political science seeks to produce well-rounded learners with the research and writing skills useful for success in political or governmental careers, law school, graduate study, business or the nonprofit sector.
Students currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts 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 for any further questions.
At a Glance
- Location: Tempe campus, or online
- Additional Program Fee: Yes
- Second Language Requirement: Yes
- First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
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Math Intensity:
General
Admission Requirements
General University Admission Requirements:
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman | Transfer | International | Readmission
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu/request for information about how to change a major to this program.
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.
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.
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
Careers
Many program graduates have found positions in the following:
- Arizona government
- the Federal Reserve
- foreign service
- the judiciary branch of government
- lobbying
- local and national newspapers
- local, national and global nonprofit organizations
- local, state and national government
- multinational corporations
- research institutions
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
Business Analyst
- Growth: 14.3%
- Median Salary*: $82,450
Community Specialist
- Growth: 13.2%
- Median Salary*: $41,570
Intelligence Officer
- Growth: 4.5%
- Median Salary*: $79,970
Marketing Manager
- Growth: 10.1%
- Median Salary*: $132,230
Mediator
- Growth: 10.4%
- Median Salary*: $60,670
News Reporter
- Growth: -10.0%
- Median Salary*: $39,370
Office Manager
- Growth: 10.1%
- Median Salary*: $94,020
Paralegal
- Growth: 14.6%
- Median Salary*: $50,410
Political Analyst
- Growth: 2.8%
- Median Salary*: $115,110
Politician
- Growth: 7.1%
- Median Salary*: $25,630
Public Relations Manager (PR Manager)
- Growth: 10.4%
- Median Salary*: $111,280
Regulatory Affairs Manager
- Growth: 8.0%
- Median Salary*: $105,610
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
