BA Political Science
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 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.
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: Yes
- 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/request 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
Financial aid
Career Outlook
Many program graduates have found positions in the following:
- foreign service
- 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:
Business Analyst
- Growth: 10.7%
- Median Salary*: $87,660
Intelligence Officer
- Growth: 1.1%
- Median Salary*: $86,940
Law Clerk
- Growth: 3.4%
- Median Salary*: $57,510
Marketing Manager
- Growth: 6.7%
- Median Salary*: $142,170
Mediator
- Growth: 7.7%
- Median Salary*: $66,130
News Reporter
- Growth: -11.2%
- Median Salary*: $49,300
Office Manager
- Growth: %
- Median Salary*:
Paralegal
- Growth: 10.5%
- Median Salary*: $52,920
Political Analyst
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: $125,350
Politician
- Growth: 6.2%
- Median Salary*: $33,200
Public Relations Manager (PR Manager)
- Growth: %
- Median Salary*:
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 contact you directly.