Political Science ,BA
Border, Campaigner, Humanitarian, International Politics, International Relations, Latin America, Legislation, Policy, Policy Analyst, Political Science, Politician, Public Policy, World Affairs, politics
Go beyond a basic understanding of the American political system, and develop the critical thinking and research skills you'll need to analyze complex sociopolitical issues. Cultivating your knowledge of the field and honing your ability to evaluate evidence prepares you for a variety of opportunities. This program is offered at ASU's West Valley campus.
Political science is the study of governmental practices, politics and theories. Coursework in the Bachelor of Arts program in political science covers American institutions, international relations, political theory and world affairs.
The program helps students gain a basic understanding of the assumptions underlying political science, conduct meaningful research and formulate arguments. Students learn through internships, service-learning and research opportunities, in addition to coursework.
The BA program requires a qualitative methods course, and the Bachelor of Science program requires a quantitative methods course.
- College/school:
New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
- Location:
West Valley
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
- First
required math course:
MAT 142 - College Mathematics
or any math course that meets the MATH designation - Math
intensity: General
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® 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 they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Studying abroad enables students in the political science program to experience firsthand the diverse political and social powers that affect communities around the globe and to gain a global perspective on political theory and world affairs.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Students in these programs build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network. Participation in a study abroad program provides students with the heightened cultural competency, and leadership and critical thinking skills that enhance their resumes and help them stand out in a competitive career field. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences can explore how their varied fields and interests interact in different settings around the world.
The political science program serves as a good precursor to staff, manager or policy analyst positions in local, state and federal government. This degree is recognized as qualification for many careers in business (for-profit and nonprofit) and industry. Work may include binational, cross-border positions linking U.S. and Mexican businesses, Arizona-Sonora local government, or local community groups on both sides of the border.
Many students use the degree as a gateway to law school or other professional schools or as a basis for further study in such fields as:
- community development
- political science
- public administration
- public policy
- social sciences
- urban affairs and urban and regional planning
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
2.2%
|
$49,230
|
|
|
2.2%
|
$151,030
|
|
|
2.3%
|
$57,490
|
|
|
7.5%
|
$135,740
|
|
|
1.1%
|
$94,990
|
|
|
5.0%
|
$64,030
|
|
|
6.6%
|
$128,020
|
|
|
3.4%
|
$48,090
|
|
|
3.7%
|
$79,540
|
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
|
FAB N101
sbsadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
