Political Science ,BA
Analyst, Campaigns, Civil Rights, Democracy, Elections, Foreign Policy, Human Rights, Immigration, Minorities, National Security, Public Policy, global policies, government, law, politics
Are you interested in politics and public issues in the United States and abroad? Do you see yourself heading to law school, working on political campaigns or serving as a diplomat? Springboard your education in preparation for a wide variety of careers, both inside and outside government.
The Bachelor of Arts program in political science uncovers politics and policy at the local, national and global levels. The program aims to provide students with the tools and skills they need to link theory with current problems and to produce well-rounded learners with strong research and writing skills.
Students study how citizens interact with their governments and how governments at all levels formulate policies to serve, or not serve, their citizens. They explore innovative approaches to today's emerging political challenges, such as those seen in elections and lobbying, and the international issues of terrorism, diplomacy and empowerment.
In addition to reviewing 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.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: Yes
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
- First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
- 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 offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
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.
Students can experience firsthand the diverse political and social powers governing communities around the globe. With more than 300 Global Education programs available, study abroad enables students to tailor their experience to their specific 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 communist regimes or monarchies, for example.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these study abroad programs for students majoring in political science.
Graduates develop the skills to analyze and interpret the significance and dynamics of political events and governmental processes. This knowledge, combined with related skills, equips them for success in political or governmental careers, law school, graduate study, business and the nonprofit sector. Many program graduates have found positions in:
- the courts and judicial administration
- 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
In addition, some graduates have gone on to other top-tier graduate and professional schools. These students have found a variety of employment opportunities in:
- communication
- education
- foreign service
- journalism
- law
- political science
- public service
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
9.7%
|
$95,290
|
|
|
1.5%
|
$86,280
|
|
|
2.3%
|
$57,490
|
|
|
7.5%
|
$135,740
|
|
|
6.6%
|
$140,040
|
|
|
4.2%
|
$59,200
|
|
|
6.6%
|
$128,020
|
|
|
3.4%
|
$48,090
|
|
|
5.9%
|
$129,430
|
|
|
3.3%
|
$128,620
|
School of Politics and Global Studies
|
COOR 6797
spgs-ugadvising@asu.edu
480-965-8563
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.
