Arizona State University (Polytechnic Campus)
Arizona State University (Polytechnic Campus)

Arizona State University (Polytechnic Campus)

7001 E Williams Field Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212, United States Arizona, Mesa, USA Visit web page

Political Science, BS

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : Political Science, BS LSPOLBS : Full time : 48 Month

Requirements

Academic requirements

First-year students must:

  • Have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Some ASU programs may have higher admission or English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.
  • Must have three years of high school coursework. (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade coursework. If you have completed high school, ASU needs to see 10–12 grade coursework.)
  • Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.

Conditional admission

ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.

Competency requirements

International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:

  • Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
  • Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).

Provide evidence of English language proficiency (TOEFL 61)

Additional information

Program description

The BS program in political science emphasizes broad capabilities valued in a highly skilled workforce, such as data analysis and effective communication as they apply to governance, policy and political theory, as well as the ability to critically review and analyze policy.

The curriculum allows students to develop research skills and explore how political science concepts can be applied within government and society. Students also enjoy individual and group opportunities to work with experienced faculty on concrete intellectual and policy issues.

Concurrent program options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

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 plus master's degree with:

  • Integrative Social Science, MS

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.

Global opportunities
Global experience 

Studying abroad while earning a political science degree adds a global component to students' education, increasing their ability to analyze complex sociopolitical issues and affording them skills and knowledge that prepare them to lead in their chosen career.

Students earn ASU credit for completed courses while staying on track for graduation, and they may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. 

Career opportunities

The program serves as good preparation for staff, manager or policy analyst positions in local, state and federal government. This degree is recognized by employers as qualification for many careers in business (for-profit and nonprofit) and industry. Opportunities may include positions that involve 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 as a basis for further study in such applied fields as:

  • community development
  • political science
  • public administration
  • public policy
  • social science
  • urban affairs
  • urban and regional planning
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