Arizona State University (Tempe campus)
Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ, United States Arizona, Tempe, USA Visit web page

Political Science, BA

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : Political Science, BA LAPOSBA : 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)

Speciality

Also available online

Additional information

Program description

The BA 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 real-world 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.

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:

  • Global Security (Cybersecurity), MA
  • Global Security (Irregular Warfare), MA
  • Global Security, MA
  • International Affairs and Leadership, MA
  • Political Psychology, MA
  • Political Science, MA
  • Public Administration, MPA
  • Public Policy, MPP

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 

Students can experience firsthand the diverse political and social powers governing communities around the globe. With over 300 Global Education programs available, study abroad allows students to tailor their experience to their unique 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.

Career opportunities

Graduates have skills that enable them to be successful in political or governmental careers, law school, graduate study, business or 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 range of employment opportunities in:

  • communication
  • education
  • foreign service
  • journalism
  • law
  • political science
  • public service
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