New College’s Political Science, BS program provides a foundational understanding of American politics, and the inherent system that drives it, with an additional focus on developing quantitative research skills for statistical interpretation of sociopolitical issues.
The political science degree program offered at ASU's West campus goes beyond a basic understanding of the American political system, helping you develop the necessary research skills needed to analyze complex sociopolitical issues. With these skills, you will be prepared for graduate study or law school as well as immediate career opportunities in public administration.
The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers a BS in political science in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at ASU's West campus.
Political science is the study of governmental practices, politics and theories. Coursework in the political science program covers American institutions, international relations, political theory and world affairs. The program helps students gain a basic understanding of the assumptions underlying political science and develop the necessary research skills for analyzing complex sociopolitical issues. In addition to coursework, students learn through internships, service-learning and research opportunities. The Bachelor of Science degree differs from the Bachelor of Arts degree in that it requires an additional statistics course and a methods course.
Graduates of this program are prepared for work as analysts or aides in local, state or national legislative offices, among other roles. Many graduates go on to law school or graduate programs in political science, social science, urban planning or public administration.
At A Glance
Political Science, BS
- Offered by: New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
- Location: West
- First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
- Math Intensity: General
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
Find and apply for relevant scholarships.
WUE eligible program
Undergraduate students from western states who enroll in this
program are eligible for a discounted tuition rate.
Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Career outlook
The political science curriculum provides a solid background for employment in a relevant profession and prepares students for graduate work in:
- political science
- professional schools
- social science disciplines
- urban planning
The program serves as a good precursor to staff, manager or policy analyst positions in local, state and federal governments. 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 governments or local community groups on both sides of the border. Many students use the degree as a gateway to law school or basis for further study in such applied fields as:
- community development
- public administration
- public policy
- urban affairs
- urban and regional planning
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:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| City and Regional Planning Aides | 4.3% | $46,000 |
| Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs | 6% | $44,400 |
| Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | 5.6% | $133,840 |
| Judicial Law Clerks | 5.5% | $51,330 |
| Lawyers | 8.2% | $119,250 |
| Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers | 4% | $94,790 |
| Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators | 10.4% | $60,670 |
| Political Scientists | 2.8% | $115,110 |
| Legislators | 7.1% | $25,630 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | 12.8% | $71,490 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation
What are Accelerated Programs at ASU?
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.