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 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 differs from the BA degree program 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.
Program Offered
Political Science,
BS
Offered by
New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
Location
West
Major Map
A major map outlines the degree’s 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