Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

The Bachelor of Arts in political science pairs the development of reasoning and critical thinking with a curriculum focused on policy, public issues and citizens’ interactions with government. You’ll learn about local, national and international political concerns while building valuable skills needed for a successful career in the field.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 39

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered.

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What can you do with a Bachelor of Arts in political science?

A political science degree emphasizes valuable skills, such as research design and effective communication, as well as their application to contemporary political issues in the U.S. and around the world. Policy creation, review and processes that sit at the core of political science are also key areas of focus. In this program, you’ll build talents including empirical analysis, reasoning, argumentation and more.

Upon graduation, you may follow a variety of paths in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Ultimately, political science aims to find connections between theory and practical problems. Identifying these links is valuable in politics and in the operation of government agencies, private businesses and nonprofit groups. This online political science degree can also provide a foundation in research and writing skills useful in law school and graduate study.

How does this Bachelor of Arts in political science compare to a BS?

 

The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in political science both emphasize key concepts in this field, including policy, government and the needs of citizens. However, they differ in a few important areas. 

The BS in political science degree includes additional focus on statistics and science, along with their relationship to crafting and reviewing policy. Differently, the BA in political science degree features a foreign language component that can prove especially valuable for roles involving international relations and global business pursuits. 

To learn more about the differences between a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in political science, read this article.

What graduate programs are political science majors prepared for?

 

Once you’ve completed this online political science degree, you’ll be prepared for a variety of graduate programs related to the field. These applicable master’s programs may feature studies in global security, political psychology, public policy, international affairs and more.

This bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money, while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master’s degrees include:

Will my political science degree say 'online'?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

Online political science degree courses

In addition to completing core courses, you’ll have the opportunity to focus on areas of individual interest through electives. Internships are another key component. As a student, you’ll learn to analyze policy, communicate effectively and engage in productive research. Examples of featured courses include:


POS 210: Political Ideologies (CIVI OR SB)


POS 301: Empirical Political Inquiry (SOBE OR SB)


POS 150: Comparative Government (GCSI OR SB & G)


POS 160: Global Politics (GCSI OR SB & G)


POS 110: American Government and Politics (SB)


What jobs hire political science degree graduates?

Earning a political science degree can lead to many opportunities in a variety of industries. You may choose to work as a political analyst or draw on your knowledge and abilities by building a political career of your own. However, those are far from the only options. Career examples include, but aren’t limited to:

Business Analyst


Growth: 9.7 %
Salary: $95,290

Intelligence Officer


Growth: 1.5 %
Salary: $86,280

Law Clerk


Growth: 2.3 %
Salary: $57,490

Marketing Manager


Growth: 6.6 %
Salary: $140,040

News Reporter


Growth: -3.3 %
Salary: $55,960

Paralegal


Growth: 4.2 %
Salary: $59,200

Political Analyst


Growth: 6.6 %
Salary: $128,020

Politician


Growth: 3.4 %
Salary: $48,090

Public Relations Manager (PR Manager)


Growth: 5.9 %
Salary: $129,430

Learn from award-winning faculty

From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.

  • Fulbright American Scholars.
  • Guggenheim Fellows.
  • MacArthur Fellows.
  • Nobel laureates.

Learn from award-winning faculty

From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.

  • Fulbright American Scholars.
  • Guggenheim Fellows.
  • MacArthur Fellows.
  • Nobel laureates.

Online political science degree admission requirements

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Competency requirements

Additional admission requirements

High school equivalency

Homeschool

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Join one of the best schools for diverse education

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to be socially aware, critical thinkers and global citizens.

25,500+


currently enrolled students.

$140 million


in research expenditures in 2018.

23


interdisciplinary schools and departments.

95+


undergraduate degrees.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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