Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Arts in political science emphasizes the development of reasoning with a curriculum focused on policy, public issues and citizens’ interactions with government. In this program, you’ll learn about local, national and international political concerns while building valuable skills needed for a successful career in the field.

Learn more

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 critical skills in research design and effective communication, which are then applied to address contemporary political issues across the globe. 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. You’ll also gain transferable skills in research and writing that can be 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 to be 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.

The graduate programs you’ll be prepared for

Once you’ve completed this program, you’ll be equipped to pursue various graduate programs applicable to this field. Graduates of this program seek related programs in studies such as global security, political psychology, public policy, international affairs and more. Additionally, 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. Applicable master’s degrees include:

Will my diploma 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.”

Online political science degree courses

In addition to your core courses, you’ll select elective courses that allow you to specialize in your areas of interest within political science. In your courses, you’ll learn to analyze policy, communicate effectively and engage in productive research. You may also participate in related internships to gain professional experience.


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 (AMIT OR SB)


The jobs a political science degree prepares you for

Upon completing this program you’ll be ready to seek careers in policy across various sectors. You could choose to work as a political analyst or apply your personal experience to build a political career of your own. Additional 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.

How to apply

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.

The largest and most diverse college at ASU

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.

$170 million


in research expenditures in 2022.

23


interdisciplinary schools and departments.

100+


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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