Online Bachelor of Science in Political Science

During this Bachelor of Science in political science degree program at Arizona State University, you’ll build an in-depth understanding of how political theory and policy connect to practical issues. You’ll also focus on the relationship between citizens and their forms of governments. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped with skills that are applicable to many related fields within politics, business, government and nonprofits.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered.

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The skills and knowledge you’ll gain as a political science major

This program provides you with the tools used to make connections with theory and real-world issues in the political sphere. In your courses, you’ll cover a range of topics from national and global political trends to statistics, science and society. Upon graduation, you’ll be well prepared to pursue a career or graduate program in the realm of government or politics. Key skills you’ll develop include, but are not limited to:

  • Critical reasoning and argumentation.
  • Effective and engaging writing.
  • Informational analysis.
  • Targeted research.

Which political science degree is right for me?

The Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in political science both offer a strong foundation in the concepts of policy, government and citizen needs. However, the two programs differ in terms of their individual focus areas.

The BS includes additional learning in statistics and science courses that directly apply to the developmental processes of policy. Whereas, the BA includes a foreign language component, which is especially valuable for those interested in political pursuits and international business.

To learn more about the differences between a BS or BA in political science and the careers you can pursue with each, check out this article.

The graduate programs political science majors are prepared for

This political science degree combines a comprehensive understanding of government, policy and citizens with the traditional scientific emphasis of a BS program. You’ll study topics such as public opinion, peer-reviewed scientific research, statistical analysis and the development and revision of policy. Whether you’re interested in starting your career after graduation or pursuing a graduate program, gaining advanced knowledge in these subject areas will elevate your learning on your path.

Additionally, this bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an accelerated master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in as little as one extra 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.”

Political science major courses

The curriculum in this political science program focuses on studying public policy at the local, national and global levels. In addition to core courses, you’ll choose from elective courses to personalize your learning experience according to your areas of interest within political science.


POS 210: Political Ideologies (CIVI OR SB)


POS 301: Empirical Political Inquiry (SOBE OR SB)


POS 401: Political Statistics (QTRS OR CS)


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 political science majors are prepared for

By earning this degree, you’ll have valuable skills for roles throughout a variety of related industries such as government, business analytics or journalism. You’ll also be prepared for a career within each sector including public, private and nonprofit organizations. Career examples include, but aren’t limited to:

Business Analyst


Growth: 9.7 %
Salary: $95,290

Data Analyst


Growth: -1.7 %
Salary: $48,880

Field Researcher


Growth: -3.8 %
Salary: $60,410

Human Behavior Researcher


Growth: 4.8 %
Salary: $50,470

Intelligence Officer


Growth: 1.5 %
Salary: $86,280

Marketing Manager


Growth: 6.6 %
Salary: $140,040

News Reporter


Growth: -3.3 %
Salary: $55,960

Political Analyst


Growth: 6.6 %
Salary: $128,020

Politician


Growth: 3.4 %
Salary: $48,090

Earn your online degree 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.

Earn your online degree 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.

Top 15


for humanities research, according to the National Science Foundation.

$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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