Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Arts in political science pairs the development of reasoning and critical thinking skills with a curriculum focused on policy, public issues and citizens’ interactions with government. You’ll learn about local, national and international political concerns as you earn our political science degree.
Quick facts
Next start date: 01/10/2022
Total classes: 39
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Degree questions, answered.
Have questions about the Political Science (BA)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!
What is a political science degree?
A political science degree emphasizes broadly valuable skills, such as data analysis and effective communication, and how they apply to policy and political theory. Creation and review of policy, a process that sits at the core of political science, is another key area of focus. In this program, you’ll build talents including research, empirical analysis, reasoning and argumentation.
Will an online political science degree give me the same skills and experience as an in-person degree?
ASU’s online political science degree is equivalent to the on-campus degree, sharing the same high-quality instruction and curriculum, as well as access to networking opportunities with alumni. Online students can access key resources just as easily as their on-campus counterparts, including:
- Career and professional development services.
- Counseling services.
- Dedicated academic advisors.
- Study abroad opportunities.
What can you do with a political science degree?
Graduates 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. Additionally, the online political science degree can provide a foundation in research and writing skills that can be useful in law school and graduate study.
What are the differences between a BA and BS for a political science degree?
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) in political science both emphasize key concepts in this field, such as policy, government and the needs of citizens. However, they differ in a few important areas. The BS degree includes additional focus on statistics and science, along with their relationship to crafting and reviewing policy. The BA degree features a foreign language component that can prove especially valuable for roles involving international relations and global business pursuits.
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
The political science degree curriculum includes a required foundation of courses, as well as 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. Featured courses include:
POS 210: Political Ideologies (SB)
POS 301: Empirical Political Inquiry (SB)
POS 160: Global Politics (SB & G)
POS 110: American Government and Politics (SB)
POS 150: Comparative Government (SB & G)
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:
Business Analyst
Intelligence Officer
Law Clerk
Marketing Manager
Mediator
News Reporter
Office Manager
Paralegal
Political Analyst
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
freshman student
You are considered a freshman for application purposes if you have not attended college at all, or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours (with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA).
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.
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.
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