The bachelor's degree in Political Science provides students with opportunities to study the theory, principles, and practice of government and politics at the local, national, and international levels. The coursework engages students in diverse politicial science courses which allows exploration in areas of interest to the student. Faculty mentors provide academic support and guidance, preparing each student for a meaningful career path.
A bachelor's degree in Political Science can prepare you for a range of diverse career paths or application to further education including graduate school or law school. You'll discover how our public lives are organized at the local, national, and international levels. Courses focus on the possibilities for and obstacles to democratic governance. The wide range of course offerings includes environmental politics, political development, and questions of diversity in the political realm.
Follow your interests with internships that provide "education by experience." Political science students have interned with legislators in the U.S. Congress and Arizona Legislature; federal agencies including the National Park Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and FBI; foreign and international bodies such as the United Nations and the German Parliament; and interest groups that include the Sierra Club, Grand Canyon Trust, and Friends of Flagstaff 's Future.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | C |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
| Foreign Language | Required |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
| Research | Optional |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degrees provide students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to understand and participate in the political systems of the United States and the world. This degree provides a broad perspective on experiences, international and domestic, from both theory and practice.
These degrees build a strong foundation in the basic knowledge of the political world, including contemporary political thought and public policies, and enables students to be able to use key concepts and analytical approaches from Political Theory, U.S. Government and Politics, Comparative Politics and International relations.
Building upon this fundamental knowledge, our curriculum ensures that students can define, design, and implement effective research projects in political science. In addition, they will be able to make clear and effective demonstrations of their work in writing and in public presentations. Students will also leave this program ready to understand, and be able to meet, the expectations of professionalism and citizenship. Students in the BA degree will also leave with an ability speak, read, and write in a second language.
Our goal is to train students to be active, engaged, and informed participants in the global system who cannot only understand the world around them but also shape and influence it.
Student Learning Outcomes
Take the following 39 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
You must complete a minor of at least 18 units from those described in this catalog. In consultation with your advisor, you should select a minor that is appropriate for your career aspirations and educational needs. Your minor advisor will advise you about this part of your academic plan.
Also note that you may elect to complete a merged or dual major instead of a minor; see your advisor for more information.
You must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English that is equivalent to four terms of university coursework in the same language. You may satisfy this requirement by taking language courses or through credit by exam.
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
Bachelor/Juris Doctor 3+3 Program
This plan is eligible for NAU’s 3+3 program offered in conjunction with the University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law. This program allows outstanding students to substitute their final year of undergraduate studies with their first year of law school and earn an undergraduate (BS or BA) and law (JD) degree in six years instead of seven years. Please refer to the Bachelor/Juris Doctor 3+3 Program for more information.