Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Politics and International Affairs

Political Science, Bachelor of Science


Academic Information

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 emphasizes the application of a range of analytical tools to critically evaluate and assess politics and policy. Faculty mentors provide academic support and guidance, preparing each student for a meaningful career path.

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Politics and International Affairs

Political Science, Bachelor of Science


Careers

What Can I Do with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science?

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.

Career opportunities that might be pursued:
  • Nonprofit administration
  • Journalism
  • Policy analysis
  • Speech writing

With further education, one of these paths is possible:
  • Diplomat
  • Lawyer
  • University faculty
  • Lobbyist/Organizer

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Politics and International Affairs

Political Science, Bachelor of Science


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Politics and International Affairs

Political Science, Bachelor of Science


Overview

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 2.0
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 114
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Optional
Research Optional
University Honors Program Optional
Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan Optional
AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A Recommended
Progression Plan Link View Progression Plan

Purpose Statement

The Political Science, BS degree places an emphasis on a range of analytical methods and policy fields, designed to appeal to students who are interested in pursuing graduate school, work in the public sector, work in public policy, or work in the government.  

It will also be attractive for students who may already have completed some course work in STEM-related fields.  With this degree students will be prepared to engage in policy and data analysis, research, advanced graduate work, and more.  

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.  

This degree will give students the tools they need for professional work related to political science, particularly in the areas of analysis. Strong analytical skills will also place graduates at a competitive advantage in a wide variety of other fields.


Student Learning Outcomes

 

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Politics and International Affairs

Political Science, Bachelor of Science


Details

Major Requirements
Minor Requirements
Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program
General Electives
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Politics and International Affairs

Political Science, Bachelor of Science


Campus Availability

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