List of Bachelors in Political Science Programs – Campus & Online

Political science is such an important field, and is the foundation of much of our society. It allows us to examine how our government operates, how other governments around the world work, and how elements like public opinion and media affect how these governments function and interact with each other.

A bachelor’s degree in political science can prepare you for graduate studies or a career in law or journalism, or to work in politics as a campaign consultant, congressperson, legislative analyst, and so much more.

Where Can I Earn My Bachelors in Political Science Degree?

While you’re listening to the podcast, check out our list of schools with political science programs in the US. For each school, we provide a few highlights, including program offerings, course breakdown, and accreditation.

Click on the links below to jump to a specific state’s programs. You can also skip ahead to our Quick Facts about a bachelor’s degree in political science, or information about degree types and accreditation.

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Ashford University Accredited by WASC Click To Request Info »	The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government degree program at Ashford University focuses on political behavior, power and authority, and conflict resolution. Students in this program can take classes in subjects like policy development, international relations, and conflict resolution, along with a research-based capstone course. This degree program consists of a minimum of 120 credit hours.
Keiser University Accredited by SACS Click To Request Info »	Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree program is designed to develop students’ understanding of the functions of government in American society, political theories, the role of public opinion on political behavior, and more. Students in this program can take classes like Great Political Thinkers, The Campaign Process, and Religion and Politics.
Liberty University Accredited by SACS Click To Request Info »	Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Political Science is offered completely online, and is designed to provide students with a historical, theoretical and broad-based foundation in the study of politics. Students in this program can take classes like American Political Process, International Relations, and American Foreign Policy.
University of Massachusetts Accredited by NEASC Click To Request Info »	The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science online degree program is offered by UMass Dartmouth, and allows students to choose a pre-law concentration. Students in this program can take classes like Constitutional Law, Public Administration, Women and Public Policy, and Political Parties and Interest Groups.
West Virginia Wesleyan College Accredited by HLC Click To Request Info »	WVWC’s baccalaureate degree program in Political Science is designed for students interested in government and diplomatic service, research organizations, professional campaign organizations, and other similar careers. Students can take classes like American Foreign Policy, Race and Public Policy, and Gender and Politics, and be prepared to continue their education in areas like political science, public administration, and law.

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Alabama

University of Alabama Accredited by SACS

The University of Alabama offers a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with classes that focus on preparing students to work in public service careers at the national, state and local levels, the legal profession, teaching in high schools and universities, political advocacy, and nonprofit organizations related to public policy. Students earning the bachelor of arts (BA) degree with a major in political science must complete all University, College and departmental degree requirements.

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Alaska

University of Alaska Anchorage Accredited by NWCCU

The Department of Political Science at the University of Alaska Anchorage offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science as well as a minor with an emphasis in Political Science or Public Administration. This program is divided into five areas: comparative politics, international relations, political philosophy, American politics, and political behavior.

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Arizona

Arizona State University Accredited by HLC

ASU offers a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree program that is designed to prepare students for careers as analysts or aides in local, state, or national legislative offices. Students graduating from this program can also continue their education into law school or pursue graduate studies in political science, social science, urban planning, or public administration.

University of Arizona Accredited by HLC

The School of Government and Public Policy at the University of Arizona in Tucson has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a wide range of concentrations to choose from, such as American Politics, Ideas and Methods, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Foreign Affairs, Law and Public Policy, and General Political Science. This program is nationally ranked and has an international reputation for excellence.

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Arkansas

University of Arkansas Accredited by HLC

At the University of Arkansas, students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science that requires students to complete a series of general education courses as well as a specified number of hours in political science. Additionally, students must demonstrate proficiency in a single modern or classical language other than English by completion of a world language.

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California

Ashford University Accredited by WASC

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government degree program at Ashford University focuses on political behavior, power and authority, and conflict resolution. Students in this program can take classes in subjects like policy development, international relations, and conflict resolution, along with a research-based capstone course. This degree program consists of a minimum of 120 credit hours.

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Colorado

University of Colorado Boulder Accredited by HLC

At the University of Colorado Boulder, students can combine a political science major with teaching credentials and teach government, political science and civics in secondary schools. The school offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in in political science that provides students with knowledge and understanding of political issues and prepares them for a career in many different fields.

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Connecticut

University of Connecticut Accredited by NEASC

The B.A. in Political Science degree program at the UConn is designed to prepare students for careers in research and management positions in the public and private sectors, or pursue graduate studies in law, business, political science, or journalism. Students in this program can take classes in areas like Public Administration, American Politics, and Race, Gender, and Ethnic Politics.

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Delaware

University of Delaware Accredited by MSCHE

The Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Delaware offers a political science major that may be completed without a concentration – providing a broad overview of the field – or with a concentration in one of the following areas: American Politics, Global Politics, Politics, Groups and Identity or Politics, Law and Theory.

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Florida

Keiser University Accredited by SACS

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree program is designed to develop students’ understanding of the functions of government in American society, political theories, the role of public opinion on political behavior, and more. Students in this program can take classes like Great Political Thinkers, The Campaign Process, and Religion and Politics.

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Georgia

Georgia College Accredited by SACS

Georgia College offers a Bachelor of Art in Political Science, designed to provide students with a liberal arts education that builds on the content of the core curriculum. This particular program is designed to prepare students for graduate education in a variety of social science fields and/or for entrance into careers in the public service systems at the international, federal, state or local levels.

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Hawaii

University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Accredited by WASC

At the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, students must complete at least 30 credits in political science courses as well as take one capstone course in his or her senior year. There is also a required community experience that enables students to develop significant leadership and organizational skills and to participate in an important political organization in the community.

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Idaho

University of Idaho Accredited by NWCCU

The University of Idaho offers students two options for pursuing a degree in political science: a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. Students explore such topics as health care and education and the history of governments around the world. Students gain practical exposure to the field through internships with the legislature, political campaigns and other hands-on learning opportunities.

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Illinois

DePaul University Accredited by HLC

DePaul University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science that requires students to complete courses in one of the following four concentrations: Standard, American Politics, International Politics, or Law and Theory. Students can also choose to earn a combined bachelor’s/master’s degree in Political Science and Journalism. This program allows students to complete a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a master’s degree in Journalism in five years.

University of Illinois Accredited by HLC

At the University of Illinois, the study of political science is divided into five areas. These are American Politics, Public Policy, Comparative Politics, Political Theory (or Political Philosophy) and International Relations. These areas address issues of political systems and political life to help students grow in their understanding and take more advanced courses. A political science major requires 50 hours of coursework in order to earn a BA.

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Indiana

University of Indiana Accredited by HLC

The Department of Political Science at Indiana University Bloomington offers a political science major that introduces students to fundamental issues in the political process, conditions that create the need for governments, structure and procedures of governments, control of governments and enforcement of responsibility, and relationships among governments. This degree track prepares students to the skills necessary to work in public service, law, business, and other careers.

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Iowa

University of Iowa Accredited by HLC

Students at the University of Iowa may earn either a B.A. or a B.S. degree in political science. Students will work with their departmental advisor to select the program best suited to their academic and professional goals. These programs help students build skills in critical reading, information gathering and analysis, and oral and written communication that employers in every field value.

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Kansas

University of Kansas Accredited by HLC

The University of Kansas has two degree options for students interested in studying political science. Students can choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in political science or Bachelor General Studies in political science. The primary distinction between the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of General Studies degree is the foreign language requirement, which is part of the BA degree.

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Kentucky

University of Kentucky Accredited by SACS

The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Kentucky offers both a BS and a BA in political science. After being introduced to each undergraduate field, all majors must take an additional 39 hours of coursework that combines both courses within the discipline and courses covering topics related to the discipline but offered by other programs.

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Louisiana

Louisiana State University Accredited by SACS

LSU’s undergraduate political science degree program allows students to pursue a concentration in American Government and Politics, Political Theory, International Politics and Law, and Comparative Government and Politics. Students in this program can take classes like Foreign Policy, Russia and Eastern Europe Government and Politics, Political Behavior, and Contemporary Political Thought.

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Maine

University of Maine Accredited by NEASC

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree program offered at the University of Maine is designed to teach students to exercise their critical thinking skills with theories, principles, institutions, and practices of politics in a social and historical context. Students in this program can take classes like Film and Politics, International Terrorism, Canadian Government and Politics, and Democratic Theory.

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Maryland

University of Maryland, Baltimore County Accredited by MSCHE

UMBC offers a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree program that is designed to prepare students for careers in areas like government, public service, and law. Students in this program must complete a minimum of 36 political science credits, and they can take classes like Culture and Politics, International Relations, Political Philosophy, and State and Local Politics.

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Massachusetts

Northeastern University Accredited by NEASC

Northeastern University offers a B.S. in Political Science degree program that is designed to prepare students for graduate studies and careers in law, government, journalism, history, or politics. Students in this program must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours, and they can take classes like Nationalism, International Security, Civil Liberties, American Government, and Politics and Mass Media.

University of Massachusetts Accredited by NEASC

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science online degree program is offered by UMass Dartmouth, and allows students to choose a pre-law concentration. Students in this program can take classes like Constitutional Law, Public Administration, Women and Public Policy, and Political Parties and Interest Groups.

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Michigan

University of Michigan Accredited by HLC

The Bachelors in Political Science degree program at the University of Michigan is designed to prepare student for graduate studies and careers in journalism, law, policy development and implementation, government, business, and teaching. Students in this program can take classes in areas like American politics, comparative politics, world politics, political theory, and research methods.

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Minnesota

University of Minnesota Accredited by HLC

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree program at the University of Minnesota consists of a minimum of 120 credit hours, and 32 of those credit hours are dedicated to the major-related courses. Students can take classes in areas like Political Theory, Comparative Government, International Relations, and American Government.

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Mississippi

Mississippi State University Accredited by SACS

Mississippi State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree program consists of small class sizes, and consists of a minimum of 124 credit hours. Students in this program can take classes like Intergovernmental Relations, The Chief Executive, Public Opinion, and International Conflict and Security.

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Missouri

University of Missouri Accredited by HLC

At the University of Missouri, students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science that teaches students how government operates and how to analyze and evaluate public policies and political ideas. The curriculum offers opportunities to link academic study with internships and study abroad as well as advising on how to prepare for law school or graduate study.

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Montana

Montana State University Accredited by NWCCU

At Montana State University, students can pursue a Bachelor or Arts degree in Political Science. This program develops students’ knowledge of American political institutions, world politics, political theory, public administration, and policy. The integrated curriculum challenges students to develop their critical thinking, communication, and research skills, preparing our graduates for citizenship and leadership, post-graduate study and diverse employment possibilities.

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Nebraska

University of Nebraska – Lincoln Accredited by HLC

The University of Nebraska – Lincoln offers students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. This program offers political science majors who are interested in policy, the option to also pursue a certificate in Public Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation.

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Nevada

University of Nevada, Reno Accredited by NWCCU

At the University of Nevada, Reno, students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with the option to choose courses from five areas of study: American government and politics, comparative government and politics, political theory, international relations, and public administration and public policy. All students must complete a minimum of 120 credits with at least 42 of these credits must be taken at the 300 or above level.

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New Hampshire

University of New Hampshire Accredited by NEASC

The University of New Hampshire offers a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree that requires students to complete foreign language component. Students can also choose to pursue the Political Science – Five Year BA/MA Dual Degree program. There is also an Honors program for students who qualify as well as study abroad options, internship opportunities, as well as a number of awards that recognize excellence in the major.

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New Jersey

The College of New Jersey Accredited by MSCHE

The College of New Jersey, through the School of Humanities and Social Services, offers a bachelor’s degree in political science with the option to study abroad or focus on pre-law. Students in this program become acquainted with both national and global perspectives with courses in American, comparative, and international politics, as well as political theory.

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New Mexico

University of New Mexico Accredited by HLC

UNM’s political science undergraduate degree program is designed to prepare students for graduate studies and careers in business, law, journalism, international organizations, political campaigns, and state, local, and federal government. Students in this program can take classes like Congressional Processes, International Politics, Politics and Cinema, and Public Policy and Administration.

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New York

The City College of New York Accredited by MSCHE

The political science undergraduate degree program at The City College of New York is designed to help students understand concepts like where political power is, how it operates, and whose interests it serves. Students in this program can take classes in areas like International Relations, United States Politics, Political Theory and Philosophy, and Comparative Politics and Government.

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North Carolina

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Accredited by SACS

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science that is designed to provide pre-professional training for students planning to enter law school, and a broad understanding of political ideas, institutions, and issues as a central element of a general education. The program provides students with a basic knowledge of the political and economic relationships that exist among nations, international agencies, and governmental and nongovernmental organizations.

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North Dakota

University of North Dakota Accredited by HLC

At the University of North Dakota, students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. As a political science major, students gain communication and analytic skills that promote critical and independent thinking. Students must complete 125 credits in order to graduate. There is also a pre-law guide to help students considering entering the legal profession.

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Ohio

Ohio State University Accredited by HLC

The Ohio State University offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science degree that offers students the opportunity to study the many dimensions of politics, government, and power. Students can specialize in many, some of which include: democracy and law, political identities and allegiances, political economy and development, cooperation,conflict and violence, and more.

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Oklahoma

University of Oklahoma Accredited by HLC

Through the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oklahoma, students can earn a Bachelors of Political Science. This program requires students to complete 36 hours of political science courses. The Department, in partnership with the Carl Albert Center, offers students several opportunities to participate in engaging internship programs that enhance the theoretical lessons of the classroom.

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Oregon

University of Oregon Accredited by NWCCU

As a Political Science major at the University of Oregon, you can pursue a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. Students explore a wide breadth of fields including U.S. Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics, and Political Theory. some of these courses are designated as“writing intensive” to help students hone their critical reasoning skills.

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Pennsylvania

Penn State Accredited by MSCHE

The B.S. in Political Science degree program at Penn State is designed to develop students’ understanding of public opinion, elections, foreign policy, legislatures, and courts, and gain practical experience applying skills in research design and methods. Students in this program can take classes like Debating the Purpose of Government, Understanding Tyranny, Politics of Developing Areas, and Contemporary Political Ideologies.

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Rhode Island

Brown University Accredited by NEASC

The political science baccalaureate degree program at Brown University is designed to prepare students for law school or pursue other graduate studies in areas like political science, public policy, or political engagement. Students in this program can choose to pursue a concentration in American Politics, Political Theory, or International and Comparative Politics.

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South Carolina

Clemson University Accredited by SACS

Clemson University offers B.A. and B.S. in Political Science degree programs that are designed to prepare students for careers in law, journalism, government, and teaching. Students can pick a concentration for their B.S. major such as American Politics, Global Politics, Political Economy, Public Policy, and Public Administration.

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South Dakota

University of South Dakota Accredited by HLC

The B.A. and B.S. in Political Science degree programs at the University of South Dakota are designed to prepare students for careers in politics, government, law, mass media, and other public or administrative professions. Students in these programs can take classes like Governments of the World, Public Administration, and State and Local Government.

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Tennessee

Vanderbilt University Accredited by SACS

The Bachelors in Political Science degree program at Vanderbilt University is designed to provide fundamental training for students who wish to have careers in law, government, politics, and other political science-related fields. Students in this program can take classes like Contemporary Political Theory, Crisis Diplomacy, Causes of War, Global Feminisms, and American Public Opinion and Voting Behavior.

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Texas

Texas State University Accredited by SACS

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree program at Texas State University focuses on the social, economic, influences on our government as well as other institutions and practices that affect government’s decision making processes. Students in this program can take classes like American Government, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory and Methodology, and Public Law and Public Administration.

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Utah

University of Utah Accredited by NWCCU

The B.A. and B.S. in Political Science degree programs at the University of Utah allow students to pick a concentration in International Politics, Public Policy, Law and Politics, and Community Involvement and Nonprofit Leadership. Students in these programs can take classes like Political Analysis, Water Policy and Politics, Constitutional Law, United Nations, and Civic Engagement and Social Change.

Utah State University Accredited by NWCCU

Utah State University offers a B.S. and a B.A. in Political Science (includes foreign language classes) degree program. These degree programs are designed to develop students’ understanding of government, politics, and national and international political philosophy. Students in this program can take classes like Social Policy, Global Negotiations, Chinese Government and Politics, and American Political Thought.

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Vermont

University of Vermont Accredited by NEASC

The University of Vermont has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree program, and the curriculum is split into four parts, American politics, political theory, international relations, and comparative politics. Students in this program can take classes like The Presidency, The Politics of Sex, Political Thought, Ancient Law, Middle East Politics, and Third World Foreign Policy.

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Virginia

Liberty University Accredited by SACS

Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Political Science is offered completely online, and is designed to provide students with a historical, theoretical and broad-based foundation in the study of politics. Students in this program can take classes like American Political Process, International Relations, and American Foreign Policy.

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Washington

University of Washington Accredited by NWCCU

The political science baccalaureate degree program at the University of Washington focuses on political theory, comparative politics, international relations, political methodology, and American government and politics. Students in this program can pick concentrations for their major such as International Security and Political Economy.

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West Virginia

West Virginia Wesleyan College Accredited by HLC

WVWC’s baccalaureate degree program in Political Science is designed for students interested in government and diplomatic service, research organizations, professional campaign organizations, and other similar careers. Students can take classes like American Foreign Policy, Race and Public Policy, and Gender and Politics, and be prepared to continue their education in areas like political science, public administration, and law.

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Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin-Madison Accredited by HLC

The undergraduate political science degree program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on helping students understand ethics and power, the impact of historic, economic, and social forces on politics, diverse political systems, and more. Students in this program can take classes in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political methodology and theory.

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Wyoming

University of Wyoming Accredited by HLC

University of Wyoming offers B.A. and B.S. in Political Science degree programs, and both are designed to develop students’ understanding of the political process. Through these programs, students can also be prepared for further study in law, political science, and public administration, and careers in the public and private sectors.

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Bachelors in Political Science Quick Facts

Here is a brief snapshot of what to expect and look forward to with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

Quick Facts
Common Pre-Enrollment Requirements:	High School Diploma or GED (associate’s degree is optional)
Common Core Subjects Covered:	International Relations, Local/State/Federal Government, Political Theories/Analysis, Civic Engagement, Policy Development
Non-Classwork Required:	None (internship is strongly recommended)
Expected Time to Complete Bachelor’s Degree:	4 years
Common Next Steps:	Entry-Level Position, Master’s Degree
Most Common Career Fields:	Political Science, Policy Development/Analysis, Public Service, International Relations, Law

Exploring Degree Types and Accreditation

There are several types of undergraduate political science degree programs available like:

• Bachelor of Science in Political Science (BS) – a four-year degree program that focuses on the fundamentals of political science, which are typically categorized as American government, comparative government, international relations, research methods, and political theories, and students may be able to choose a specialization in one of those areas
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (BA) – a four-year degree program that provides a balance between teaching the fundamentals of political science and providing a liberal arts education, and can require one or two years of foreign language courses.
• Bachelor of Political Science – a four-year degree program that encourages students to pursue a focuses within the political science field while also gaining a broad political science background

Accreditation is important for all degrees, ensuring you receive a qualified education. The accrediting bodies featured in our list are:

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