25 Best Bachelor’s in Political Science

The University of Oklahoma boasts a myriad of awards, but this one stands out: No. 5 university in the Nation with the Happiest Students (Princeton Review). Yep, just another reason to check out our top ranking’s Bachelor of Arts in political science. OU reports that its political science graduates find government jobs throughout the nation (including Washington D.C.) as well as overseas.

Along with course work in politics, international relations, public administration, and public policy, you will get involved in the many internships, fellowships, and student organizations. Oh yeah, and we can’t forget numerous study abroad opportunities! To graduate, you will complete 120 credits, which include 36 major hours, 48 minimum upper-division hours, and a capstone course.

The big question is, how will you use your OU political science degree? Graduates are out there working as policy analysts and managers for the government, private consulting firms, think tanks, or international businesses. Some graduates pursue law or graduate school at prestigious universities like Harvard and Vanderbilt.

Join the Beaver Nation at Oregon State University, and you will be among more than 32,000 from all 50 states over 100 countries! OSU spans two campuses, 11 colleges, and 200+ programs, so there is something here for everyone. As far as political science, get ready for some options because OSU presents you with many.

While the degree is in political science, you can choose between a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science, and you can choose from one of three majors: environmental and energy politics, international affairs, or law and politics. You can also pursue a non-major option and focus on a comprehensive study of political science.Regardless of your major, you will take foundation courses like Political Thought, International Relations, Comparative Politics, and Research Methods.

The rest of your program will depend on the major (or non-major) you choose. You can also pursue experiential learning outside of the classroom, like research projects and internships, and these experiences count toward your degree program.

Founded in 1889, Clemson University stands by its initial vision of “a high seminary of learning” through its top-notch academic programs, innovative faculty, and talented student body. Clemson offers both a BS and a BA in political science where you will enjoy small classes and become a part of a dynamic community of learners.

Suppose you want a comprehensive study of arts and humanities. In that case, you will choose the Bachelor of Arts in political science and a minor in another area like business administration or communications. If you want a focused course of study, you can earn a Bachelor of Science with concentrations in American politics, global politics, political economy, public policy, and public administration.

Along with coursework, you will gain real-world experience through Model U.N. conferences across the world. There’s no limit to where you could go or what you could do with a political science degree from Clemson. Current graduates are working all over the globe as managers and specialists in government, human resources, administration, and more.

Born in 1804, Ohio University (known as OHIO) is the state’s very first university. But that’s not all! OHIO is awarded the #1 Best Value Public University by U.S. News and World Report, and we can’t forget to mention Expedia ranks OHIO in the Top 15 Most Beautiful Campuses. OHIO offers a BA in political science with tons of opportunities.

OHIO’s political science program will prepare you for careers in the government, non-profits, or the private sector both in the country and internationally. In addition to general education requirements, you will complete a sequence of courses in liberal arts and science, foundations of political science, political theory, and electives. Sample courses include Themes in Global Politics, Democracies and Dictatorships Around the World, and The Politics of Law.

Through this program, you have loads of opportunities through Handshake, OHIO’s platform for internships, workshops, and professional development events. OHIO evaluates applicants on a holistic level and reviews class rank, GPA, ACT/SAT scores, and other criteria.

The State University of New York at Albany is awarded one of “America’s Top Colleges” by Forbes magazine, and with 17,000+ students and 187,000+ alumni, it’s no surprise. You can earn a BA in political science here, and who wouldn’t want to study political science less than a mile from the New York State Capitol?

SUNY Albany gives you the chance to concentrate, really concentrate on the broad study of this fascinating field. You can choose from nine specializations to customize your program to fit your interests. You will start with three gateway courses, American Politics, Comparative and International Politics, and Political Theory, and then work through concentration courses and electives, totaling 36 credit hours.

You can also apply for the political science honors program or earn a combined BA/MA if you’re super motivated. However, one of the best parts of this program are the dynamic internships and study abroad opportunities. You can also pursue the chance to study for a semester in Washington D.C.; seriously, what could be more exciting for a political science major?

Founded in 1988, Texas State University is the only college in the state to have a United States President among the alumni! Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36^th president of the U.S., graduated from Texas State in 1930. Today, more than 38,000 students call Texas State home, and you could be one of them if you earn a Bachelor of Arts in political science.

Whether you’re looking for a career in law, intelligence, education, or finance, Texas State has it all. You can choose from six concentrations ranging from international relations to theory, or if you want to teach, you can earn the social studies composite certification, allowing you to teach history, geography, government, or economics to grades 8-12.

Along with courses in American Government, Public Law and Public Administration, and Political Theory, you will complete nine hours of writing-intensive courses, six hours of 2000-level modern language courses, and a minor. You will be able to pick and choose from some fascinating elective courses: Politics and Personality and Politics in Film, to name a few.

Signed into existence by Abraham Lincoln through the Morrill Act in 1862, the University of Nevada, Reno holds a rich history of growth and success. Today, UNR is a top-tier research institution with more than 145 academic programs, including a Bachelor of Arts in political science with five concentration options.

UNR’s political science program focuses on research (of course) and “links theory with real-world issues and action through politics, public policy, and public administration.” You can choose an area of emphasis in American government and politics, comparative government and politics, international relations, political theory, or public administration and public policy.

Likewise, you can also choose one of four minors to further customize your program. UNR knows the value of real-life experience, which is why internships are valued and available not only in the state but at the national and international levels. Political science graduates find themselves in a myriad of careers, ranging from the government to multinational corporations. You can also use UNR’s political science program as a pathway to graduate or law school.

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest academic institution and houses nine colleges which span 82 majors, 94 minors, 36 master’s degrees, and 15 Ph.D. programs. At SDSU, you can earn either a Bachelor of Arts or Science, a flexible program with multiple concentrations.

SDSU’s political science program is perfect for people who love politics, have strong communication skills, and love to debate. You can choose a dual major, history or global studies, for example, and also add a minor in another field like journalism, religion, or Spanish. Sample courses include Governments of the World, Research Methods, and American Political Issues. You will have internship opportunities through the South Dakota Legislature, the City of Brookings, Daktronics, and others.

Potential careers are vast. Current alumni are working as organizers, analysts, planners, and journalists for the government or other organizations. Sometimes a video, not a picture, is worth a thousand words.

Founded in 1883 (six years before the state was born!), the University of North Dakota has a long history of strong academics, rigorous research, and great value. UND’s BA in political science is comprehensive yet flexible, allowing you to tailor your program to match your interests and future career goals.

As a student at UND, you will experience small courses with devoted professors like Public Policy, International Politics, and American Constitution-Governmental Powers. Depending on your electives, you can focus on areas like pre-law, public policy, international relationships, or political activism. Hands-on learning like internships and conferences are valued to build critical thinking and expertise in political science.

You can also network through UND’s political science honor society, Pi Sigma Alpha, a valuable association that will also enhance your resume. UND’s political science program helps you build skills such as communication and leadership, which will translate into all types of future jobs. Graduates work in a host of careers in public service, law, journalism, public relations, and more.

Located in gorgeous Flagstaff, the #3 best college town in the nation, Northern Arizona University is home to nearly 30,000 students from all over the globe. Oh, and we can’t forget to mention NAU’s famous mascot, Louie the Lumberjack. If you pursue a Bachelor of Arts in political science, you will be a part of a lively and diverse community.

NAU’s political science program includes a wide range of courses in topics like environmental politics, political development, and diversity in politics. In addition to general education requirements, you will complete at least 39 units of major requirements, 16 units in language requirements, and 18 units in minor courses. Electives fill in the rest of your program to achieve 120 units.

Dynamic internships in the U.S. Congress, Arizona Legislature, and the Environmental Protection Agency (to name a few!) provide “education by experience,” a key objective at NAU. After graduation, you can pursue a host of careers in the political science realm, like nonprofit administration, journalism, policy analysis, and speech writing.

Check out the University of Nebraska’s diverse political science program and join more than 15,000 Mavericks. What is a Maverick, you ask? Maverick: an independent thinker, an explorer, a risk-taker. UNO offers plenty of options in its political science program, starting with either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. But wait, there are also five concentrations and five minors too.

If you’re looking for options, you have five concentrations to choose from:

• Government affairs and civic engagement
• Foreign and national security affairs
• Law and the courts
• Political theory
• Race, ethnicity and gender politics

However, if you want to pursue an interdisciplinary program, that’s cool too, plus you can choose among minors in Islamic studies, human rights, international studies, sustainability, and women and gender studies.

While requirements will vary depending on your concentrations and minors, you will take courses like Introduction to American National Government, Internal Relations, Political Thoughts, and Comparative Politics. NAU focuses on the fact you can do anything with a political science degree, which is why they offer so many options to customize your program.

Cardinals fly! Of course they do. We know this. But Ball State Cardinals, they really know how to fly. One of the best universities in the Midwest from Princeton Review for 15 years, Ball State University is known for its innovative academics, excellent value, and diverse community. Check out BSU’s political science programs and start to soar!

At BSU, you can choose from either a BA or BS in political science with three options: political science, economics, or international studies. First, you will complete two required classes, American National Government and Political Science Research, before taking courses customized to your track. All students will complete a senior capstone course which entails a thesis, research seminar, or internship.

One of the best parts of BSU is the sense of community. You will learn from devoted faculty in small classes and have the chance to get involved in the many student clubs and organizations, including immersive learning experiences.

Welcome to Wichita State University, located in the largest and most exciting city in Kansas! WSU is the state’s most diverse campus, with students from all 50 states and 100 countries. Additionally, over 40 percent are first-generation students! WSU’s BA in political science is perfect if you want to double major in another area like pre-law, business, criminal justice, or journalism.

Along with general education courses, you will take 33 credits in political science courses like American Politics, International Relations, and Political Data Analysis.

Applied learning is a big deal at WSU and serves as an additional requirement, which is perfect because internships, studying abroad, and research lead to more opportunities and career prospects!

As mentioned, WSU’s program pairs well with other majors, and many students choose to double major in political science and communication, business, pre-law, journalism, history, or ethnic studies, to name a few. Funding your education at WSU is easy because of the many scholarship offers. You may qualify for the more than $100 million in scholarships and financial aid awarded each year!

One of the nation’s top research universities, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is known for its affordable, world-class academic programs spanning across 15 colleges and schools. Among UWM’s 205 academic programs is a BA in political science, a comprehensive degree that provides a foundation for government, education, business, and law careers.

UWM’s curriculum is divided into four keystone areas: American politics, comparative politics, international politics, and political theory. While this program provides a broad education in political science, if you are interested in law, you can choose the Law Studies concentration. Sample courses include Political Data Analysis, Survey Research, and electives like Cyber-Politics and Law through Popular Culture.

Along with courses, you will participate in research projects, internships, a political science honor society, and even study abroad options like the United Nations summer seminar. UWM’s political science department invites you to meet with them in person, over the phone, or online to get a feel of the program and decide it is a good fit for you!

One of America’s premier research universities, Virginia Commonwealth University is set apart from others through its two biggest values: discovery and creativity. These values are immersed in more than 200 academic programs that serve nearly 29,500 current students (and 205,456 alumni). One of these programs is a BA in political science with eight concentration options.

One unique aspect of VCU’s program is its urban location in Richmond, which is just a short drive to Washington’s D.C. Another aspect is the choice in specializations. You can choose from one of the following:

• Civil rights
• Comparative politics
• Human security
• International relations
• Political theory and methodology
• Politics and government
• Public policy and administration
• U.S. Government

VCU’s political science program provides a comprehensive study while allowing room to customize your program. Notable courses include Politics of the Civil Rights Movement, Political Campaigns and Communication, and U.S. Parties and Elections. VCU also offers an accelerated BA and MPA (Master of Public Administration) that can be completed in just five years.

Established in 1875, Park University is a private school with core values of “academic excellence, inclusivity, and social responsibility”. More than 16,500 students worldwide call Park home through 41 campuses and online. Through Park, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts in political science on the Parkville, Missouri campus and online.

Park’s political science program includes a concentration in American or international politics and involves 122 credit hours, including 36 hours of core curriculum and approved electives. You will take courses like American National Government, International Relations, and History of Political Philosophy, as well as a senior thesis and internship.

Through Park’s political science program, you will gain analytical skills through hands-on learning, which will allow you to pursue careers in business, law, state, local, and federal government, finance, teaching, and more.

Established in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the country’s oldest and well known Catholic universities. SLU is a global, mission-focused school with campuses both in Saint Louis and Madrid, Spain, and nearly 13,000 from all 50 states and 82 countries. SLU’s BA in political science is a dynamic one, with loads of opportunities.

SLU’s BA program includes five concentrations: general, international affairs, international relations, public law, and public policy. Additionally, you can tailor your degree to include programs devoted to area studies, global and local justice, foreign service, gender studies, and more. You will also complete fieldwork and research opportunities through internships in St. Louis, Washington D.C., and overseas!

Upon graduation, you will be well prepared to dive into a career in the government, international organizations, nonprofits, research, and more. SLU also offers a BA/MA accelerated program where you can start taking graduate classes before you officially earn your BA. SLU states that applications are reviewed with “the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted.”

Just 35 miles from Chicago, Lewis University is a Catholic university with a rich history of preparing students for professional careers. With more than 80 undergraduate majors and 35 graduate programs, Lewis is sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers with over 320 years of teaching experience in the Lasallian tradition.

Lewis’s BA in political science not only will give you a comprehensive background in government and politics but will strengthen your critical thinking and communication skills, allowing you an advantage in political science careers. You will complete 128 credits that include core courses, electives, and advanced writing requirements. Sample courses include American National Governments, Comparative Government, and Western Political Thought.

Internship and study abroad opportunities are encouraged, and many Lewis students find themselves interning in Chicago, Springfield, IL, and even Washington D.C or overseas in Europe, Asia, Latin America, or Africa. You will also be able to join clubs and experiential learning programs like the Political Science Club or the National Political Science Honor Society, Pi Sigma Alpha.

Lesley University, a top-ranking private university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focuses on the “intersection of education, mental health counseling, mindfulness, and the visual arts,” which they call human arts. With more than 90,000+ alumni living in all 50 states and 84 countries, Lesley’s innovative programs and small class sizes appeal to students all over the world.

Lesley’s BA in political science is not only dynamic but customizable to your career interests. Along with Lesley’s Reimagined General Education Curriculum, you will complete 30 credits in political science courses plus ten credits of experiential learning. Sample courses include U.S. Politics, Political Theory, and Political Behavior. Lesley also offers “creative combinations” where you pursue a second major or a minor to expand your career prospects.

Lesley’s political science graduates pursue careers all over the world in government, advocacy organizations, political campaigns, nonprofits, journalism, and much more. We also must mention that according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for political science professionals in Massachusetts is $109,060, the fourth-highest paying state in the country!

Founded in 1899 as an all-women academic institution, Simmons University boasts a rich history of “firsts” and today provides both a small, close-knit community coupled with a bustling city experience for over 6,600 undergraduate and graduate students. Simmons University’s BA in political science will give you the expertise to find rewarding careers in government, business, education, diplomacy, and education.

Along with general education courses, you will complete 36 credit hours in political science and eight hours of independent study. Sample courses include Politics in the Republic: Congress and the Presidency, Comparative Foreign Policy, and Feminism and Capitalism. Simmons also offers a 3+1 Public Policy Program, which includes a BA in political science and an MA in public policy.

Internships are a vital part of Simmons’s political science program, and most students utilize the Barbara Lee Family Foundation Intern Fellowship Program. While Simmons was originally an all-women university, today it is open to anyone.

Founded in 1906, Suffolk University is a private research university in downtown Boston along with a campus in Madrid! Suffolk is home to nearly 7,300 students across 70+ academic programs. One of these programs includes either a Bachelor of Arts or Science in political science with concentration options in American politics, public policy and law, and political theory.

Suffolk’s BA/BS degrees entail 126 credits that are mapped out into major, core, concentration requirements and electives. You will take courses like Data Analysis and Politics, Research Methods, and Public Policy. In addition, you will complete an internship, most likely in Washington D.C.! Suffolk also features a law program that many students complete as a double major or a minor.

One thing is for sure: you will get involved at Suffolk. Whether it is with the University Pollworkers Project, a partnership between Mass VOTE and local schools where Suffolk students help recruit poll workers for upcoming elections or perhaps within the United Nations Studies Project (UNSP), a nonprofit that develops programs to help international connections.

Along with Suffolk University, another exceptional college in Boston is none other than Boston College! The first higher education institution in Boston, Boston College is a private Jesuit research university, a “leader in the liberal arts, scientific inquiry, and student formation”. Through Boston College, you can earn a BA in applied liberal arts with a political science concentration.

A key component of Boston College’s program is the emphasis on liberal arts. You will complete the core curriculum in subjects like English, philosophy, history, theology, social science, arts, and cultural diversity. Along with six courses in political science, you will earn credits in the following courses:

• Project management
• Data visualization
• Conflict resolution and negotiation
• Applied data analysis and interpretation
• Design thinking and creativity  

Finally, you will complete a capstone project during your last year, the final requirement for this program. Boston accepts applications on a rolling basis for start dates in the spring, fall, and summer semesters. You can apply to Boston online by submitting your academic transcripts, two personal essays, and two recommendation letters.

Founded in 1935, Southeastern University is a Christian college devoted to “equip the next generation to go into the world as influential servant leaders in their careers and their communities” (Southeastern “About”). SEU offers a Bachelor of Science in political science and a fun fact: former congressman Dennis Ross is currently a distinguished political science professor at SEU!

SEU’s political science program entails 58 hours of general education, 48 hours of political science core, and 15 hours of electives, totaling 121 credits.  The political science core includes three sections: government and policy, international, and legal foundation. In addition, you will complete a six-hour internship experience, gaining valuable skills for a future political science career.

Speaking of careers, SEU graduates work in all fields of political science all over the world. Example careers are campaign workers, political correspondents, city managers, lawyers, policy analysts, human rights advocates, and of course, politicians.

Among the largest private schools in the Southwest, Abilene Christian University consistently ranks among the top regional universities, including Best Undergraduate Teaching, Best First-Year Experience, Best Value, and Most Innovative (U.S. News & World Report). You can earn either a BS in political science or a BA in international relations and comparative politics at ACU, which opens the door to a host of careers or law school.

While your specific course of study will depend on your track,  ACU’s political science programs entail 128 credit hours divided into 56+ hours of university requirements, 45-46 hours of major requirements, and 26-27 credits of electives. Example courses include American Political Thought; International Law and Organizations; and Peace, Power and Politics.

Experiential learning is a huge part of ACU’s program, including internships and political groups like the Jack Pope Fellows, International Justice Missions, and the service program, Wishing Well. ACU reports that alumni serve in a variety of political roles in federal and state agencies as well as in careers as policy analysts, mediators, lobbyists, and public affair research analysts, to name a few.

Located in Indianapolis’s heart, Marian University is a top-ranking Catholic university devoted to faith, academics, and service. U.S. News & World Report awards Marian #3 Most Innovative University and #5 Best Value University among the Midwest Regions. At Marian, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts in political science with concentrations and minors to tailor your program to your career goals.

Marian’s political science program includes three concentrations: law studies, political leadership and engagement, and international affairs. However, you can also choose other concentrations or minors in areas like communication, gender studies, criminal justice, public health, and more. This 128-credit degree plan includes at least 33 credits in political science, and the rest is up to you to make it your own!

As a political science major at Marian, you will get involved through the Global Speaker series, study-abroad opportunities, research projects, and service-learning endeavors across the country and the world! Graduates are armed with the knowledge, skills, and expertise to pursue a wide range of careers such as policy analysts, legislative assistants, public relations specialists as well as international employment.