A political science degree is a flexible degree that offers many career opportunities. The political science degree program integrates political theories, history, government, and policy. Political science majors often delve into public issues such as civil rights, healthcare, education, and the economy. You can pursue a wide range of political science jobs including journalism, public relations, and politics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, political science jobs are expected to increase by 5 percent from now until 2028.
Top 5 Political Science Degree Programs
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of North Carolina- Pembroke | Pembroke, North Carolina |
| 2 | Western Carolina University | Cullowhee, North Carolina |
| 3 | University of North Georgia | Dahlonega, Georgia |
| 4 | Mississippi Valley State University | Bena, Mississippi |
| 5 | Fort Hays State University | Hays, Kansas |
Best Schools for a Political Science Degree
University of North Carolina- Pembroke
The University of North Carolina offers a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. UNC is state-funded and is partnered with The Institute of World Politics for a $2,200 guaranteed scholarship. The university has also earned a few accolades, including receiving a UNC System Award for Teaching Excellence.
Some of the courses include:
Introduction to Political Science
Introduction to Comparative Politics
Introduction to World Politics
Judicial Process and Behavior
Introduction to Theory and Methodology
Writing in Political Science
School Overview
Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University is praised as having a 95.7 percent job placement rate. You can experience a budget-friendly, quality education at a SACS accredited university with the North Carolina Promise Tuition Plan. The university’s goal is to focus on affordability by decreasing the cost of tuition through state funding. In the political science program, students gain experience in researching and implementing their knowledge to real-world political and social issues on global, national, and local levels. Many graduates from WCU obtain jobs in politics or as policy campaign workers, policy planners, and lobbyists.
Some of the courses include:
Popular Culture in American Politics
American Social and Political Eras
International Organization
Topics in Contemporary Political Systems
Seminar: American Political Systems
School Overview
University of North Georgia
The University of North Georgia offers a Bachelor of Science with a major in political science. The program provides students with a diversified curriculum which enables students to choose from a list of American and international courses that suit their interests. The political science program also prepares students to engage in electoral politics, movements for certain policies, and community organizations.
Some of the course include:
American Government
Intro to Political Science
Global Issues
Social Science
International Affairs
Political Theory
School Overview
Mississippi Valley State University
Mississippi Valley State University offers a well-rounded and affordable education. In 2018, the Mock Trial Team at the university won the ODY Owl Classic Top Award. Political Science students for the Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics, receive immense training in six subfields, including comparative government and politics, international relations, public law, American government and politics, and public administration. The program offers substantial academic extracurricular activities that amplify the in-class experience. These activities include giving presentations at professional meetings and maintaining membership in the Political Science Club. The program is 121 credit hours and students must maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Some of the courses include:
American National Government
State and Local Government
World Language
Political Science
Social Research Methods and Statistics
School Overview
Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University is located in Hays, Kansas, and provides high-quality instruction along with active and applied learning experiences that equip students for a professional career of their choosing or additional educational opportunities such as law school. With a blend of real-world experience, coursework, and hands-on activities, students learn about public administration, law, and American politics, to name a few. Fort Hays State University gives the option to take courses online or on-campus for their Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.
Some of the courses include:
American Government
Introduction to International Relations
Introduction to Public Policy
Political Philosophy
Research Methods
Democratic Engagement
School Overview
Florida A&M University
Florida A&M University is located in Tallahassee, FL, and offers a robust selection of courses and activities based on the career needs of the students. Political science students are required to complete 18 hours in another academic field.
Some of the courses include:
Introduction to Political Science
American National Government
State & Local Government
Comparative Government
Intro to Public Administration
Constitutional Law
School Overview
Alabama A&M University
With the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Alabama A&M University located in Huntsville, AL, you will master how to conduct research, establish policy, and analyze data. Students must earn a “C” or above and participate in ongoing program area activities to graduate. The Experiential Learning Opportunities Office will give you opportunities for an internship where you will gain hands-on experience.
Some of the courses include:
American Politics
Comparative Government
International Relations
Political Theory
School Overview
University of South Florida
At the University of South Florida, the Bachelor’s in Political Science program prepares students to work in many facets of government institutions. Most of the program focuses on American political institutions. The courses with this degree provide students with a comprehensive study of the process of American government, political issues, and international systems. Upon graduation, students can become employed in the public and private sectors or move on to a more advanced degree in political science.
Some of the courses include:
American National Government
Classical Political Theory
Modern Political Theory
Contemporary Political Theory
American Political Thought
History and Theory of Genocide
School Overview
Cal State- LA
The Cal State Bachelor of Arts in Political Science acquaints you with contemporary issues in America as well as abroad while preparing you for a professional career in law, public service, and teaching. Many graduates of the political science program at Cal State are admitted to regional and national law schools. Graduates have also landed jobs in the public sector of government at local, state, and federal levels. At least 8 graduates have served in the United States House of Representatives.
Some of the courses include:
Government and American Society
Quantitative Methods in Political Science
Foundations of American Politics
Foundations of Political Theory
Foundations of Global Politics
Senior Capstone Seminar
School Overview
CUNY Brooklyn College
The Political Science Department at CUNY Brooklyn College has received the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work. Brooklyn College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science for you to gain an understanding of the inner workings of the balance of government power. Upon graduation, you will be able to identify and point out key political concepts. You will also gain proficiency in identifying multiple theories of power that molds the discipline of political science and apply it to articulate the structure of key political institutions, movements, and events.
Some of the courses include:
U.S. Experience in Its Diversity
World Cultures and Global Issues
Individual and Society
Creative Expression
Political Science
Scientific World
School Overview
City College
City College is located in New York, NY, where you can get some of the best value in obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. The political science program provides you with a wide range of courses regarding law and government, and politics. You will learn about all of the political institutions, including legal systems, executive and legislative branches, and political parties. At City College, the political science program prepares you for a job in politics, as well as government agencies, and mass communications.
Some of the courses include:
American Government and Politics
Political Ideas and Issues
World Politics
Comparative Politics
International Relations
Political Theory and Philosophy
School Overview
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
The University of Arkansas has received the Chamber of Commerce Health Workplace Award and offers a valued education with low-cost tuition. The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science merges the skills of sciences and humanities and helps to keep students informed about current major issues such as the national economy. Graduates from the political science program are presented with many job opportunities, including political staff positions, jobs in local, state, and national government agencies.
Some of the courses include:
- American National Government
- Social Research Methods and Statistics
- International Relations
- Campaigns and Elections
- Public Policy
- Global Challenges
School Overview
Albany State University
Located in Albany, GA, Albany State University’s political science program offers hands-on experience in conjunction with classroom learning. Political science students have the opportunity to apply for the Washington Honors Semester Program and the Georgia Legislative Intern program. ASU students often intern in political and governmental offices near campus. The campus offers a variety of services for students, including health services, counseling services, and career services. The Career Services Office locates placements for employment, paid internships, and continuing education.
Some of the courses include:
International Relations
Comparative Government
American, National, State, and Local Government
Constitutional Law
School Overview
The schools were ranked on the cost of tuition, student-to-teacher ratio, and credit hours.
