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Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

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SPA’s BA in Political Science program focuses on government and public affairs as an aspect of a broad liberal arts education. It prepares the student for an enlightened role in national, community, and world affairs. This program provides a foundation in American Politics, Comparative Politics, and Political Theory. From this foundation, you can choose from the six concentrations offered:

  • American Government
  • Comparative Politics
  • Gender, Race & Politics
  • Law & Politics
  • Policy
  • Political Theory

Read on to find out if this undergraduate major can help you work towards your career goals.

Admissions

New first-year and transfer students are admitted through the university's Admissions Office. For additional information regarding American University's undergraduate admissions requirements and application process, please visit american.edu/admissions.

Curriculum

Read our complete overview of course requirements and curriculum.

Sample Courses

Students will focus on major philosophical concepts that shaped government in the United States combined with an analysis of contemporary political institutions and behavior, focusing on the American governmental system. Four-credit sections include Washington laboratory experiences.

Students will focus on how diffe ent societies have approached the political problems of order and responsiveness. Students will explore the relationships, in a cross-cultural perspective, between the individual and the state; social and economic processes; and culture and behavior.

Students will focus on the study of major philosophical discussions of the conflict bet een individual freedom and authority with analysis of the relation between this conflict and the problem of organizing a government.

An introduction to political science research, including the logic of analysis, research design, and the basics of quantitative analysis. Application of gathering data and of analytic and statistical techniques to contemporary political problems. Usually Offe ed: fall, spring, and summer.

Study Abroad Opportunities

  • Students may study abroad between their second semester of sophomore year through their senior year.

  • It is strongly recommended that students complete the majority of their university requirements before studying abroad.

  • Some popular study abroad destinations are: Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, England, Ireland, Israel, Netherlands, New Zealand, Scotland

  • The number of study abroad credits accepted into the major will vary. Students should work with their academic advisor to discuss individual programs.

Internship Opportunities

  • Students can earn up to 12 credits from internships toward their degree.
  • Students can apply a maximum of 6 credit hours to their major requirements.
  • Students must complete at least 30 credit hours at AU before registering an internship for credit.
  • Sample internships include: Brookings Institution, White House, Human Rights Campaign, Washington Monument, Center for Education Reform

Scholarly Research Opportunities

  • In Introduction to Political Research, students learn research design and methods of quantitative analysis used toward the empirical study of contemporary political problems.
  • Students will have opportunities to engage in scholarly research in advanced courses, to work with faculty members on research projects, and to present their original research at campus symposia or national conferences.
  • Publication opportunities for original student research papers abound, with multiple peer-reviewed journals published at American University.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to: 

  1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key theories, concepts, and issues surrounding the study of political institutions and processes.

  2. Demonstrate critical thinking through written and oral communication.

  3. Demonstrate competence in analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating political science research.

  4. Apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the major to the practice of politics.

We Know Success

% of Graduates Participated in an Internship