Political Science
Bachelor of Arts, Accelerated Master's, Minor
About this program
The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science helps you understand power, policy and government in the U.S. and around the world. You’ll study political ideas, systems and movements while learning to research, write and think critically. This program prepares you for careers in law, public service, advocacy, media or international work. You’ll build skills to engage in your community and solve real-world problems through informed decision-making.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
Program Scope
Graduates are prepared for careers in government organizations, interest groups, political parties, political consulting, lobbying organizations, campaign management, political polling, media and journalism and pre-law education for law school. Other career options include legal professions, international businesses, multinational corporations, international organizations, etc.
All these careers require knowledge and skills in political analysis, communication, writing, research and evaluation; the conceptual ability to develop logical arguments about political and policy issues; the ability to collect relevant evidence to support arguments; independent and critical thinking, tolerance and informed participation in domestic and international affairs; the ability to define a problem, investigate it and contribute to its solution in a variety of employment settings as mentioned above.
These elements characterize the major and courses in Political Science. In today’s employment market, college graduates can expect to change jobs a number of times and to have more than one career. Political science is excellent preparation for the flexibility required in this modern employment market.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of the American political system, comparative knowledge of diverse political systems and dynamics around the world, and of a variety of theoretical traditions from different cultures and societies.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills and proficiency in expressing complex ideas and arguments through writing, proficiency in political research and analysis, an ability to conduct basic empirical analysis in political topics, and an ability to do textual exegesis in written work.
- In their senior culminating experience, students demonstrate an ability to develop thoughtful and persuasive research projects of their own in an area of political science.
- Demonstrate citizenship skills, including an ability to appreciate human diversity, communicate ideas effectively, engage in community life, and link theory to practice by applying political science knowledge to actual problem-solving and community service.
Minor in Political Science
The Minor in Political Science gives you a solid foundation in how governments work and how political decisions shape society. You’ll study topics like law, policy, and international affairs while learning to think critically and write clearly. This program adds depth to majors in fields like journalism, business, history, or sociology. It helps you understand current events and prepares you for roles in public service, advocacy, or law.
Learn more about the Minor in Political ScienceSFSU Accelerated Bachelor's + Master's
Through the SFSU Accelerated Bachelor's + Master's program, you can obtain your Bachelor's alongside your Master's. Political Science offers two pathways: a B.A. in Political Science with an M.A. in Political Science or a Master of Public Administration.
The Political Science SF State Scholars Program provides an accelerated route for students to enter a competitive workforce in government, law, business and teaching, and/or to better prepare them for more advanced graduate training in doctoral programs and law schools. Political Science SF State Scholars students will be able to begin their advanced degrees early, allowing them to spend more time on specialized research, work more closely with SF State faculty, and save money and time covering the costs of an M.A. degree.
The SF State Scholars program in B.A. in Political Science and Public Administration (MPA) provides motivated students an accelerated route for completing the preparation for careers in government and nonprofit organizations. These can be in advocacy, community development, housing, city management, public policy analysis or other areas. With this program, students can begin their career development while still undergraduates and obtain both the B.A. and MPA early, saving both time and money.