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Major in Political Science (Bachelor’s)

Build a meaningful career that engages your collective power to pursue the common good with CU Denver’s fully online Political Science degree.

Program at a Glance

Political science gives you the power to answer fundamental questions that go to the heart of the human experience while encouraging independent thought, respect, and interest in current affairs. You’ll study critical issues such as war and peace, social justice, international affairs, environmental challenges, poverty and racism, and the struggles of oppressed peoples.

  • Learn in small classes with faculty who will prepare you for informed, creative activism
  • Join programs in indigenous politics, international human rights, and inner-city community development
  • Gain hands-on experience and valuable mentorship
  • Add new insights and perspectives to the field of political science

With a degree in political science, you'll be prepared to become a leader in your community as a legislative aid, policy advisor, campaign manager, nonprofit leader, educator, public relations specialist, consultant, lobbyist, or go on to pre-law.

  • Degree Level
    Bachelor's
  • School & College
    College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Total Credit Hours
    120
  • Class Type
    100% Online
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Program Overview

Political science is about curiosity. We explore what we don't know about political institutions and ideologies and challenge our thinking to develop broader perspectives. You'll learn how to use scientific methods to investigate political events, allowing you to add new insights and perspectives to the field.  

Studying political science offers a thorough understanding of governmental structures, political leadership, and public policy. It helps you develop critical thinking abilities required to analyze complicated political situations and understand motivation behind political decisions and actions.  

Build Career-Focused Skills

  • Understand the American political system now and across history
  • Compare political systems around the world and distinguish between processes, institutions and actors involved
  • Strengthen your inquiry, analysis and communication skills
  • Grow your civic knowledge and engagement
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The Political Science Department invites students from various backgrounds to attend and study in our program. We recognize the importance of differing view points and the value of engaging in dialogue when viewpoints differ. This dialogue generates well-rounded students able to address the interests and concerns of many communities.

Start applying what you learn to your current profession immediately—the valuable skills you develop can prepare you to pursue an entry-level position or an advanced degree.

Tuition Breakdown

Credit Cost for Residents and Non-Residents
ResidentNon-Resident
$519* per credit$623 per credit

*$403 for residents after College Opportunity Fund (COF). To learn more, visit the COF website. 

Example Courses

The online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science can be completed in four years with a full course load; however, you have the option of taking fewer credits and completing the program over more time. 

Career Outlook

What is the Projected Salary of an Individual Working in Political Science?

Graduates commonly work in fields such as law and government, nonprofit organizations, teaching, journalism, international organizations, business, and election campaigns. Explore potential job titles, salary expectations, and growth projections.

What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Political Science?

Many of our graduates are community organizers, attorneys or public servants in local, state or federal government but a degree in political science opens doors across many career fields.

Political Science supports career paths like:
•    Lawyer 
•    Journalist 
•    Political Scientist 
•    Foreign Service officer 
•    Policy Analyst 
•    Legislator 
•    Public Relations Specialist 
•    Lobbyist 
•    Social Media Manager 
•    Educator

Previous Political Science graduates have joined:
•    Peace Corps 
•    U.S Department of State 
•    Women's Global Empowerment Fund 
•    City & County of Denver 
•    Colorado Senate 
•    Colorado House of Representatives  
•    Colorado General Assembly 
•    Brownstein Hyatt Färber Schreck's State Government Relations Group 
•    Colorado Department of Law 
•    United Nations High Commission for Refugees 
 

Admissions

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What You'll Need to Apply

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements and deadlines vary based on the program. In addition, you will have different requirements depending on if you are a first-time student, a transfer student, or an international student.

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Guidance Every Step of the Way

Get Personalized Support for Your Application

As you consider an online education, we understand that it’s important for you to know that you’re getting a high-quality, affordable, and flexible education that helps you reach your goals. That’s why the CU Denver Enrollment Team is available to offer guidance and answer any questions that you may have about our degree programs, financial aid options, transfer information, admissions requirements, and more.  

  • What drew me to CU Denver's online courses and what continues to draw me is how obtainable the schoolwork is no matter where I am. It provides the flexibility for me to maximize my time at work, do internships, and travel while I also maintain a strong connection to my education. As someone who has also taken a few in-person classes, the workload hardly differs, and professors are just as accessible online as they are in person. Though you could do some of the work at your own leisure, there is still enough structure, so you don't fall victim to procrastination. All in all, I believe anyone can benefit from the online courses at CU Denver, especially if you try to stay busy outside of school!

    Lorenzo Muzylowski
    Online Student
  • Taking online courses at CU Denver has been incredibly valuable for me. As a full-time working student, the flexibility of the online format has allowed me to balance my career and education while still engaging deeply with professors and classmates. The courses are well-organized, interactive, and provide the same academic rigor as in-person classes, which has made it possible for me to stay on track toward graduation without compromising my work responsibilities.

    Sarah Qanbar
    Online Student
  • I cannot say enough positive things about CU Denver and their online program. The flexibility of CU Denver’s asynchronous courses has been a true game changer. It allows me to complete my work on my own schedule while still being fully present as a mother, wife, and employee. Having the opportunity to earn my degree means everything to me, and I feel grateful every day for CU Denver and the role they’ve played in this journey. There is never a “perfect” time to begin pursuing a degree. Time will pass either way. I am so thankful I took the leap, even during the challenging moments, and continued to move forward. My experience at CU Denver has given me the chance to achieve a dream I once thought was out of reach.

    Isabel Webb
    Online Student
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Frequently Asked Questions

    CU Denver’s BA in Political Science can be completed at the same pace as any traditional undergraduate degree, or at your own pace. One of the main benefits of an exclusively online education is flexibility. You can take as many classes as you can fit into your schedule and complete the program at your speed. Though you can complete many of our undergraduate degrees in four years by taking a full course load, you also have the option of taking fewer credits and completing the program over more time.

    Online learning offers the flexibility to study at the best place and time for you. You can choose a pace that is sustainable for your lifestyle, which can help you take into account your current career, family, and other commitments outside of school.

    Additionally, our online programs are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus, which means you’re earning the same high-quality degree as students on campus, and your diploma will not mention that your degree was earned online. 

    The BA in Political Science is offered fully online, which means you are not required to take courses at our campus. Our fully online classes are recorded rather than streamed live, so you can learn on your schedule. We welcome students from Denver, the United States, and around the world. 

    A relevant master’s degree can help increase your earning potential and expand your opportunities. CU Denver offers an on-campus Master of Arts in Political Science program to help you advance your education. The online Master of Public Administration from CU Denver might also appeal to you if you have career aspirations in local government, environmental policy and management, public policy, non-profit management, emergency management, and other related areas. 

Tuition & Financial Aid

Investing in your future is a big decision. However, becoming a fully online student at CU Denver is a high-quality and affordable option for learners of all types. Tuition and fees are based largely on the degree program you enroll in.

Tuition is determined based on which CU Denver program is chosen, undergraduate or graduate level, and your resident status. Visit our tuition and financial aid page for more information.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. 

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Take the Next Step

Ready to advance your career in political science?  Take the first step toward earning your online degree by filling out the form above for more information or calling us at 303-860-5604.