We See Your Future in Political Science
Enter the exciting and fast-paced world of politics with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science focused on serving your community.
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Are you fascinated by politics? Do you consider yourself a policy wonk — always delving deeper into the details of laws and regulations? Do you dream of creating and implementing ways to foster equity and social justice at the local, state, national or even international level? With a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Norfolk State University, you can achieve your dreams and fulfill your passion for politics while gaining critical skills that can help you in nearly any industry.
Whether you want to become a lawyer, a U.S. Senator, an ambassador, a civil servant or an urban planner, majoring in Political Science at NSU is the first step to understanding the intricacies of the contemporary political atmosphere in the United States and around the world.
A political science degree tailored to you
Interested in public administration? How about international affairs? Maybe you want to dive into the rich history of U.S. politics and theory? Political science is a diverse field of study with many career paths.
That’s why we’ve designed a Political Science program with specific areas of interest, including Pre-Law, Public Administration, Urban Planning, International Affairs and U.S. Politics and Theory. Create the course of study that aligns with your professional aspirations.
B.A. Political Science Degree at a Glance
- Length of Program: 4 years
- Formats Offered: In Person, Online
- Total Credit Hours: 120
- Average Class Size: 20–35
View B.A. in Political Science plans of study | Request more information | Apply now
Why Study Political Science at NSU?
If you’re like most students considering earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, you’re probably wondering, “what can you do with a degree in Political Science from Norfolk State University?” Well, majoring in Political Science at NSU unlocks a wealth of resources and experiences to ensure you’re well-prepared to find a satisfying career in politics, business, government, the legal profession and much more.
At NSU, you will earn your bachelor’s degree in political science in a supportive and diverse environment. You’ll also graduate with hours of hands-on experience that will help you build a resume rich in stories to share during interviews.
Experienced faculty
Thanks to small class sizes, you’ll get to work closely with distinguished faculty members who foster student-centered learning environments and use their years of experience in the field to help students answer a common question: “What can you do with a degree in Political Science to make the world a better place?”
Real-world practice
Put your skills and knowledge to use during community service events, city council meetings and simulated activities such as our UN General Assembly and United Nations Day events. Want to study abroad and have that international experience added to your resume? We know about that too.
Campus life
In addition to collaborating in classes, you’ll also get to connect with other students majoring in Political Science in our many associations and societies, including the Political Science Club.
What Courses Will I Take as a Political Science Student?
As a Political Science major at Norfolk State University, you’ll take courses in topics as diverse as American Politics, African-American Politics, Public Administration, International Politics, African Politics, Urban Planning and Constitutional Law.
Majoring in Political Science at NSU requires completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours, including 40 hours of general core courses, 65 hours of political science courses and 15 elective hours.
Some of the most popular courses in the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science program include:
- American Government
- Introduction to Urban Planning
- American Foreign Policy
- Introduction to Jurisprudence
- Politics of African Nations
View the full B.A. in Political Science degree curriculum.
Where Will My Political Science Degree Take Me?
You may be asking, “what can you do with a degree in political science that’s relevant to my personal interests?” Majoring in Political Science offers you a huge variety of career opportunities after graduation, thanks to the broad skills and knowledge you accrue. Political Science majors often work in government, journalism, law, health care and education.
They’ve also been accepted into graduate programs at prestigious institutions, including Johns Hopkins, Georgetown University, Columbia University and Temple University.
Career outlook for Political Science majors
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2021 median pay for a Political Science major with a master’s degree was $122,510. Employment for political scientists is expected to grow 9% over the next decade, on par with that of other occupational fields. Job titles for political science majors include:
- Political consultant
- Data scientist
- Journalist
- Diplomat
- Lawyer
- Policy professional
- Urban planner
- Economist
- Educator
How Do I Get Started in the Political Science Program at NSU?
At every stage of your college journey at NSU, you’ll be supported by a dedicated team of caring and knowledgeable advisors and counselors. Whether you have questions about submitting your application or are looking for financial aid that’s right for you, we have your back. Still asking, “what can you do with a degree in Political Science?” Reach out to our faculty and staff to learn more about how majoring in Political Science can help you achieve your dreams.
Requirements
To receive the Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, a student must:
- Complete Spartan Seminar Series (SEM 101, 102 and 201) with a minimum grade of “C.” An exemption approval form is available in the academic departments.
- Complete the General Education Core requirements.
- Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
- Have a minimum of 120 semester hours of credit.
- Meet all requirements of the curriculum leading to the degree.
- Have spent a minimum of two semesters in residence at Norfolk State University and have earned a minimum of 30 semester hours of credit during this period, including all of the courses required by the senior year curriculum.
- Meet core competency requirements.
Programs Related to Political Science
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Accreditation for Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctorate degrees.