Skip to main content

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, BA

Gain Political Expertise in Both American and International Politics

Program at a Glance

Program
Bachelor
College(s)
College of Sciences
Department(s)
Pol, Scty & Intl Afrs, Schl of
4
Years
$212.28 per credit hour
$748.89 per credit hour

Learn more about program tuition and fees.

U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges - Most Innovative 2022-2023

Examine Government in Theory and Practice

Political science is a crucial field for all citizens to understand the processes and institutions that shape the lives of people in the United States and globally. A successful democracy and economy rely upon informed and engaged citizens.

The BA in Political Science degree program provides you with a wide background in political knowledge in both American and international politics from an empirical and normative perspective. In addition to preparing you for an exciting career, you’ll explore ways that you can contribute to society and your community as a democratic citizen.

Throughout your coursework, you’ll get hands-on experience in enhancing your critical thinking and writing skills to set you on the path to success. Choose from four tracks and follow your passions and diverse interests. There are also a wide variety of electives which give you the flexibility and ability to specialize in an area that best fits your professional and personal aspirations. Plus, you can earn your political science degree online or on campus. This offers both the flexibility and convenience that you need to earn a degree in a format that works best for you.

A political science degree can lead to careers in private business, public service and law. Many of our graduates have gone on to have successful careers in local, state and national government; domestically and internationally appointed officials; private sector; legal field; and nonprofit organizations. The degree can also be a stepping stone to further education such as master’s, J.D., and Ph.D.

Program Tracks:

Man and woman walking out of courtroom

Highlights

Ranked the Best Online Bachelor’s Program in Political Science by both Affordable Colleges Online and BestColleges.com in 2021.
Choose from 4 available tracks to meet your diverse interests and future opportunities.
Salaries for political science grads start at $40,000 for legal clerks. Press secretaries have an average salary of $67,500 and intelligence analysts earn an average $86,900.

Undergraduate Application Deadlines

Fall
May 1
Spring
November 1
Summer
March 1
Fall
July 1
Spring
November 1
Summer
March 1
Fall
March 1
Spring
September 1
Summer
January 1

Ready to get started?

Apply Today

Start Your Application Today

Ready to get started? Take the next step to save your spot at UCF.

1

Check out your application requirements. See what freshmen and transfer students need to apply.

2

Short on time? You can start your application today and come back later to finish.

Apply Today

Course Overview

American National Government

A study of the dynamics of American national government, including its structure, organization, powers and procedures.

The scope and methodology of political analysis. Extensive examination of the discipline, research design and methodology.

This course is designed to introduce the student to the theories and major developments in world politics, with special reference to the place of the United States in the world community.

The intelligence community structure in its relationship to foreign policy decision making, consideration of control and reliability questions, and issues of cooperation and coordination.

View All Political Science Courses You’ll Take

Political Science Skills You'll Learn

  • Gain an understanding of theoretical, empirical and methodological aspects of understanding and analyzing local and national politics, international relations and global studies.
  • Emphasize critical thinking and analysis that ensures lifelong learning.
  • Explore a variety of political knowledge, applied data analysis and writing skills.

Career Opportunities

  • Local, State, National Government
  • International Business
  • Legal Field
  • Educator
  • Lobbyist
  • Governmental Affairs

College of Sciences News

Check out more stories

Colleges & Campus
UCF Video Game Design Programs Among the Best in the World for 2023
The Princeton Review ranks undergraduate and graduate programs in the top six, fueling a high-paying, tech-job workforce.
Science & Technology
UCF Joins $25M National Consortium on Nuclear Forensics
The consortium will support the missions of the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration and build a workforce of nuclear scientists, engineers and…
Research
Research in 60 Seconds: How Fungus Turns Ants Into Zombies
HBO series The Last of Us explored a fictional world overrun by humans infected with a mind-controlling fungus. UCF postdoctoral researcher Ian Will ’22 explains…
Science & Technology
UCF Uses 6-Foot ‘Test Tubes’ to Study Red Tide
This study is the first successful test of any red tide mitigation technology in open water using large water column containers called limnocorrals.

University of Central Florida Colleges

Burnett Honors Arts and Humanities Business Community Innovation and Education Engineering and Computer Science Graduate Studies Health Professions and Sciences Medicine Nursing Optics and Photonics Undergraduate Studies Hospitality Management