Bachelor’s in Political Science (B.A. or B.S.)
A social science degree in the study of power, government, and political lifeThe Bachelor's in Political Science builds a deep understanding of foreign and domestic politics alongside rigorous training in research, critical thinking, and communication. These degrees are either Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees with the latter focusing more heavily on technical skills. With a flexible curriculum spanning the full discipline, you'll graduate prepared for careers in government, law, policy, business, and beyond, or for advanced study.
Program at a Glance
- Degree
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Political Science
- Areas of Study
Six areas across the discipline (see below)
- Duration
Four years
- Honors
Honors courses and graduation with honors distinction available
- Format
In residence, College Station
- Pathways
Options to earn a master’s in four or five years (see below)
- Minor
Political Science minors available
About the Program
The Bachelor’s in Political Science offers a strong social science education aimed at understanding politics at home and abroad, paired with essential training in research methods. You’ll sharpen your critical thinking and your written, verbal, and visual communication, and build real skills in research and data analysis. The degree plan is deliberately flexible: room in the core curriculum and general electives lets you shape a well-rounded education around your goals, whether that’s law school, public service, graduate study, or a career in the private sector.
Curriculum
The Political Science degree combines a social science foundation, the political science major, and flexible electives. Across the major, you’ll study the full breadth of the discipline, from American institutions to international relations to political theory and methods. Students may pursue honors coursework in any area and graduate with honors distinction. Full degree-plan requirements are maintained by Texas A&M.
Areas of Study
- American PoliticsHow U.S. institutions, elections, and behavior shape government and policy.
- International RelationsHow states interact, from diplomacy and security to conflict and cooperation.
- Comparative PoliticsHow political systems and behavior differ across nations.
- Political TheoryThe ideas, ethics, and philosophy behind political life.
- Political MethodologyThe research and data-analysis tools used to study politics.
- Public Administration & PolicyHow governments make, implement, and evaluate policy.
Accelerated Paths to Master’s Degrees
POLS majors have three accelerated paths that let students earn both a bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) and a master’s degree in four or five years:
M.S. in Political Science — Earn a B.A. or B.S. and a Master of Science (M.S.) in Political Science from TAMU in four or five years.
MA/MSc in Government (with the University of Essex) – Earn a BA or BS from TAMU and Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc) from the University of Essex in four years. This path requires a one-year residency at the University of Essex (in the UK, less than an hour from London).
MPSA 3+2 — This program allows undergraduate Political Science students to enter the Master of Public Service Program (MPSA), with a focus in Public Policy Analysis, at the beginning of their fourth year at Texas A&M University. Students complete their remaining degree requirements at the graduate level allowing them to graduate with both an baccalaureate and master’s degree.
Note: Eligibility requirements, including GPA, credit hours completed, and number of POLS courses completed, may affect your admission to an accelerated program. See an advisor to discuss your options.
Beyond the Coursework
Honors & Research
Honors coursework across the discipline, the option to graduate with honors distinction, and opportunities to work alongside faculty on research.
Hands-on Public Service
Internships, simulations, and experiential learning that connect classroom to career.
The Aggie Network
A close-knit Bush School community and one of the world’s largest, most engaged alumni networks.
Explore Further
Faculty
Learn from political scientists who are active scholars and teachers.
POLS Faculty DirectoryCareers & Outcomes
Political Science graduates pursue law, government, policy, business, and graduate study.
Cost & Funding
Explore undergraduate tuition, scholarships, and financial aid for Bush School students.
Explore Cost & FundingReady to Apply?
Admission is handled through the Texas A&M Office of Admissions. Start as a first-year or transfer student, and find the steps on our Undergraduate Admissions page.
How to Apply