Political Science

A degree in political science involves the study of domestic and international government, politics, and the laws, rules, and values that affect political authority. Political science majors study how governments operate, both in the U.S. and around the world. Students learn how governments come to pursue certain policies, how government policies affect people, and how people can influence governments. Political science courses strengthen writing, speaking and critical thinking skills that are essential for most careers.

Admission Information

Schedule a Visit

Request Information

Quality classroom experiences

Political science faculty engage students through innovative teaching practices, such as community service projects, simulations, and faculty-student research collaboration. Students are challenged to relate theories and concepts to the real world of politics.

Student organizations, such as the International Relations Organization, Pi Sigma Alpha (political science honorary), College Democrats, College Republicans, and Law Society, provide lectures, field trips, and learning outside of the classroom.

Stand Out in courses like

American Government
Statistics and Research Methods
Comparative Government
Political Inquiry
International Relations

Curriculum

A major in political science requires 33 hours in political science courses, including American Government, Introduction to Political Inquiry, and either Introduction to International Relations or Introduction to Comparative Politics. Students can pursue an area of concentration in one of six political science sub-fields: American government, comparative government, international relations, political theory, public administration, or public law.

The department sponsors a student delegation to the National Model United Nations Conference held in New York City each spring.

Internships and Careers

Internship opportunities exist at the local, state and federal levels and on political campaigns. Each year, BGSU students participate in full-time internships in Washington, D.C. through the Washington Center Internship Program.

Average Starting Salary & BGSU Placement Rate

$35,073 — BGSU Political Science average starting salary

97% of graduates report they're employed, in graduate school or starting a business within six months of graduation

Go Far in your career

Government
International Affairs
Law
Non-profit Administration
Politics
Public Service

Model European Union team members at BGSU

More Information

The Political Science program is part of the Department of Political Science in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in political science will be able to:

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, about the subject matter of political science;
Apply critical-thinking abilities and disciplinary theories/frameworks to solve problems.

Accreditation

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2022-2023. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

More information on accreditation

Professional Licensure

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The political science program does not lead to professional licensure.

More information on professional licensure

Gainful Employment

Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The Political Science program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.

* Job placement and salary information was compiled by the Office of Academic Assessment through the Graduation Survey from AY2015-2018. The data are gathered around the time of Commencement and a follow-up survey six months post Commencement. For the salary question, data for programs with fewer than fifteen responses are not included. Salaries for those programs are from the National Association of Colleges and Employers Summer 2019 Survey. For questions regarding the data, contact assessment@bgsu.edu.

Updated: 12/03/2024 02:28PM