Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
"Being named a Forbes Under 30 Scholar reinforced that the work I am doing has made a difference in others’ lives."
Shahmar Beasley
BA Political Science '19
Read More About Shahmar
The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Drexel University combines rigorous methods training with issue-specific courses, in which students apply their methodological training to real-world problems. While all students will have the opportunity to specialize their plan of study, the core of our Politics program is a sequence of three courses in research design and methodology.
Bachelor's Degree in Political Science Curriculum
Students begin by focusing on the research process and framing of social science questions through designing research and testing hypotheses. BA in politics students then progress to advanced courses in both statistical inference and other quantitative methods in political science, and in-depth training in qualitative methods such as archival work, ethnographic studies and interviews.
Political Science Concentrations
In addition to the political science coursework, students complete four quarters (one full year) of language study, which complements our research methodology training, enabling our students to ask questions and conduct research beyond borders.
All students also have the opportunity to specialize their coursework by following one of the informal concentration “tracks” of study detailed below. These three tracks reflect our research and teaching strengths, and are designed to prepare students for a variety of career paths.
American Politics & Policy (APP)
American politics and policy considers the relationships between public opinion, legislative representation, and policy-making in democratic entities. This track includes courses on American political processes (such as public opinion, state and local politics, political parties), specific areas of public policy (such as immigration policy or urban public policy), and theory courses dealing with democratic theory, representation and participation.
The APP track is most appropriate for students looking ahead to law school or a graduate degree in American politics, as well as for students planning for careers in electoral politics and campaigns, public administration, public policy or government.
International Politics (IP)
International Politics incorporates both the traditional comparative and international relations sub-fields, as well as comparative theory courses. This track includes courses that explore the politics of marginalized people, social movements, inter-state war, intra-state civil war, the politics of specific countries or regions (i.e. contemporary China, the European Union), international organizations, and comparative public policy. Courses are also offered that introduce theoretical approaches to colonialism and its legacies, globalization, and human rights, among other topics.
The IP track is most appropriate for students who wish to attend law school to focus on international law or graduate school to pursue studies in international relations, as well as students who seek careers in international business, the foreign service, or international organizations like the United Nations or the World Bank.
Law & Politics (LP)
The Law and Politics track looks at the relationships between judicial institutions and other political and social actors, both nationally and internationally. Courses are offered in American constitutional law and judicial politics, the comparative politics of legal institutions across countries and regions, and the legal strategies of social movements, such as the movements for civil rights, women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, indigenous peoples’ rights, etc.
The LP track is most appropriate for students considering law school, and for those whose research interests include judicial politics, as well as students who seek careers in civil society organizations.
Learn More About the Degree Concentrations in the Course Catalog
Drexel Co-op for Political Science Majors
Political science majors at Drexel embark on up to three, six-month periods of employment — exploring their career options, strengthening their résumés and building a professional network in the process. Students have the opportunity to earn a salary while honing and applying their skills in social science research, critical thinking, data analysis and communication. Recent political science majors have completed co-ops such as:
- Legislative Intern, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
- Compliance Officer Co-op, U.S. Department of Labor
- Refugee Resettlement Co-op, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society Pennsylvania
- Corporate Treasury Analyst, J.P. Morgan Chase
- Grant & Technology Administrative Co-op, Philadelphia Bar Foundation
Learn more about Drexel Co-op
Politics Student & Alumni Stories
"My experiences in activism were important to my career and affirmed my leadership skills."
Dakota Peterson
BA Political Science '18
"The support I have gotten through the co-op program has allowed me to dedicate time solely to developing myself professionally."
Maria Ricks
BA Politics '20
"All of my experiences have led me to embrace challenges as opportunities."
John Brooks
BA Political Science '19
Meet More Political Science Students and Alumni
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Careers
A degree in political science prepares graduates to make a difference with successful careers in many sectors of society. Students gain both the scientific skills and humanistic perspectives to address social issues with empathy and accuracy. Recent political science graduates have gone on to exciting careers in law, politics, government affairs, marketing, data analysis, military intelligence and many fields.
Learn More About Careers with a BA in Political Science
Bachelor's Degree in Political Science Honors
Pi Sigma Alpha, Drexel University’s Political Science Honors Society, is a part of the National PSA Honor Society.
To be eligible for Honors, students must have completed at least four upper-level political science classes, with a minimum of a B average in political science. They must also place in the top one-third of their class overall.
Start Your Journey Toward a Bachelor's in Political Science
Apply to Drexel’s BS in Political Science, or visit campus to get firsthand information about a Drexel education. Contact coas@drexel.edu or call us at 215.895.1805 for more information about the Bachelor’s of Political Science.