Declare independence with your Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from Ashford University. This degree demonstrates your understanding of political relationships and how our complex institutions work.

Degree Focus
Your Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government provides a broad curriculum which covers a vast array of issues and problems that are crucial to the future of our nation and the world. This program provides a systematic study that focuses on political behavior, power and authority, and conflict resolution. Your courses include subjects like political behavior, power and authority, policy development, international relations, and conflict resolution, and conclude with a research-focused capstone course.

Career Opportunities
No matter what career you choose, the study of Political Science and Government enhances your understanding of our nation and its government. Many professionals find that Political Science and Government makes an excellent subject for their undergraduate studies, in preparation for earning an advanced degree. Just a few of the many professional careers that often begin with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government include:

• Non-Profit director
• Educator
• International consultant
• Political researcher
• Public servant and lawmaker

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government

Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government degree program will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which power and authority are embedded in the structures and workings of the government and politics; 
• Analyze political issues and develop methods to resolve them through effective and creative communication; 
• Develop the ability to undertake in-depth analyses of political behavior as it applies to various political theories in democracy and representation; 
• Assess critically the causes and implications of conflict, compromise, and cooperation at the local, national, transnational, and global levels; and 
• Evaluate public policy as it relates to political behavior, rights, and justice.

Program Requirements

• Total number of credits required: 120 credits
• General Education Requirements: 52 credits* 
• Major Course Requirements: 36 credits*
• Electives: 38 credits

Students must earn a minimum of 30 upper-division credits and a minimum of 21 credits at Ashford University (residency requirement).

*In this program, 6 credits from the major may also satisfy General Education requirements.

Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information at this link: Program Disclosures.

Admission Requirements

• Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies. 
• Be 22 years of age or older, or a graduate of Ashford University's Associate of Arts in Business degree program, or receive documented approval from the Registrar's Office via the "Under 22 Appeal" process.
• English Language Requirement. 
• Successful completion of Student Success Orientation for students who indicate that they have fewer than twenty-four (24) traditional college-level transferable credits at the time of application.

Technology Requirements


Competencies

Students must possess the following online competencies:

•  Ability to access course and program material on the Internet; 
•  Ability to correspond with University staff, students, and faculty using email and the Internet; and 
•  Ability to use appropriate antivirus utilities so that files transmitted and received are virus free.

System requirements

The following minimum system configuration and software are required:

•  Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or higher or Windows XP or higher; 
•  Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space; 
•  Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2003 or higher; Adobe Reader 8.0 or higher; Adobe Flash 10 or higher (Constellation users); 
•  Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 4.0 or higher, or Chrome; 
•  Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or Cable modem; 
•  Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail.

Recommended for optimal performance 

•  Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher; 
•  Networking: Broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or other); 
•  Constellation users: Windows Media Player 7 or higher, sound card and speakers.

Transferability
Put your college credits to work at Ashford! You can transfer up to 90 semester credits (135 quarter credits) to help fulfill your degree requirements.* That means all your past hard work will not be wasted.

If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete an online orientation prior to enrolling in credit-bearing coursework. Following successful completion of orientation, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education as your first course. EXP 105 is required if you have little or no previous college experience and is not recommended if you have high transfer credit. EXP 105 applies toward elective credit requirements so enrollment in EXP 105 may result in the reduction of three (3) potential transfer credits in the Elective category. If you take EXP 105, you are required to take PSY 202 as your second course.

If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment as your first course. PSY 202 is designed to help you acclimate to the online college environment, though you already have some college experience. If you have been out of school for a long time or feel that you need additional support to enter the online environment, you may appeal to enroll in EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. Unsuccessful completion of either EXP 105 or PSY 202 will result in the rescheduling of the course and revision of the future course sequence. See the Courses tab for descriptions of each course.

* The transferability of credits is subject to Ashford University’s transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.

Online Format
You will take your courses one at a time for 5 weeks each, accelerating your path to graduation. Your course content is delivered in a high-tech format, and you can complete your weekly assignments when and where it's convenient for you thanks to the asynchronous online environment.

Cost*
Your tuition rates are among the lowest available online at $402 per credit. You will also be responsible for fees to enroll. View complete cost of attendance. Call today to learn more at 866.711.1700.

* Tuition costs subject to change without notice.

Payment Options

• Cash Plan – 100% of tuition and fees paid on or before each course start date. 
• Tuition Reimbursement – If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, we'll work with you to apply this great benefit toward your education. 
• Financial Aid – You may be eligible for financial aid. Talk to an Admissions Counselor to find out if you meet the requirements to qualify. 
• Direct (Employer) Billing – If you work for a company approved for direct billing, you may qualify for this payment option. 
• Military Tuition Assistance – Includes active-duty service and Veterans Affairs Benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab, if you qualify. Learn more about military benefits.

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government

Secure the benefits of education! Your courses include subjects like political behavior, power and authority, policy development, international relations, and conflict resolution, and conclude with a research-focused capstone course.

Introductory Courses

Depending on the number of credits transferred in, you may be required to take one or both of Ashford University's introductory courses: EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education and PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment. If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 as your first course.

EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.

PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.

Major Course Requirements

(36 credits, all courses are 3 credits. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)

POL 201 American National Government
This course is a survey of government at the national level. Emphasis is placed on the constitutional basis of American government, federalism, the sources and forms of political behavior, the operation of the three branches of government, and the making of national policy.

POL 211 Introduction to Politics
Introduction to selected institutions, processes, and political behaviors associated with the study of politics in the United States and globally.

POL 303 The American Constitution
This course is a study of the Constitution of the United States and its role in American history and government. The study covers the drafting and ratification of the Constitution, its subsequent amendment and interpretation, and its contemporary role in American politics and government.

POL 310 Environmental Policies
This course examines political, social, and economic policies and their impact on the global environment. It also explores ways in which policy decisions can serve to protect the environment.

POL 319 State & Local Government
This course examines the structure and processes of state and local governments and their related current problems and issues. There is a focus Federalism and its effect on States.

POL 325 Congress & the Presidency
This course examines the notion of shared governance as it applies to two central institutions of the American national government: the Congress and the Presidency. Students have an opportunity to learn more about the history, structure, and functions of each institution, but there is much emphasis placed on the relationship between Congress and the Presidency. Topics include leadership, policymaking, tensions within each institution, between the different institutions, and a focus on a variety of public policy areas.

POL 353 Comparative Politics
This course introduces the basic concepts and theories of comparative politics through an analysis of selected political systems and governments from various regions and societies across the world. Topical analysis in the course includes an emphasis on key political institutions, political culture, ideology, globalization, conflict and stability, various state and non-state actors, and on issues associated with economic development and underdevelopment.

POL 355 International Relations
The course in international relations is the study of relations between different nations of the world with an emphasis on understanding the political implications of international security matters and the international political economy. The topical emphasis on nationalism, diplomacy, conflict, international organizations and actors, human rights, political economy, and key global issues offers insights into the principles of identity, cooperation, and the use of power in an international context.

POL 411 Political Behavior
Students will study political behavior as it relates to campaigns and elections in the United States. Selected course themes include political communication, participation, voting, and elections.

PSY 325 Statistics for the Behavioral & Social Sciences
Descriptive and inferential statistics are investigated and multiple techniques for statistical analysis are introduced in this course. Formulas for presenting and evaluating data are explored in accordance with generally accepted protocol for statistical analysis.

PSY 326 Research Methods
Research Methods is an introduction to the foundations of research methodology, design and analysis. Basic principles of qualitative and quantitative research are explored and evaluated. Understanding the results of statistical analysis as it applies to research is a focus of this curriculum.

POL 497 Political Science Capstone
In this final course, students will demonstrate their mastery of program outcomes in Political Science and Government by creating an original research report on a current, relevant, and specifically defined subject area.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Chat With a Counselor

With your full schedule, you may not have a lot of time to spare. Whether you are a busy parent, a working adult, or just short on time, you can still get the information you need to explore your options for higher education. Now you can take advantage of Ashford University's LiveChat function to speak with an Admissions Counselor in real time from the comfort of your desktop. In just a few minutes, you can: discover Ashford's affordable tuition rates; find out how to earn your Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's degree in less time than you think; see how conveniently online courses can fit with your schedule; choose the degree program that's right for you; and have all your questions answered quickly Make an informed decision regarding your education. Click the link above to speak live with an Admissions Counselor right away, or have an Admissions Counselor call you at the time that works best for you. * Admissions Counselors are available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, PST and Saturday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, PST.