# Political Science
**Source**: https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/political-science/
**Parent**: https://admissions.purdue.edu/
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# Political Science
Dive into the forces that shape our world — from laws and policies to global challenges and political movements. Discover how decisions are made, how societies are governed and how leaders drive change. Build sharp analytical skills and gain the insight needed to lead, advocate and make an impact in government, law, public service and beyond.
Jump to:
- [Careers](#Careers)
- [Connect](#Connect)
- [Transfer](#Transfer)
Choose a link:
Jump to:
Careers
Connect
Transfer
## Program Summary
Political science is the study of governments and institutions, political behavior and public policies. You use both humanistic and scientific approaches to examine critical issues in the United States and globally. As a political science major, you hone the writing, communication and analytical skills that are central to a liberal arts education and prepare you for professional careers or for further study of politics and law.
You have the option to choose a concentration to deepen your expertise in a specific area of political science. Available concentrations include American politics, environmental politics and policy, international and comparative politics, law and political thought, national and international security, politics of diversity, equity and inclusion and public policy.
Explore Plan of Study
### Plan of Study Options
[Political Science: American Politics Concentration, BA](http://catalog.purdue.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=18&poid=34349)
[Political Science: Comparative and International Politics Concentration, BA](http://catalog.purdue.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=18&poid=34350)
[Political Science: Environmental Politics and Policy Concentration, BA](http://catalog.purdue.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=18&poid=34351)
[Political Science: Law and Political Thought Concentration, BA](http://catalog.purdue.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=18&poid=34352)
[Political Science: National and International Security Concentration, BA](http://catalog.purdue.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=18&poid=34354)
[Political Science: Politics of Groups, Organizations, and Representation Concentration, BA](http://catalog.purdue.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=18&poid=34440)
[Political Science: Public Policy Concentration, BA](http://catalog.purdue.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=18&poid=34353)
### Quick Facts
- **Degree:** Bachelor of Arts
- **Location(s):** West Lafayette
- **College/School:** [Liberal Arts](https://www.cla.purdue.edu/academic/polsci/undergrad/index.html)
- [Request Information](https://apply.purdue.edu/register/form?id=e76823a3-0564-4abe-ad59-8e1263a99a4b)
## Why Purdue?
73.4%
of Liberal Arts students complete an internship
Purdue Center for Career Opportunities, 2024
Top 10
Public University That Employers Love
Forbes, 2025
## Applying
## Understanding Undergraduate Degree Paths
The College of Liberal Arts offers multiple paths in select majors to accelerate degree completion and provide opportunities to earn multiple degrees simultaneously so you can make the most of your educational experience.
### **Degree in 3**
Degree in 3 provides an accelerated pathway to complete your Liberal Arts degree in just three years — saving time and tuition. With focused planning and year-round support, you’ll be ready to start your career or pursue graduate school ahead of schedule, without missing out on the full Purdue experience.
- [Learn more](https://cla.purdue.edu/undergradci/3year/index.html)
### **Degree Plus**
Earn two degrees in four years with Purdue’s Degree Plus program — combine Liberal Arts with STEM, business or any other major, all without extra time or tuition. Stand out with a multidimensional education that sets you apart.
- [Learn more](https://cla.purdue.edu/undergradci/degreeplus/incoming-students.html)
## **Possible Careers**
Our students prepare for careers in a wide range of fields where creativity, critical thinking, communication and a deep understanding of the human experience are highly valued including:
- Attorney
- Campaign manager
- Elected official
- Human resources specialist
- Lobbyist
- Policy advisor
- Research analyst
## ******High School Course Recommendations******
You should pursue the most rigorous high school curriculum available to you. Succeeding in challenging courses will make you a stronger candidate for Purdue’s competitive admission process and better prepare you for college success.
[Minimum high school coursework](https://admissions.purdue.edu/apply/highschoolcourses.php) (many applicants exceed these minimums):
- Math – 4 years
- English – 4 years
- Lab science – 3 years
- Social studies – 3 years
- World language – 2 years
## Connect
### College of Liberal Arts
Join a community of thinkers, doers and communicators. Explore our programs grounded in theory and driven by real-world impact.
- [Learn More](https://www.cla.purdue.edu/)
### Contact
**Undergraduate Student Recruitment Office**\
[(765) 494-6291](tel:7654946291)\
[newstudent@purdue.edu](mailto:newstudent@purdue.edu)
- [Email](mailto:newstudent@purdue.edu)
### Visit
Experience for yourself all that Purdue has to offer with opportunities to explore in-person or virtually.
- [Schedule a visit](https://admissions.purdue.edu/visit/index.php)
### Apply
Ready to take the next step? Apply to begin your journey at Purdue in the political science program.
- [Apply Now](https://admissions.purdue.edu/apply/)
## ******Transfer to****** Political Science
Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue’s [overall transfer criteria](https://admissions.purdue.edu/transfer/index.php), as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the [closed programs page](https://admissions.purdue.edu/apply/closedprograms.php) to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- [Learn more](https://admissions.purdue.edu/become-student/transfer/)
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