Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Bachelor of Arts
Roanoke College

Upon completion of the Political Science program, students will be able to: (1) Describe constitutional and historical foundations, institutional structure and development, and policy processes in American government; (2) Describe political institutions, actors, and/or political structures across societies and cultures; (3) Use relevant quantitative or qualitative methods of political science to analyze domestic and international political problems; (4) Explain normative ideas and systems of thought from the ancient, medieval, modern, and American traditions of political theory; (5) Apply relevant concepts and theories to analyze domestic, international, or normative political problems; (6) Communicate a thesis about a political issues or problem to their peers and faculty, through both written reports and oral presentations.


Program Overview & Guidance
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Program Web Page
Click here for details
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Hybrid
Check Course Schedules
Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree Students who have an interest in developing skills in quantitatively, qualitatively, and ethically analyzing issues in contemporary government and politics will find the Political Science major an enriching experience. The major provides a comprehensive overview of the major areas in the study of political science. Students have freedom to choose interesting elective courses within these areas, including courses like American Constitutional Law, Environmental Policy, Human Rights Policy, Ethics and Public Policy, and the Arab-Israeli Conflict.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

Useful courses include American government, state & local government, and introduction to global politics. Transferring some foreign language courses will help students finish that college requirement faster.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Roanoke College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree This major is easily paried with others such as Criminal Justice, International Relations, Legal Studies, Public Policy, and Middle East Studies. Students interested in available experiential learning opportunities, including study abroad or the Washington, DC Semester Program, should also work with their advisor in their first or second year at Roanoke.
Program Successes & Highlights The Political Science program trains students to be responsible citizens who can think critically about politics and governance. This mission is supported by unique and challenging courses, as well as valuable experiential learning opportunities such as internships in DC and studies abroad. Our graduates pursue careers in politics, public policy, and law. Some graduates go on to law school or graduate school. Some graduates begin their professional careers immediately upon graduation, including but not limited to directing political campaigns for federal and state offices, working as policy analysts, and participating in the Teach for America program.
Program Credit Requirements
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
134
BA Political Science
134
Complete courses from the following Category:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 66 credits may be applied to this program.
General Education
58
First Year Seminar 1
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
First Year Seminar 2
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Inquiry Core
28
Earn 28 credits by completing courses from the following Category list:
Intensive Learning
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Foreign Language
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Inquiry Capstone
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Wellness Health
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Wellness Activity
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Political Science Core
48
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 24 credits may be applied to this program.
Issues in Global Politics
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Issues in American Politics
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Research Methods
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
International Politics
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Policymaking
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Seminar
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
American Perspectives
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Comparative Perspectives
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Political Theory
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Political Science Electives
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Subject:
Free Electives
28
Applicable Admissions Agreements
Expand or Shrink Accordion

The table below lists admissions agreements between Roanoke College and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Courses completed as part of an associate's degree or general education certificate will be evaluated by our Registrar at admission, and appropriate transfer credits will be awarded. Nearly all general education requirements can be completed with transfer credits.

Transferrable courses from an accredited college or university will apply to general education, major, and graduation requirements. UCGS and Passport courses will all transfer.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Transferrable courses from an accredited college or university taken as dual enrollment while in high school will apply to general education, major, and graduation requirements. Up to three additional World Language courses can satisfy the language requirement. UCGS and Passport courses will all transfer.
Credit for Prior Learning In general, Roanoke does not offer credit for prior learning outside of higher education coursework. Military training transcripted by an accredited institution of higher education is accepted.
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Roanoke College
College Level Information
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Transfer Center
Visit our transfer site for more information
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
90
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
The average enrolled transfer student has a college transfer GPA of 3.12, and 58% of transfer applicants are admitted.
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Roanoke has about 2000 students, mostly undergraduates. Classes are small, averaging 17 students, with a real commitment to teaching and supporting students. Expect close personal interactions with faculty and staff members who get to know you. Active athletic and recreational opportunities are part of the college as are a wide range of student clubs and activities.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by first semester of attendance. VCCS transfer students may choose a catalog from the two years prior to their first term of attendance if desired.
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year for freshmen is determined by first semester of attendance.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions Expected transfer students should notify the admissions office as soon as possible, so we can provide advice on courses which will transfer.
Where Can This Degree Transfer
Expand or Shrink Accordion
This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Eastern Mennonite UniversityBachelor of Arts Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Averett UniversityBachelor of Arts in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Averett UniversityBachelor of Science in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Hollins UniversityBA in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Mountain Gateway Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Eastern Shore Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate in Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Science in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Social SciencesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal Arts - American Sign Language/Deaf Studies MajorAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Arts Degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Art degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Art2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeGeneral Studies, A.S.AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Northern Virginia Community CollegeLiberal Arts, A.A.AssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online
Northern Virginia Community CollegeSocial Sciences, A.S.AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeSocial Sciences: Political Science Specialization, A.S.AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Rappahannock Community CollegeAA&S Degree in Arts and SciencesAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Arts & Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Southside Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Social ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Arts - Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearOnline
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Science - General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearOnline
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Science - Social SciencesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearOnline
Virginia Western Community CollegeAssociate of Arts Degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in Social SciencesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree Social ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Sweet Briar CollegeBachelor of Arts in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Political Science, Major in International AffairsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Political Science, Major in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Arts, Major in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Pol Science:Global Politics BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Political Science BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Political Science BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Political Science: Global Politics BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Political Science: Pre-Law BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Political Science: Pre-Law BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBA in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
University of LynchburgBA in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
The University of Virginia's College at WiseBachelor of Arts in Social Science, Major in GovernmentBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Wesleyan UniversityBachelor of Arts in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Arts in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
William & MaryGovernment - Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityPolitical Science-BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, Online
Old Dominion UniversityPolitical Science-BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Online
University of Mary WashingtonBA in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Marymount University Political Science and International Relations (BA)BachelorBachelor of Art4-YearIn-Person
Bridgewater CollegePolitical Science Major - BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Shenandoah UniversityBachelor of Arts Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Ferrum CollegeB.S. in Political Science (Minor Required)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Randolph CollegeBachelor of Arts in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPolitical Science with concentration in Civil Rights, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPolitical Science with concentration in Comparative Politics, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPolitical Science with concentration in Human Security, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPolitical Science with concentration in International Relations, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPolitical Science with concentration in Political Theory and Methodology, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPolitical Science with concentration in Politics and Government, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPolitical Science with concentration in Public Policy and Administration, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPolitical Science with concentration in U.S. Government, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityApplied History Social Sciences (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityHistory (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityInterdisciplinary History and Integrative Social Sciences Teacher Preparation (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityInterdisciplinary History and Social Sciences Teacher Preparation (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityInterdisciplinary Mathematics & Teacher Preparation (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityPhysics (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegePolitical Science (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
Expand or Shrink Accordion
O*Net Code Name Description Parent
11-9199.11Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site ManagersPlan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.Management Occupations
11-9199.02Compliance ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.Management Occupations
11-9199.08Loss Prevention ManagersPlan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.Management Occupations
11-9199.00Managers, All OtherAll managers not listed separately.Management Occupations
25-1065.00Political Science Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
19-3094.00Political ScientistsStudy the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
11-9199.01Regulatory Affairs ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.Management Occupations
25-2031.00Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical EducationTeach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
19-4061.00Social Science Research AssistantsAssist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
11-9199.10Wind Energy Development ManagersLead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.Management Occupations
11-9199.09Wind Energy Operations ManagersManage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.Management Occupations
Cost To Complete
Expand or Shrink Accordion

This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 134 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Roanoke College
These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $18,020 Per Semester $144,160 $0 $144,160 This list price is for full time enrollment, per semester. Almost all students receive financial aid, creating a lower net price. The most recent average net price in our federal report is $14,585 per semester.
Fees
Technology Fee $420 Per Semester $3,360 0 $3,360 For students living on campus, this fee increases to $565.
Student Activity Fee $345 Per Semester $2,760 0 $2,760 For full time students, per semester
Wellness Fee $104 Per Semester $832 0 $832
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • Additional fees
    • Additional fees may include: $150 one time orientation fee, $150 parking fee per year.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.