Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

Political Science and International Relations (BA)

Bachelor of Art
Marymount University

Marymount's B.A. in Politics program benefits from our location. Resources for the study of politics in the Washington area are extraordinary, and students frequently have the opportunity to participate in history-making events that occur in this capital city. The program presents a structured curriculum of courses in political theory, international relations, and the politics and governmental institutions of the United States and foreign countries. Students majoring in politics are encouraged to consider a minor in communication, economics, English, history, information technology, international studies, or philosophy.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
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External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree The study of politics encompasses the moral foundations and practical applications of law and justice, the dynamics of elections and the workings of the U.S. Congress and Presidency, the causes of international conflict and cooperation, and the workings of governments and protest and social movements around the world. Politics students at Marymount combine coursework and independent research with site visits and internships at the many government offices, international organizations, and think tanks in the Washington DC area, as well as study abroad programs. Politics majors learn a wide variety of useful skills and have gone on to work for elected officials, on campaigns, for government offices, and at think tanks in Washington and throughout the world.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

It’s recommended that you take the following courses to prepare you to transfer into this program: PHI 100, PLS 135, PLS 140, PLS 241, and REL 230

  • 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 Marymount University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree The politics major at Marymount University is easily accessible both to 4-year students and to transfer students, with many students adding a second major or a minor. Common double majors are politics and economics, politics and history, and politics and sociology. Many students also combine the politics major with a minor in another field or an interdisciplinary minor, for example, a minor in international studies or a minor in law. Some politics majors proceed straight to graduate programs in law, public policy, international affairs, or political management; others begin their careers immediately upon graduating. Students contemplating law school have the option of the Catholic University Law School Direct Entry program, which reduces the number of combined years for an undergraduate and law degree from 7 to 6. Additionally, the politics program at Marymount offers a graduate certificate in international relations. Students graduating with politics degrees often find the skills they have learned in their studies to be highly-valued, even in employment outside of law or politics.
Program Successes & Highlights Majoring in politics at Marymount is a smart choice for many reasons. The program includes: A flexible curriculum that facilitates on-time degree completion. One-on-one mentoring by full-time faculty. Outstanding internship and career placement.
Program Credit Requirements
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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
Political Science and International Relations (BA)
120
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
75 credits can be transferred from a 2-year school, up to 84 total credits can be transferred.
Political Science and International Relations (B.A.)
120
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
75 credits can be transferred from a 2-year school, up to 84 total credits can be transferred.
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 84 credits may be applied to this program.
Liberal Arts Core
43
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Liberal Arts Core courses can also apply to the major where applicable
Written Communication
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Mathematics
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Literature
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Fine and Performing Arts
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
History
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Depth in Humanities
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Natural Science
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Natural Science lab
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Social Sciences
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Depth in Science
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Theological Inquiry
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Introduction to Philosophy
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Depth in Faith and Reason
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Political Science and International Relations Major
42
Required Major Courses
21
Earn 21 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Major Electives
21
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Students can choose to focus their electives with an international relations specialization.
Earn 21 credits by completing courses from the following Subject:
Electives
35
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Complete additional electives or add a secondary program to reach 120 credits
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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The table below lists admissions agreements between Marymount University 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?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Completion of a transfer-oriented associates degree program will fulfill the majority of the university's Liberal Arts Core (general education) requirements but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites for the major. Students will be required to complete a designated theology course at Marymount. Marymount also accepts the UCGS and Passport programs to meet Liberal Arts Core requirements.

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Completion of a transfer-oriented associates degree program will fulfill the majority of the university's Liberal Arts Core (general education) requirements but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites for the major. Students will be required to complete a designated theology course at Marymount. Marymount also accepts the UCGS and Passport programs to meet Liberal Arts Core requirements.
Credit for Prior Learning Marymount participates in a number of programs that award credit to students for achievement or work experience. See Other Credit-Acquisition Opportunities in our university catalog (https://marymount.edu/catalogs/) for more information.
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: Marymount University
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
Visit our transfer site for more information
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
marymount.edu/transfer
Transfer Students - Apply Here
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
245
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? At Marymount, we understand that the path to a four-year degree is not always straight. Deciding to transfer is a big decision, and Marymount is here to help. As a transfer-friendly university, we offer transfer visit days and an online database to check which of your credits will transfer. We encourage you to visit campus to learn why more than 250 students transfer to Marymount annually. With transfer merit scholarships and guaranteed housing for transfer strudent, we invite you to connect with our team to learn more about our inclusive community in Arlington, Virginia.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by first semester of attendance
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by first semester of attendance
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions Students apply as a regular transfer applicant
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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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
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Arts in Political ScienceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-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
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
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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
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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 120 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 Political Science and International Relations (BA) at Marymount University
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 $19,635 Per Semester $157,080 $0 $157,080 Standard tuition applies to undergraduate students enrolled in 12-18 credits. Part-time tuition is $1,230 per credit.
Fees
Student Government Activity Fee $100 Per Semester $800 0 $800
Student Health and Well-Being Fee $50 Per Semester $400 0 $400
Technology Fee $22 Per Credit $2,640 0 $2,640 up to a maximum of $275 per semester for full-time enrollment
*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 International Student Services Fee ($45/semester), new-student fees, housing, parking, and program or course-specific fees.
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.