Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

B.S. in Political Science (Minor Required)

Bachelor of Science
Ferrum College

Political science is the study of governments, how they are organized, what they do, and how they deal with other governments. Every citizen of a democracy should know something about his/her government, and other governments, and majoring in political science also opens up many career opportunities. Political Science is an ideal major for a student intending to go to law school, and is also good preparation for government work, business, education, and other fields.


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
Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • 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 Ferrum College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights Get out into your community and make a difference!  Many political science courses at Ferrum involve hands-on service projects and experiential learning outside of the classroom.  We work with charitable organizations and political campaigns at the local, regional, and national levels.  These courses include PSC 101, PSC 310, PSC 399, and PSC 498 and others. Students learn better through active learning!  Many of our courses put use games and simulations to help you feel a part of the action, whether that involves roleplaying a Supreme Court justice deciding real life cases, playing a fictional nation involved in peaceful or warlike relations with your neighbors,  or running state and local government during a zombie epidemic.  These courses include PSC 202, PSC 304, PSC 324, PSC 402, PSC 420 and others.
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
B.S. in Political Science (Minor Required)
120
Political Science (Minor Required)
120
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 61 credits may be applied to this program.
General Education Requirements
30
Common Competencies
21
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
The General Education Curriculum rests on a foundation of four "Common Competencies": Written Communication (WC), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), Global and Social Responsibility (GSR), and Oral Communication (OC). All students are required to take three (3) credits in each of these four competency areas as well as ENG-112. Additionally, all entering students with less than 24 credits are required to fulfill six (6) credits of Professional Development. This includes FER-100 (or HON-100), FER-200 and FER-202. Those with more than 24 credits are not required to take GWS-101. Students transferring in with an Associate's degree meet the Professional Development requirements.
Written Communication
6
Earn 6 credits: Complete the following
Earn 6 credits: Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Category:
AND
Complete courses from the following Course:
Quantitative Reasoning
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Global and Social Responsibility
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Oral Communication
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Professional Development
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Discipline Competencies
9
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Students select one course (3 or 4 credits) from each of the following categories: the humanities, history and fine arts (HFA), the social and behavioral sciences (SBS), and the natural sciences and mathematics (NSM). Courses required in a student's major may not be used to meet this requirement.
Humanities, History & Fine Arts
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Social & Behavioral Sciences
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Natural Science & Mathematics
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Major Requirements
39
Political Science Required Courses
15
Earn 15 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Choose one of three 200 level courses
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Choose 12 credits from list of PSC electives
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Choose 12 credits from Politics Across the Disciplines
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Minor Requirement
18
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
This major requires that the student choose and complete a minor.
General Electives
33
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Take courses to reach 120 credits for graduation.
Earn 33 credits by completing any available course
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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There are no Applicable Admission Agreements for the Program.

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 an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Arts and Sciences degree from an accredited instution guarantees completion of our general education curriculum and consideration for the Ferrum Promise, where completion of an approved learning contract results in attainment of the Bachelor's degree within four semesters of admission.

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Dual enrollment credits are evaluated based on the credentials of the institution certifying the credit.
Credit for Prior Learning We accept AP, IB, and CLEP results for college credit if the score earned meets college expectations. Enter your test into the portal to see if your scores will earn credit.
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: Ferrum College
College Level Information
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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
140
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? We are a small college in a rural setting. Our students attend classes Monday through Friday between 8am and 4pm, with a protected window of time in late afternoon for athletic practices. Over 90% of our student body resides on campus, and over half our student body is comprised of NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletes. As a Ferrum College student, prepare to be connected across campus and supported in every aspect of your life here as a part of our family.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions Contact Ferrum College admissions at any stage of your VCCS journey, and we will work with you!
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
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
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 B.S. in Political Science (Minor Required) at Ferrum 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 $13,700 Per Semester $109,600 $0 $109,600 1-6 credits $553/cr, 7-11 credits $770/cr
Fees
Room & Board $6,615 Per Semester $52,920 0 $52,920 Estimated. Varies per housing option $6,315 - $7,435.
*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:
  • Instructional Fees
    • Instructional Fees range from $30/course to $755/credit depending on discipline
  • Additional Fees
    • Student Service Fee $120, Technology Fee $230, Health Fee $210, Car Registration $50, Graduation Fee $125
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.