Program Details

BA in Political Science

Bachelor of Arts

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

The College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences offers baccalaureate degrees across a broad range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, and human sciences. Our academic programs assist students in developing both the intellectual depth of a liberal arts education as well as the practical skills valued in today's workforce. We emphasize creative thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world application.

Program Overview & Guidance

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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses	Virginia Tech graduation requirements are set based on a student’s entry term to Virginia Tech.
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights

Program Credit Requirements

Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If 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.

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:

Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.

If you are interested in the cost of attending this institution, please visit the institution's cost page to review costs

Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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.

Institution Name	Type	Title
Blue Ridge Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Central Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Danville Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Mountain Gateway Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Eastern Shore Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Germanna Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Brightpoint Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Laurel Ridge Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Mountain Empire Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
New River Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Northern Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Paul D. Camp Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Patrick & Henry Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Piedmont Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Rappahannock Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Southside Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Southwest Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Tidewater Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Virginia Peninsula Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Virginia Highlands Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Virginia Western Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Wytheville Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System

You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	Completion of a transfer-oriented associate degree will satisfy general education requirements of an undergraduate curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites needed for the major. You enter as a junior with general education requirements met.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	You enter as a junior with general education requirements met.
Credit for Prior Learning	Prior learning score requirements: https://www.registrar.vt.edu/Transferable-Credit.html
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: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

College Level Information

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

1116

Percent of Accepted Transfer Students

52.3% of transfer applicants were offered admission with a 3.52 average GPA

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	As a student, you will spend only a portion of your time in the classroom but all your time at Virginia Tech will be spent in an environment that promotes learning and growing. You will find a dynamic residential campus and award-winning dining in an environment committed to well-being. From our health and wellness programs to our hundreds of student organizations and clubs, there is something for every interest at Virginia Tech.
Transfer Student Catalog Year	Catalog year determined by date of entry to Virginia Tech
First Year Student Catalog Year	Catalog year determined by date of entry to Virginia Tech
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	Students must apply as a transfer student having completed or with the intention of completing the Associate degree from a VCCS campus prior to enrollment

Where Can This Degree Transfer

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
Germanna Community College	Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
Germanna Community College	Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
Mountain Gateway Community College	Associate of Science Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Eastern Shore Community College	Associate of Science Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate in Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Science in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Science in Social Sciences	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - American Sign Language/Deaf Studies Major	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Science Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Art	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Science Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	Education: K-12 Special Education Adapted and General Curriculum Major, A.S.	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Southside Virginia Community College	Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Science - General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Science - Social Sciences	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Science: Science (Chemistry Major)	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Science: Science (Chemistry Major)	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate of Science Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Science in General Studies Degree	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Science Degree Social Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Sweet Briar College	Bachelor of Arts in Political Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Christopher Newport University	Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Major in International Affairs	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Christopher Newport University	Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Major in Political Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Eastern Mennonite University	Bachelor of Arts Political Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Hollins University	BA in Political Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
James Madison University	Bachelor of Arts, Major in Political Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Longwood University	Pol Science:Global Politics BS	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Longwood University	Political Science BA	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Longwood University	Political Science BS	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Longwood University	Political Science: Global Politics BA	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Longwood University	Political Science: Pre-Law BA	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Longwood University	Political Science: Pre-Law BS	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Roanoke College	Bachelor of Arts in Political Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
University of Lynchburg	BA in Political Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Wesleyan University	Bachelor of Arts in Political Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Norfolk State University	Bachelor of Arts in Political Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
William & Mary	Government - Bachelor of Arts	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Old Dominion University	Political Science-BA	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person, Online
Old Dominion University	Political Science-BS	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person, Online
University of Mary Washington	BA in Political Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Marymount University	Political Science and International Relations (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Art	4-Year	In-Person
Bridgewater College	Political Science Major - BA	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Shenandoah University	Bachelor of Arts Political Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Ferrum College	B.S. in Political Science (Minor Required)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Randolph College	Bachelor of Arts in Political Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Commonwealth University	Political Science with concentration in Comparative Politics, Bachelor of Arts	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Commonwealth University	Political Science with concentration in Civil Rights, Bachelor of Arts	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Commonwealth University	Political Science with concentration in Human Security, Bachelor of Arts	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Commonwealth University	Political Science with concentration in International Relations, Bachelor of Arts	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Commonwealth University	Political Science with concentration in Public Policy and Administration, Bachelor of Arts	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Commonwealth University	Political Science with concentration in Politics and Government, Bachelor of Arts	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Commonwealth University	Political Science with concentration in Political Theory and Methodology, Bachelor of Arts	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Commonwealth University	Political Science with concentration in U.S. Government, Bachelor of Arts	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Averett University	Bachelor of Arts in Political Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Averett University	Bachelor of Science in Political Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Emory & Henry University	Social Science- History Track	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Emory & Henry University	Interdisciplinary History and Integrative Social Sciences Teacher Preparation (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Emory & Henry University	Interdisciplinary History and Social Sciences Teacher Preparation (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Emory & Henry University	Interdisciplinary Mathematics & Teacher Preparation (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Randolph-Macon College	Political Science (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Radford University	BA in Political Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Radford University	BS in Political Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
The University of Virginia's College at Wise	Bachelor of Arts in Social Science, Major in Government	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Arts & Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	Liberal Arts: Art History Major, A.A.	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Northern Virginia Community College	Social Sciences: Political Science Major, A.S.	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Rappahannock Community College	Associate in Arts Degree in Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Science - Social Sciences (Social Work Major)	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
11-9199.11	Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers	Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.	Management Occupations
11-9199.02	Compliance Managers	Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.	Management Occupations
11-9199.08	Loss Prevention Managers	Plan 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
11-9199.00	Managers, All Other	All managers not listed separately.	Management Occupations
25-1065.00	Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach 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
19-3094.00	Political Scientists	Study 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
11-9199.01	Regulatory Affairs Managers	Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.	Management Occupations
25-2031.00	Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
19-4061.00	Social Science Research Assistants	Assist 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
11-9199.10	Wind Energy Development Managers	Lead 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
11-9199.09	Wind Energy Operations Managers	Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.	Management Occupations

Cost To Complete

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

Residence State

Delivery Mode

Service Member?

Service Status *

Branch

GI Bill (for Spouses/Dependants)

Disability Discharge

Residence City

Hours to Complete Degree *

Minimum Term of Active Duty

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Estimated Cost for the Plan Name Not Provided at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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	$6,770	Per Semester	$54,160	$0	$54,160	Per semester tuition full-time undergraduate 12 or more hours
Fees
Student Room Fee	$3,319	Per Semester	$26,552	0	$26,552	Per semester multiple occupancy, non-airconditioned room
Meal Plan	$3,368	Per Semester	$26,944	0	$26,944	Per semester premium flex plan
Residential Telecommunications Fee	$197	Per Semester	$1,576	0	$1,576	Per semester

*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
- Living Learning Program Fee: $50 per semester
- Student Resident Parking Fee: $570 per academic year
- Student Commuter Parking Fee: $405 per academic year
- Admission Application Fee: $60 but waiver may be available
- Enrollment Deposit Fee: $400 but reduction or waiver may be available
- Student Activity Fee: $260 per semester full time undergraduate 12 or more hours
- Health Service Fee: $335 per semester full time undergraduate 12 or more hours
- Athletic Fee: $366 per semester full time undergraduate 12 or more hours
- Recreational Sports Fee: $206.50 per semester full time undergraduate 12 or more hours
- Student Services Fee: $267.50 per semester full time undergraduate 12 or more hours
Special Purpose Fees
- Agriculture and Life Sciences Supplemental Fee for Students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and all Biochemistry Majors: $375 per semester 7 or more hours
- Architecture and Design Supplemental Fee for Students in Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture: $750 per semester 7 or more hours
- Engineering Supplemental Fee for Undergraduate Students in the College of Engineering: $1000 per semester 7 or more hours
- Pamplin College of Business Supplemental Fee: $1275 per semester 7 or more hours
- Immigration Services Fee: $275 per semester degree seeking students with F1 or J1 visa status
- Corps of Cadets Fee: $240 per semester
- Laboratory Fee: varies by lab course
- Study Abroad Faculty-Lead Program Fee: $20
Miscellaneous
- Late Payment Fee: 10% of the past due balance not to exceed $125 per term
- Returned payment fee: $50

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.