Bachelor of Science in Political Science

Catalog Year 2025-2026

Based on VCCS Curriculum for POLITICAL SCIENCE

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement

• By meeting the following criteria, students who complete the prescribed curriculum and meet the criteria below are guaranteed admission into Radford University and directly into the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

• Earn a transfer associate degree based on the Political Science Curriculum

• Earn a minimum of 2.8 GPA for the associate degree

• Good academic standing at current institution

• Please visit the TransferVirginia.org portal to find course requirements for different majors and Transfer Guides that outline course requirements for specific majors.

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: https://admissions.radford.edu 

• Admission Application: By March 1 for priority fall admission and November 1 for priority spring admission at https://www.radford.edu/admissions/apply/index.html 

• Financial Aid: https://www.radford.edu/fin-aid  , FAFSA priority deadline March 1.

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: https://studentaid.gov

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org 

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and an admissions counselor at Radford University within your first year. College Connect is available in your account of www.TransferVirginia.org

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• Political Science covers a wide variety of fields, from law and government work to foreign service or entrepreneurship. Students who major in Political Science are ready to take on any challenge the world has for them.

• Political science majors have the highest in lifetime earnings among social science majors: $4.2 million.

• Political Science Majors employed at 18% above the national average

• Paid $23,000 more than national median

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: The completion of the transfer-oriented degree program will satisfy the REAL Curriculum (lower division/general education) requirements. Students will need to complete all other University, college, and departmental requirements in order to obtain the baccalaureate degree from RU.

• Dual Enrollment – Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Students completing the associate degree in high school should apply using the freshman application. If admitted, the student will receive the benefits associated with the transferable associate degree (as noted prior).

• Credit for Prior Learning: AP, IB, and CLEP are evaluated for credits (based on receipt and evaluation of official scores).

• Catalog Year: Students will be subject to the catalog in effect at the time of enrollment at RU unless otherwise requested.

Is This College Right For Me?

• Main campus is located in the city of Radford and our Radford University Carilion campus is located in Roanoke. RU is well-known for strong faculty/student bonds, vibrant student life and a commitment to student support.

• Situated in the stunning landscape of southwest Virginia, there are plenty of nearby opportunities to explore the outdoors.

• With 70+ bachelor's degree programs across a variety of disciplines, the classes at Radford are hands-on and designed to help you prepare for your chosen career path.

• Transfer students have the option to live on-campus or off-campus within the local area.

• Over 80% of students receive some form of financial aid.

• 16 Division I teams and 300+ student organizations.

• Learn more about our university at www.TransferVirginia.org

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 Radford University?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org

Program Successes & Highlights

• Students learn real-world problem solving through internships, simulations and participation in events like the Wicked Festival

• More than 90% of graduates are employed or enrolled in a graduate program within a year of completing their degree

• Our alumni are successful attorneys, public servants, lobbyists, business and community leaders, and elected officials

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• Of students who apply, usually about 65% of transfer applications are accepted to RU and about 80% of the entering transfer class comes from the Virginia Community College System

• Learn more about applying at www.TransferVirginia.org

Do More With Your Degree!

• Our department minors such as Legal Studies, Leadership, International Studies, and Wicked Problems complement the Political Science major and allow students to concentrate in specific areas.

• The University supports students who intern in Richmond and Washington D.C. with scholarships to help with costs and housing

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• All students must complete 120 total credit hours and all BA/major requirements.

• Students must earn an overall GPA of 2.000 and a major GPA of 3.0. The major GPA is defined as all courses in the BA core and all courses prescribed for the major.