Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Catalog Year 2026-2028

Based on VCCS Curriculum for POLITICAL SCIENCE

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement

• This degree program is covered by Randolph College's Guaranteed Admission Agreement. By meeting all of the following criteria, students are guaranteed admission into Randolph College and entry directly into the Political Science major (BA).

• Earn a transfer associate degree that fulfills all course requirements listed in this guide.

• Earn a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

• Be in good standing at the current institution.

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

Important Links & Dates

• College Transfer Center: http://www.randolphcollege.edu/admission/apply/transfer-student/

• Admission Application: By December 1 for admission in the spring semester or July 1 for admission for the fall semester, at http://admission.randolphcollege.edu/apply/. Applications may be accepted after the deadline.

• Financial Aid: http://www.randolphcollege.edu/financialaid/

• 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, complete your first math and English courses in your first year. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org.

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and Randolph College within your first year. College Connect available in your account at www.TransferVirginia.org.

Why Study Political Science at Randolph College?

• The diversity of professional backgrounds and academic approaches of our Political Science faculty means that majors can explore all aspects of the field: quantitative analysis, case studies, political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and environmental politics.

• Randolph College has a Model UN chapter. Students selected for Model UN attend the Spring National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference in New York, NY.

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

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Incoming students possessing an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts and Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, or Associate of Science awarded by a Virginia Community College System (VCCS) institution during or after high school will be exempt from Randolph College's General Education requirements.

• Dual Enrollment -- Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Students who complete an Associate Degree from an accredited Virginia college or university through dual enrollment in high school will be exempt from Randolph College's General Education requirements.

• Credit for Prior Learning: AP, IB, and CLEP are evaluated for credits. Learn more by visiting the Randolph College Office of the Registrar's website: http://www.randolphcollege.edu/registrar/.

• Catalog Year: Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance at the community college post high school graduation.

Is This College Right For Me?

• Randolph College is a small liberal arts college located on historic Rivermont Avenue in Lynchburg, VA. Lynchburg is part of a larger metropolitan area and home to more than 20,000 college students.

• TAKE2: Instead of taking four or more classes each semester, Randolph students take two classes at a time for seven-week sessions, with no classes on Wednesdays. You'll graduate in the same amount of time as you would with a traditional model, but you can focus deeply on just two subjects at a time.

• The average class size at Randolph is 13, and the student:faculty ratio is 8:1. 95% of Randolph's full-time faculty members hold the highest possible degree in their field.

• Randolph offers study abroad programs and supports student research. Students may apply for up to $2,000 through our RISE Grant to fund their own scholarly or creative endeavors.

• Housing options include spacious, mixed-year residence halls as well as apartment-style living, all right near the center of campus.

• Learn more about our college at http://www.randolphcollege.edu.

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 Randolph College?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• A BA in Political Science is excellent preparation for a career or further graduate study in law, public policy, government and public relations, or international affairs.

• Explore potential careers, salary ranges, and job outlooks at www.TransferVirginia.org.

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• Students are encouraged to complete an internship connected to their desired career, but it is not required for the major. Recent internships include the Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. State Department, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and local nonprofits.