Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Our students become critically trained observers of public policy, lawmaking and the social and economic impact of those laws and policies; they apply their thinking and communication skills in careers in government, civil service, journalism, criminology, politics and education.

As a political science major you will study how public policy is formulated, how laws are made, and the social and economic impact of those laws and policies. Our students ask questions that challenge all of us to think more clearly about politics, government and citizenship.

  • Be prepared to work at high levels of government, politics and business
  • Gain skills of inquiry and engagement that challenge all of us to think more clearly about politics, government and citizenship
  • Develop strong writing, research, presentation and communication skills

Learn from esteemed faculty whose research has appeared in the most prestigious outlets in the profession

Join a network of alumni found at the highest levels of government, in politics and law, and across the business world

Gain hands-on experience through our CU in D.C. internship program, where you can learn from D.C.’s most interesting agencies, institutions and organizations

Be successful.

A strong background in political science will prepare you to meet the needs of our increasingly interdependent 21st-century society. The political science major also provides excellent background for law school.

 
$61,600

Median salary of CU Boulder political science students 1–5 years after graduation

 

Policy analyst, legislative assistant, city planner, foreign service officer or diplomat, journalist and business development manager are common job opportunities for graduates

 

Work in government, civil service, journalism, criminology, politics or education

Academic Plan & Requirements

In addition to the general requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, students must complete 42 credit hours in political science.

Students explore six foundational elements of political science:

  • American government and politics
  • Comparative politics
  • Empirical theory and methodology
  • International relations
  • Political theory
  • Public policy

And additional degree option for political science students:

  • Teacher licensure: Students can combine the major with teaching credentials and teach government, political science and civics in secondary schools.

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

The political science department has an extensive list of alumni who have worked in a variety of fields across the globe.

Some alumni of the program include:

Pam Jenkins

(BA'82)
The president of global public affairs at Weber Shandwick, a public affairs and strategic communications firm in New York. She was previously president of Powell-Tate, a public-affairs and communications firm, and managing director of Ogilvy Communications.

Joseph Neguse

(BA'05)
The U.S. representative for Colorado's 2nd Congressional District since 2019. Previously, he was a lawyer at Snell & Wilmer and a member of the University of Colorado Board of Regents who was elected in 2008 while attending law school at CU.

Todd Saliman

(BA'89)
Vice president and chief financial officer of the University of Colorado since 2012. He also served from 1996 to 2001 in the Colorado House of Representatives and was chair of the Joint Budget Committee for four years. He was a cabinet member in the administrations of Colorado Govs. Bill Ritter and John Hickenlooper.

Carl Quintanilla

(BA'93)
A CNBC journalist. He is co-anchor and anchor, respectively, of CNBC's morning programs Squawk on the Street and Squawk Alley, both of which broadcast live from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

Loren B. Jenkins

(BA'61)
A Pulitzer Prize winner for international reporting in 1983.

News & Stories

College of Arts & Sciences magazine cover