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Degree Title

Bachelor of Arts

Summer A 2024 Start Date:

May 6, 2024

Summer B 2024 Start Date:

June 17, 2024

Overview

Interested in American politics, international affairs, political theory or public policy? FIU Online's Bachelor of  Arts in Political Science provides the skills of political analysis and a disciplined education that prepares students for a career in government, the private sector, or graduate study in various fields. Through our curriculum, you'll engage in the analysis of political theories, institutions and processes, while you continue to develop your interest in political participation and public affairs. You'll gain an in-depth understanding of various topics within political science through the study of American government and politics, comparative politics, political theory and international politics. The program allows students the flexibility to tailor the program for general or specialized knowledge within the field of political science.

With FIU Online, you can learn anywhere, anytime. Our interactive technology enables you to watch lectures, get real-time feedback from your instructors, and collaborate with classmates on projects. Plus, we provide you with a personal success coach who will provide you with one-on-one guidance every step of the way.

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  • Why Apply?

    Politics shape our lives—and shape the future. When you study political science, you'll gain insight into the political systems and ideas that affect people and societies around the world. You'll learn about the nature of political power, how government and politics differ in other countries, and the forces that lead to political outcomes. From education to housing to healthcare to military conflict, politics plays an integral role in determining policy and action

    Career Opportunities

    FIU Online's BA in Political Science provides graduates with career flexibility. Coursework is designed to help you think analytically, collaborate and communicate clearly and persuasively—essential skills that employers seek. As a social science, political science will expose you to methodologies such as public opinion surveys and statistical analysis. Political science graduates are well prepared for jobs in government service, political research, journalism, public policy analysis, campaign management, advocacy and business consulting.  A BA in political science is also an excellent foundation for graduate or law school. 

  • Courses

    Program Completion Requirements

    A total of 120 credits are required for the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

    The Political Science major requires 39 credit hours passed with a grade of ‘C’ or better.


    Common Prerequisites and Departmental Requirements

    Common Prerequisites are those mandated by the state for Political Science majors. The department requires one additional 2000 level course, beyond the Common Prerequisites. In order to conform with both state and departmental requirements, students must take the following:

         American Government (POS 2041)

    AND

         Two of the following three courses :

    • Introduction to Comparative Politics (CPO 2002)

    • Introduction to International Relations (INR 2001)

    • Introduction to Political Theory (POT 2002)


    Requirements for a Major

    I. Breadth Requirement (24 credits)

    This is designed to acquaint all majors with the four general fields of Political Science. Two three semester hour courses must be taken in each of the following subfields, for a total of 24 semester hours. These courses may not include independent studies, internships or POS 4784 Analytic Writing in Political Science .

    • American Politics - Any two 3000 level or above courses with a POS prefix, or PUP 4004, except POS 4784. (6 credits)

    • Comparative Politics - Any two 3000 level or above courses with a CPO prefix. (6 credits)

    • International Politics - Any two 3000 level or above courses with an INR prefix. (6 credits)

    • Political Theory - Any two 3000 level or above courses with a POT prefix. (6 credits)

    II. Political Science Electives Requirement (6 credits)

    Two upper division (3000/4000 level) courses with POS, CPO, INR, or POT prefixes, for a total of 6 credits. Independent studies, internships and/or POS 4784 can be applied toward the Political Science Electives Requirement.

  • Requirements

    To ensure every student’s success, we have certain admissions requirements for each of our programs. To help you through the application process, our enrollment advisors are here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.


    FIU Admission Requirements

    Applications are accepted for Spring, Fall and Summer terms.


    Steps to Apply

    First Year Students

     Please submit the following:

    • Online application

    • $30 application fee.

    • Official SAT, ACT and/or CLT scores.

    • Official high school transcripts.


    Transfer Students

     Please submit the following:

    • Online application

    • $30 application fee.

    • Official college transcripts.

    • If you have less than 60 transferable college credits, you must also submit official high school transcripts and SAT, ACT and/or CLT scores in addition to any transcripts from postsecondary schools to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.


    International Students

     In addition to the above requirements, international applicants should submit:

    • Official English Language Proficiency exam scores (TOEFL or IELTS).
    • Official translations of any transcripts, if not in English.
    • If you have less than 60 transferrable college credits, you must also submit official high school transcripts with translation.

     

    Returning Students

    Returning students must meet the current university and degree-specific requirements to be admitted.

    FIU has policies for students who left FIU, please cli ck h ere for more details.

    Please submit the following:

    • Online application $30 application fee.
    • Updated official transcripts

     

    Program Admission Requirements

    • Candidates must first be accepted into the university. Students admitted to Florida International University are admitted directly to their chosen major.
    • Program Completion Requirements

    A total of 120 credits are required to complete the fully online undergraduate degree.  Students must complete the University Core Curriculum, University requirements and Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs requirements while satisfying requirements toward their Spanish major and are expected to make good progress based on critical indicators, such as GPA in specific courses or credits earned. In cases where students are not making good progress, a change of major may be required. The Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs advisors work to redirect students to more appropriate majors when critical indicators are not met.  For specific course requirements, visit the Courses tab on this program page.


    Admission Documents

    To complete the online undergraduate programs admissions form, select your program from the application form. You may complete the online application and submit it, even before taking any entrance exams. All supporting admission documents may be sent to:

    
Florida International University
    
Office of Undergraduate Admissions

    P.O. Box 659003

    Miami, FL 33265-9003

    USA



    FIU also accepts transcripts electronically via:

    • Faster (All FL public institutions)

    • Naviance (Typically used by private high schools)

    • SMART/Joint Service Transcript – Military records

    *Meeting the university minimum requirements does not guarantee admission

  • Tuition

    We’re thrilled that you’re considering online education and want you to know exactly what to expect for tuition and fees. Education is an investment in your future. Use the following student tuition and fees calculator to determine your costs.

  • Top Faculty

    Dr. Kathryn DePalo

    Kathryn DePalo received her Ph.D. in political science from Florida International University in 2006. Her teaching focus is American politics, including judicial process, gender and politics, and state and local government. Dr. DePalo’s primary research interest is in Florida politics, and she has published on topics such as the effects of term limits in Florida, state judicial selection, and women in state legislative politics.

    Dr. Eric Lob

    Eric Lob is an assistant professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Florida International University. Lob teaches courses on Middle East politics and international relations, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and political violence and revolution. His research focuses on the intersection of development and politics in the Middle East. He holds a Ph.D. from Princeton University’s Department of Near Eastern Studies and an M.A. from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. 

    Dr. Sara Moats

    Sara Moats holds a Ph.D. from West Virginia University. Her research focuses on American political institutions, organized interests, and international organizations. Specifically, she focuses on the interaction between domestic interest groups and the various levels of government both domestically and internationally. Dr. Moats teaches a variety of American politics courses online including Interest Group Politics, Environmental Politics and American Federalism.

    Dr. Marcie Washington

    Marcie Washington specializes in peace and conflict and studies and displaced persons and refugee studies, with a particular focus on the manner in which refugees and internally displaced persons influence civil war onset and domestic and regional politics. She received her Master's degree in International Affairs in the College of Social Sciences at Florida State University and her Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from Nova Southeastern University. She teaches Challenges of Refugees and Migrants, Conflict, Security, and Peace Studies, Politics of Development and Underdevelopment, Strategic Studies and National Security, Development of International Relations Thought, and Contemporary Problems in International Relations.

fiuonline.fiu.edu

120 Credits Required

fiuonline.fiu.edu

235.57 Per Credit Hour (In-State) + Fees

fiuonline.fiu.edu

648.87 Per Credit Hour (Out-of-State) + Fees

* Total tuition and fees are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Fully online degree
  • Every online undergraduate student is paired with a success coach
  • Excellent preparation for any career where you interact with people of other cultures and faiths
  • Program Starts: Fall, Spring and Summer
  • Become part of an exceptional community and make the most of your education. Join the Honors College.
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