Where policy, people, and ideas shape change.
In a world shaped by politics, policy, and global change, the Department of Political Science at Colorado State University helps students understand how governments, institutions, and public decisions influence everyday life. Students explore topics like U.S. politics, international relations, public policy, comparative politics, political theory, and environmental politics through engaging coursework and hands-on learning. Opportunities like the state legislative internship and CSU in D.C. program allow students to experience politics in action while building research, analytical, writing, and problem-solving skills.
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Colorado State University’s B.A. in Political Science offers a broad study of politics, policy, and power—locally, nationally, and globally. Students build strong analytical and problem-solving skills while gaining insight into the forces that shape governments and societies. This versatile degree prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, including public service, law, international affairs, advocacy, and more. Political Science majors at CSU can tailor their degree through six areas of concentration. Students may choose a broad, flexible foundation in political science or pursue a more focused path aligned with their academic and career goals.
Why study political science?
Political science at Colorado State University explores how power, policy, and institutions shape the world at every level—from local communities to global systems. Students engage with the ideas and forces that influence public life, learning how governments operate, how decisions are made, and how people and organizations work to create change.
The discipline builds the ability to interpret complex information, weigh competing perspectives, and communicate ideas clearly and effectively. Students are encouraged to connect theory with real-world developments, examining how politics intersects with issues such as justice, governance, identity, and global interdependence.
Through this lens, students develop a deeper understanding of the systems that structure society and the role individuals and communities play within them. The program prepares students to engage thoughtfully with contemporary challenges and to contribute across a wide range of fields, including public service, law, advocacy, international affairs, and community leadership.
Careers
Political science graduates move into careers where understanding people, policy, and power matters. Alumni work across government, law, nonprofits, education, business, and international affairs, applying their skills in research, writing, analysis, and communication to real-world challenges.
Many go on to roles in public service, advocacy, community engagement, policy work, and organizational leadership, while others pursue graduate or professional study. Across industries, graduates are valued for their ability to interpret complex issues, connect ideas to action, and communicate clearly in fast-changing environments.
Online Program
Learn from expert faculty and build a strong foundation in how politics, policy, and public action shape government and society. This fully online Colorado State University bachelor’s program offers the flexibility to advance your education while developing skills that are relevant across a wide range of careers.
Accelerated Options
Accelerated Programs provide flexible, fast-track pathways to earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in political science in as little as four years through a 3+1 structure. Students can deepen their expertise in Environmental Politics and Policy, General Political Science, Global Politics and Policy, or U.S. Government, Law, and Policy while saving time and expanding future opportunities.
Students may also pursue CSU’s Accelerated Master’s Program to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) in as little as five years. This professional degree prepares graduates for leadership roles in government agencies, international organizations, and nonprofit settings where policy and public service come together.
Next Steps
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