Overview

The department offers a curriculum focused on the major subfields of political science, specifically: American government, comparative politics, international politics, political theory, and political methodology. For completion of the Political Science program of Vanderbilt University, students develop their expertise through coursework and independent study in one of these subfields and successfully complete an exit exam in the subfield. Students may also minor in American Politics, World Politics, or Political Theory.

The department also encourages Political Science majors to participate in the Tennessee Intercollegiate Student Legislature and Tennessee Moot Court programs, both of which expose students to crafting and passing legislation as well as conducting oral arguments at the appellate level. These programs are overseen by Political Science faculty advisers.

Political Science offers an Honors program that requires students to conduct independent investigation and analysis under the supervision of a faculty mentor during their senior year. Honors students produce an Honors thesis in the last semester of their senior year, leading to graduation with Honors or High Honors.

Key Facts

A significant percentage of Political Science majors enter law school. The department’s pre-law courses are taught using the Socratic Method, with the goal of laying groundwork for student success upon matriculation to law school. Recent graduates have also pursued careers as political office holders, aides to congresspersons and political executives, lobbyists, journalists, data analysts, survey researchers, market researchers, Foreign Service officers and advisors, and consultants for international organizations.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

American Public Opinion and Voting Behavior

Political Campaigns and the Electoral Process

The American Presidency

Constitutional Law and Judicial Process

Democratization and Political Development

Latin American Politics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Duolingo English Test

130

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Nashville, United States

Disciplines

Political Science View 1402 other Bachelors in Political Science in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

Check IELTS test dates and locations. Book an IELTS test now!

Other requirements

General requirements

All required parts of the Coalition Application or Common Application

$50 nonrefundable application fee, or fee waiver for qualified students

Official high school transcript

Counselor letter of recommendation

Two academic teacher letters of recommendation

Optional for students applying for fall entry: SAT or ACT scores

International applicants will be prompted to complete an international section of the Common Application

Official results of the TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS, PTE Academic, or Duolingo English Test if applicable

A completed College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile, if applicable

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

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Tuition Fee

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International

65008 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 65008 USD per year during 48 months.
National

65008 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 65008 USD per year during 48 months.
In-State

65008 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 65008 USD per year during 48 months.

Living costs for Nashville

1183 - 2197 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Political Science.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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