Overview

The Political Science programme at Iowa State University offers students a deep dive into the mechanisms of power, persuasion, and complex problem-solving. By studying this discipline, undergraduates learn to look beyond simplistic talking points to understand the real-world impact of policy and its key players. The curriculum is designed to help students build the essential skills required to transition from academic study to professional leadership roles.

Why Political Science at Iowa State University?

Students benefit from a department that prioritises experiential learning and high-level research. The university provides unique opportunities, such as participation in the Iowa caucuses and USSTRATCOM exercises, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Faculty members lead well-funded research programmes in diverse areas, including energy policy, international affairs, and refugee integration, ensuring that teaching is informed by current global issues.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 15293 per semester
National fee: USD 14289 per semester
Local fee: USD 4765 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum allows students to tailor their education through specific career pathways. Modules may include:

Law, Justice and Politics
Public Policy and Political Action
Global Engagement
Politics and Business
Environmental Politics and Policy
Research Methods
International Affairs
Energy Policy
National Security

Careers with Political Science

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional environments, ranging from government agencies to private enterprise. The programme provides a strong foundation for those aiming to enter law school or pursue careers as attorneys. Alumni have successfully secured roles in state government as justice systems analysts, while others work in environmental regulation compliance within the private sector. The analytical and leadership frameworks provided by the degree also prepare students for significant positions in military service and national security. Common career destinations include:

Legal Practice and Law Firms
Governmental Policy Analysis
International Policy Organisations
Environmental Consultancy
Political Campaigns and Strategy
National Security and Military Leadership
Private Sector Business Relations

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Public Opinion and Voting Behavior

State and Local Government

Campaigns and Elections

American Institutions: Congress

American Political Institutions

Women in Politics
Politics of Russia and Eastern Europe

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Iowa State operates on rolling admission. We strongly recommend that you apply at least six to eight weeks in advance.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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IELTS

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ames, United States

Disciplines

Political Science View 1418 other Bachelors in Political Science in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

ACT composite (or converted SAT) score x 3

Cumulative GPA x 30

Number of years of high school core courses x 5

RAI (Regent Admission Index)

SAT scores will be converted to their ACT composite equivalents for this calculation.

High school GPA is expressed on a 4-point scale (you can use our GPA calculator to convert your GPA if it's not on a 4.0 scale).

The number of core high school courses is measured in years or fractions of years.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

30586 USD / year

≈ 30586 USD / year
Out-of-State

28578 USD / year

≈ 28578 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9530 USD / year

≈ 9530 USD / year

Living costs

Ames

United States

1158 - 1797 USD / month

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.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Ames

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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