Overview

Typically, the discipline of political science is subdivided into topical fields: U.S. government and politics, including the subfields of public law, public administration, and public policy; comparative politics, which deals with government and politics within nations other than the United States; international relations, which is the analysis of politics among nations, including foreign policy, war and peace, and political economy; and political theory, which encompasses political thought throughout the ages as well as contemporary approaches.

The Political Science Program at the California State University San Marcos offers courses in each of these areas and invites students to explore a broad spectrum of topics. Political science majors may choose between a general concentration, which provides wide exposure to the fields of political science, and a global concentration, which offers majors an opportunity to focus on foreign political systems and international relations. Majors and non-majors alike are encouraged to think critically, independently, and objectively about government and politics. The goal of the program is to produce informed, empowered citizens who will contribute to their national and global communities.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science will be able to:

Summarize the foundational principles and key concepts of Political Science.

Describe and analyze the roles played by political identities in historical and contemporary political environments.

Analyze the impact of state and non-state actors, institutions, and organizations on policy.

Apply theories, political thought, ideologies, and ideas to historical content and/or contemporary political realities.

Apply knowledge of research methods to formulate and implement an appropriate research design to analyze political phenomena.

Utilize effective communications skills to analyze political issues, ideas, and policies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Research Methods

World Political Systems

Global Governance

Political Theory

United States Government and Politics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-31 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

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IELTS

5.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Marcos, United States

Disciplines

Political Science View 1417 other Bachelors in Political Science in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

5.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

National

Completion of preparatory A–G Courses

Test Scores (SAT and ACT)

Your official GPA for admission to any California State University, including CSUSM, may be different than the GPA on your high school transcript. This is because we calculate your high school GPA using your 10th–12th grade A-G courses.

International

University Application

All official academic records

Official English translations of all academic records

Affidavit of Financial Support

Copy of your Passport

Are or will be a high school/secondary school graduate or equivalent

Equivalent of a "B" (3.0) grade point average

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

16530 USD / year

≈ 16530 USD / year
Out-of-State

16530 USD / year

≈ 16530 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

6450 USD / year

≈ 6450 USD / year

Living costs

San Marcos

United States

1100 - 1600 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

Program Student Learning Outcomes

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

San Marcos

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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