Overview

Studying in the Political Science program at California Polytechnic State University will give you a broad, culturally relevant understanding of political concepts, institutions, behaviors and processes in California, across the nation and around the world.

You will develop and refine your communication and analytical skills and become informed, active citizens in a diverse global context. You will have access to classes, co-curricular clubs, internships, and a variety of experiences that will allow you to learn about politics in hands-on settings and work with others who share similar interests.

Learn by doing

You will have many opportunities to delve deeply into areas that interest you from registering student voters to creating political podcasts. Compete against other universities around the nation in our award-winning Mock Trial and Model United Nations teams. Internships are available at law firms, non-profit organizations and with public officials, including the opportunity to represent Cal Poly at the Panetta Institute Congressional Internship Program.

Careers

Our graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers, including law or graduate school, work with governmental or non-profit organizations, research and survey analysis, and leadership positions in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

American and California Government

Political Inquiry

International Relations

Comparative Politics

Basic Concepts of Political Thought

Data Analysis in Political Science

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-02 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

180 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Luis Obispo, United States

Disciplines

Political Science View 1417 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

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

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

Coursework: They look at the college-prep coursework you have taken during high school, including the courses you have in progress or planned during 12th grade

GPA: For the purposes of your application, they'll consider your 9th-11th grade weighted GPA
Extracurricular Activities and Work Experience: Cal Poly takes activities such as work experience, internships, volunteer programs and extracurricular activities into consideration

Make sure you have a copy of your transcripts, current and planned class schedules, household annual income and social security number (if available).

There is a $70 application fee per campus at the time you apply, unless you qualify for an application fee waiver

English proficiency exam results

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

27357 USD / year

≈ 27357 USD / year
Out-of-State

27357 USD / year

≈ 27357 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14037 USD / year

≈ 14037 USD / year

Living costs

San Luis Obispo

United States

1100 - 1800 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

Learn by doing

Careers

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 Luis Obispo

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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