Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Political Science
Hours: 120 On-Campus Online
About
Both the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Political Science at Fort Hays State University provide a broad knowledge base encompassing American politics, international relations and comparative politics, public law, political theory, and public administration and public policy. Through rigorous coursework, political science students gain a deep understanding of political behavior, public policy, and the global landscape.
The programs emphasize critical thinking, communication, and data analysis—skills essential for success across diverse political science careers. Students learn to interpret complex information, communicate insights clearly, and apply data-driven strategies to influence meaningful outcomes.
Why pursue a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Political Science at Fort Hays State University?
The B.A./B.S. in Political Science programs are designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world impact. Through meaningful learning experiences, such as a required internship, students gain firsthand exposure to the practical workings of political institutions, advocacy organizations, and public service environments.
Beyond skill-building, the programs instill a strong sense of civic responsibility. Students are encouraged to embrace “political thinking for the greater good,” applying their knowledge to support others, engage in civic and community initiatives, and participate actively in the political process. The goal is to develop informed, ethical leaders who contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.
Who is this program for?
These programs are intentionally broad and versatile and are designed to support a wide range of interests and career paths. They benefit individuals who are:
- Students desiring to explore diverse career paths in political campaign management, local governments, or the foreign service
- Individuals aiming for graduate or law school
- Prospective professionals pursuing political analysis roles
- Those with a penchant for skills enhancement
- Future business executives or policymakers
- Aspiring political scientists seeking careers in academia or research
Real-World Applications
Students acquire valuable hands-on experience through carefully crafted coursework and internship opportunities. These experiences illustrate how academic learning applies to real-world contexts, enabling students to actively engage with political systems, public policy, and civic life beyond the classroom.
Additionally, internships provide students the chance to contribute directly to projects within political election campaigns, law offices, legislators' offices, the U.S. State Department, and numerous other settings where classroom knowledge informs decisions that significantly impact communities and society.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Students are introduced to the latest research in political science throughout their studies. Innovative techniques for data evaluation are explored in the POLS 455 Research Methods course and the POLS 455 Senior Capstone course.
Seminar courses offer in-depth discussions of current events through rigorous analysis of academic literature. Topics may include democracy, justice, voting, the Supreme Court, and Kansas politics.
Hands-on Activities
The Law, Politics, and Justice living-learning community fosters a collaborative environment where students live and take classes together, engage in discussions on current political and legal issues, participate in community service and social activities, and receive guidance from the Political Science faculty coordinator.
The programs also oversee several clubs and organizations that enable students to plan and execute campus-wide events, raising awareness within the Fort Hays State University community about timely and important topics. Additionally, students in the program have an opportunity to participate in the American Democracy Project, an initiative designed to prepare the next generation of informed and engaged citizens.
What You’ll Learn:
- Effectively convey findings and arguments
- Understand the government structures and processes of the United States and other countries
- Examine different political ideologies and the implications of those differences
- Study the interaction of politics and economics
- Evaluate policy effectiveness and propose improvements
How You’ll Learn:
- Internships are required for graduation, linking theory to practice
- Analyzing current events through academic lenses
- Law, Politics, and Justice learning community fosters teamwork
- Campus events organized on relevant political topics
- Participation in American Democracy Project activities
- Participation in Model United Nations competitions
Each program’s core curriculum centers on a rigorous examination of political theories and methodologies. Students acquire a comprehensive understanding of international politics, delving into the complexities of global affairs and the operations of international organizations. Through this in-depth study, they develop critical thinking skills and a strong foundation in the social sciences, essential for success in any political career.
POLS 101: American Government
An introduction to the constitutional, political, and governmental processes of the national political system. The course will introduce students to ongoing disagreements regarding the scope and boundaries of power held by the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government.
POLS 689: Internship in Political Science
Students who enroll in this class will engage in practical field work in politics, such as, but not limited to, working for a political campaign, interning at a law firm, staffing a legislative office, or working in some capacity for a government agency or international organization.
POLS 230: Introduction to International Relations
This course is an investigation of the fundamental problems, principles, and characteristics of the modern nation-state system, emphasizing the mechanisms for making choices and managing power.
Discover the full Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and the Bachelor of Science in Political Science course listings by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Graduates enjoy a wide array of career opportunities in both the public and private sectors. The field of political science offers diverse career paths, with a growing demand for skilled professionals.
Local Government Staff Member
Local government staff play key roles in daily city operations, assisting with policy drafting, community needs analysis, and constituent consultation. They conduct research, prepare reports, and collaborate with elected officials to address community issues.
Public Relations Strategist
Public relations strategists use strong communication skills to shape narratives and manage public perception in corporate or political settings. They develop communication plans, build media relations, and handle crises to protect clients’ reputations.
Foreign Service Diplomat
Foreign service diplomats represent their country abroad, promoting diplomacy and international cooperation. They engage in negotiations, advocate policies, and provide consular services. Proficiency in foreign languages and a deep understanding of global affairs are essential.
Legislative Support Staff
Legislative support staff assist lawmakers by researching, drafting legislation, and analyzing policies. They monitor legislative developments, address constituent needs, and support the legislative process with attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
Legal Advocate
Legal advocates represent clients, conduct legal research, and provide counsel on various legal matters. Their critical thinking and advocacy skills make them valuable in law firms, government agencies, and non-profits.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) or $3,975.75* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
The B.A./B.S. in Political Science provides a solid foundation, and students at Fort Hays State University can also explore related programs that align with their interests and career aspirations.
- Certificate in Paralegal Studies
- Certificate in Political Management
- Certificate in Pre-Law/Legal Studies
- Certificate in Public Administration
- Minor in Political Science
- Master of Liberal Studies (Global Studies)
- Master of Liberal Studies (Political Leadership and Public Service)
- Master of Liberal Studies (Public Administration)
- Master of Liberal Studies (Political Science)
Graduates can work in public and private sectors as local government staff, political analysts, public relations strategists, legal advocates, campaign managers, and more. Starting salaries typically range from $50,000 to $70,000, with potential for higher earnings through experience and advanced degrees. For example, political science professors earn a median salary of $128,000.
Political science centers on the study of government, power, and political processes. Compared to other majors, it provides a unique insight into power dynamics while emphasizing critical thinking, analytical abilities, and strong communication and research skills.
Subfields are specialized areas within political science, such as American politics, international relations, political philosophy, or comparative politics, each offering distinct insights and career opportunities. Concentrations are focused tracks within the B.A./B.S. programs that allow students to specialize in a particular subfield or area of interest, such as pre-law, public policy, or global security.
Double-majoring in political science with another field like communication, criminal justice, or business can broaden your skillset and open doors to diverse career paths. For example, combining political science with law could prepare you for a career in public policy or international law.
The program emphasizes research skills, critical thinking, and writing, all aspects that are essential for success in graduate study. Additionally, the internship requirement provides practical experience valued by graduate programs.
Students pursuing a B.A. in Political Science are required to complete ten credit hours of instruction in a language other than English. This requirement is designed to provide students with a broader cultural and linguistic perspective.
In contrast, the B.S. in Political Science does not mandate foreign language study, allowing students to focus more intensively on technical and scientific coursework within their field of study. Despite this key difference, both degree programs share similar overall requirements in terms of total credit hours and core coursework. This equivalence ensures that students achieve a comprehensive education within their major field of study, regardless of the degree path chosen.Information about the Department of Communication Studies, Law and Political Science
The Department of Communication Studies, Law and Political Science at FHSU offers a dynamic and engaging educational experience designed to prepare students for successful careers across diverse fields in communication, political science, and law. Whether students are passionate about storytelling, inspiring others through news or entertainment, or driving change through political insight, these programs provide the essential skills and knowledge to excel.
Emphasizing both theoretical learning and practical application, students have an opportunity to participate in hands-on experiences such as service-learning projects, internships, and involvement with the state-of-the-art Institute for New Media Studies. Dedicated faculty, bringing real-world expertise into the classroom, ensure students are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of their chosen career paths.
With small class sizes and personalized advising, students receive individualized attention throughout their academic journey. The programs are designed to enhance effective communication skills, cultural understanding, and proficiency with current media technologies. Whether pursuing careers in advertising, public relations, political management, or law, graduates are equipped to make a meaningful impact.
FHSU’s alumni network extends across a wide range of industries, providing valuable connections that support career advancement. Students at FHSU gain a solid education, practical experience, and confidence needed to become leaders in their chosen fields.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA): This national organization is dedicated to serving its members by enhancing their education, expanding their professional networks, and supporting their career launch after graduation. The FHSU chapter has achieved remarkable success, earning awards and offering students valuable opportunities to apply their academic learning in practical settings. PRSSA is committed to developing ethically responsible pre-professionals who champion diversity and advocate for the public relations profession. Students interested in participating can connect with faculty and peers through a variety of events and networking opportunities.
- Student Government Association (SGA): SGA serves as the voice of the student body at Fort Hays State University, representing students' interests and concerns to the administration. Participation in SGA provides students with valuable leadership experience, an understanding of governance processes, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change on campus.
- College Republicans and Young Democrats: These organizations offer platforms for students to engage with political ideologies and activities aligned with their personal beliefs. Members participate in discussions, organize events, and connect with local and national political figures, providing a deeper understanding of the political landscape.
- Tigers in Service: This organization focuses on service and volunteerism, encouraging students to participate in community service projects that make a difference locally and beyond. Tigers in Service is an excellent opportunity for students to develop leadership skills, network with community leaders, and give back to society.
- Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honor Society): Pi Sigma Alpha is the national honor society for Political Science students. Membership is based on high academic achievement in Political Science coursework. The FHSU chapter meets monthly for programming, discussions, service projects, and social activities. Members also enjoy recognition at graduation through honor symbols, signifying their academic excellence and commitment to the field.
- Political Science Club: Open to all students, the Political Science Club allows underclassmen and those not yet eligible for Pi Sigma Alpha to participate in similar activities without the honor status. The club meets concurrently with Pi Sigma Alpha, engaging in stimulating discussions, service projects, and social events. It’s a great way for students to get involved early in their academic careers.
- Pre-Law Society: The Pre-Law Society is open to all majors and offers insights into the legal profession. Members learn about law school, the application process, and the day-to-day life of lawyers and judges. The society organizes visits to law schools and courts, hosts guest speakers from the legal field, and engages in service projects. This organization is ideal for students considering a future in law, providing them with the knowledge and connections to succeed.
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