15 of the Most Affordable Bachelor's Degrees in Political Science

On first thought, you might think that pursuing a career in Political Science narrows your opportunities. However, this is an extremely diverse field with dozens of potential primary and related occupations. The list below provides some possible career opportunities for graduates of studies in Political Science. While some roles will require a master’s or doctoral degree, many only require a Bachelor’s in Political Science or a related subject. This career list has been compiled from the Political Science program Web pages of the colleges and universities referenced in this college rankings list.

activist/ advocate
banking analyst
budget analyst
business
business executive
business manager
campaign strategist
city housing manager
city manager
civic leader
civic organizers
civil/public servant
community affairs
community planner
congressional aides
congressional staffer
customs officer/ official
diplomat
federal law enforcement agent (FBI, CIA)
foreign service official
government aid co-ordinator
government relations advisor
historian
international affairs specialist
journalist
labor advocate
labor organizer
labor relations specialist
labor union official
law enforcement agent
law enforcement analyst
lawyer
lobbyist
market researcher
military officer
non-profit administrator
policy analyst
political activist
political blogger
political campaign manager
political commentator
political editor (online)
political scientist
political strategist
politician
pollster
public administrator
public affairs specialist
public policy specialist
researcher
teacher/ professor
union leader
urban planner

The BLS (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) profiles the occupation of Political Scientist and predicts job growth of 21% between 2012-2022 — nearly double the national average of 11% for all occupations in the same period. They also provide a list of “similar occupations” and may profile some of the above roles as well.

While the 21% predicted increase in jobs is specifically for Political Scientist roles, there all the other career opportunities listed above, plus still more not mentioned. If some of these opportunities interest you, use this college rankings list to aid you in finding an affordable Bachelor’s degree in Political Science or related programs, This list continues our series of “Affordable Schools” for various bachelor’s degree programs. A summary of available data follows the Notes section, preceding the actual list of schools.

NOTES:

As accreditation can change or only be valid regionally, please verify accreditation of any college to which you are planning to apply.
See the “Methodology” section of the ranking list article 15 of the Most Affordable Bachelor’s Degrees in Marketing for an explanation of the process we use to rank colleges in each list.
NCES data is subject to change and some of these “affordable degrees” guides may use more recent data than described in the Methodology.
For the full list of programs covered to date, please check our School Rankings page.

Statistics Summary

This is a summary of data available for the colleges/ universities mentioned in this college rankings list for bachelor’s of Political Science or related degree programs.

Yearly net price range: $1,640 – $6,728 (avg. for all students per school after discounts/ financial aid).
In-state tuition range: $4,498 – $7,259.
Out-of-state tuition range: $13,169 – $18,389.
Graduation rate range: 29-57%.
Transfer-out rate range: 2-39%.
Student population range: 904-38,128.
Undergrad population range: 904-32,726.
Oldest school: Elizabeth City State University (est. 1891).
Youngest school: Lehman College (est. ), aka CUNY Lehman College.
# states covered: 5.
States covered: California, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas.

Alphabetic list of schools covered in this ranking:

California State University, Bakersfield (Bakersfield, California).
California State University, Dominguez Hills (Carson, California).
California State University, Fresno (Fresno, California).
California State University, Fullerton (Fullerton, California).
California State University, Los Angeles (Los Angeles, California).
California State University, San Bernardino (San Bernardino, California).
California State University, Stanislaus (Turlock, California).
East Central University (Ada, Oklahoma), aka East Central University.
Elizabeth City State University (Elizabeth City, North Carolina).
John Jay College of Criminal Justice (New York, New York), aka CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Lehman College (Bronx, New York), aka CUNY Lehman College.
Queens College, City University of New York (Flushing, New York), aka CUNY Queens College.
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (Chickasha, Oklahoma).
University of Texas at El Paso (El Paso, Texas).
York College, City University of New York (Jamaica, New York), aka CUNY York College.

[mappress mapid=”2″]

15: CUNY Queens College

Queens College is a public, senior college that was established in 1937 and is now part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. Its main campus is in the Kew Gardens Hills neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City, NY (but generally goes by its postal designation of Flushing, Queens).

Queens offers four Political Science-related Bachelor’s programs — three of which are based on its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science and Government. This BA provides an understanding of governments and the political system, and their connection to a country’s citizens. That helps prepare students for careers (some requiring advanced degrees) with businesses, government agencies, labor organizations, law firms, legislatures, media outlets, political parties, or trade associations. The BA requires 120 credits (approx. 40 courses), with 31 for the major (incl. research skills, seminar, and internship opportunities). Students can also choose from one of two specializations — an International Politics track or a Law and Politics track — in place of the general major. For students who want to teach, Queens has its Social Studies Adolescent Education BA with a major in Political Science and Government. Finally, students in other majors can study Political Science via Queens’ 18-credit minor. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 57%.
Transfer-out rate: 20%.
In-state tuition: $6,507.
Out-of-state tuition: $13,317.
Yearly average net price: $6,728.
Student population: 19310.
# undergraduates: 15773.
Campus setting: City: Large.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.

14: California State University-Stanislaus

California State University, Stanislaus (Stanislaus State) is a public, comprehensive university established in 1957 as Stanislaus State College. Stanislaus State is part of the California State University system and its main campus is located in Turlock, California, about 105 miles southeast of San Francisco, CA.

Stanislaus State offers two Political Science-related Bachelor’s programs. Its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science ensures students can provide insights on an array of “political, social, and economic events.” That makes it a suitable foundation for graduate studies, law school, and/ or careers as a budget analyst, CIA agent, civic leader, community planner, diplomat, FBI agent, international affairs specialist, non-profit administrator, or policy analyst. The BA requires 120 semester-units (approx. 40 courses), with 34 for the major (incl. courses options from American politics; international relations; and political theory; plus senior-year individual study and internship opportunities). Students preparing to become teachers via a combination of the BA in Social Sciences and Social Sciences – Subject Matter Preparation or Single Subject Credential programs can add Political Science as a concentration. Finally, students in other majors can study Political Science via Stanislaus State’s 19-unit minor. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 53%.
Transfer-out rate: 4%.
In-state tuition: $6,686.
Out-of-state tuition: $17,846.
Yearly average net price: $6,340.
Student population: 9045.
# undergraduates: 7847.
Campus setting: Suburb: Small.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: D+.

13: CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a public college established in 1964 and is located in Manhattan, New York. It is part of the CUNY (City University of New York) system and has a primary focus on criminology.

John Jay offers five Political Science-related Bachelor’s programs — four of which are based on its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science. This BA is particularly well-suited to students pursuing graduate studies, law school, and/ or careers in activism/ advocacy, community affairs, federal law enforcement, international relations, journalism, politics, public service, teaching, or urban planning. The BA requires 120 credits (approx. 40 courses), with 36-42 for the major (incl. opportunities for a research colloquium and an internship). Fifteen (15) credits of the major goes toward the choice of one of four concentrations: American and Urban Politics and Policy; Comparative/ International Politics and Human Rights; Law, Courts, and Politics; and Justice and Politics. For students wanting to focus on careers where the law can be “an instrument of political and social change,” John Jay has its BA in Law and Society. Finally, students in other majors can study Political Science via John Jay’s 18-credit minor. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 39%.
Transfer-out rate: 33%.
In-state tuition: $6,359.
Out-of-state tuition: $13,169.
Yearly average net price: $6,120.
Student population: 15045.
# undergraduates: 13305.
Campus setting: City: Large.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.

12: East Central University

East Central University (ECU) is a public university established in 1909 as East Central State Normal School. ECU is located in Ada, Oklahoma, some 85 miles southeast of Oklahoma City, OK, and about 160 miles roughly north of Dallas, Texas.

ECU offers one Political Science-related Bachelor’s program — its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science. This BA is well-suited as a pre-law program for those continuing on to law school and legal/ judicial careers. But, with its emphasis on critical thinking and communication skills, it is also well suited to students who want to pursue graduate study, or careers in business, civil service, federal law enforcement, foreign service, government service, international affairs, journalism, lobbying, politics, public opinion/ polling, or teaching. The BA requires 124 hours (approx. 42 courses), with 16-21 for a required minor. The major accounts for 36 hours (incl. such course options as campaigns and elections; international relations; modern political thought; public policy making; research methods; and U.S. foreign policy; plus senior-year individual study, seminar, and internship opportunities). Finally, students in other majors can study Political Science via ECU’s 18-hour minor. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 34%.
Transfer-out rate: 31%.
In-state tuition: $5,599.
Out-of-state tuition: $13,512.
Yearly average net price: $6,058.
Student population: 4428.
# undergraduates: 3637.
Campus setting: Town: Remote.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

11: California State University-San Bernardino

California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is a public university established in 1965 as San Bernardino-Riverside State College. CSUSB is part of the California State University system and is located in San Bernardino, California, about 60 miles roughly east of Los Angeles, CA.

CSUSB offers three Political Science-related Bachelor’s programs. Its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science can lead to a variety of careers (some requiring advanced degrees). These include business, foreign service, government service, international relations, journalism, law, politics, or public policy. The BA requires at least 180 units (approx. 46 courses), with 68 for the major. Students who want to teach Social Sciences in secondary school should take the BA in Social Sciences – Credential Track (along with a Teaching Credential). This BA offers a 36-unit option in Political Science. CSUSB’s BA in Social Sciences – Multidisciplinary Track, meanwhile, offers a 32-unit primary field or 16-unit secondary field in Political Science. Finally, CSUSB has four other Political Science-related options: a 32-unit certificate in International Relations; a 24-36 unit, interdisciplinary minor in Philosophy, Policy (Politics), and Economics; a 32-unit minor in Political Science; and a 28-unit minor in Pre-Law. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 48%.
Transfer-out rate: 2%.
In-state tuition: $6,550.
Out-of-state tuition: $17,710.
Yearly average net price: $5,993.
Student population: 18952.
# undergraduates: 16743.
Campus setting: City: Midsize.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: C.

10: University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) is a public college established in 1908 as the Oklahoma College for Women. USAO’s main campus is located in Chickasha, Oklahoma, about 45 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, OK.

USAO offers two Political Science-related Bachelor’s programs, both based on its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science. This BA provides students with a high level of critical thinking and communication skills, along with an understanding of governments and the political process. This prepares students for a number of career roles (some requiring advanced degrees), and includes: banking analyst, CIA agent, city housing manager, corporate executive, diplomat, government aid co-ordinator, labor organizer, lawyer, lobbyist, political blogger, political campaign manager, and public affairs specialist. The BA requires 124 credit-hours (approx. 42 courses), with 30 for the major (incl. course options in American government; international relations; and public policy; plus senior-year seminar, tutorial, and workshop opportunities). For students going on to law school, this BA can be configured as a Pre-Law Program (PDF p.132). Finally, students in other majors can study Political Science via USAO’s 18-hour minor. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 46%.
Transfer-out rate: 35%.
In-state tuition: $6,270.
Out-of-state tuition: $15,210.
Yearly average net price: $5,884.
Student population: 904.
# undergraduates: 904.
Campus setting: Town: Distant.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

9: CUNY York College

York College is a public, senior college established in 1966 as part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. York is located in Jamaica, Queens, NY (the Jamaica neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City, NY), about five miles north of John F. Kennedy International Airport.

York offers one Political Science-related Bachelor’s program — its Bachelor of Arts (BA) Political Science. This BA prepares students for a variety of career roles (some requiring graduate/ professional studies), including: business manager, campaign strategist, CIA agent/ analyst, congressional staffer, customs official, government relations advisor, labor relations specialist, lawyer, political activist, political commentator, or politician. The BA requires 120 credit-hours (approx. 40 courses), with 31 for the major (incl. independent research and combined seminar-internship opportunities). (York also has a Political Science Childhood Education BA for students who want to teach, but it’s currently not accepting new students). Finally, York has five Political Science-related, 15-16 hour minors, in: International Relations; Labor Studies within Political Science; Political Science; Political Science/ Cross-Cultural Studies for Psychology; and Pre-Law Studies within Political Science. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 29%.
Transfer-out rate: 39%.
In-state tuition: $6,396.
Out-of-state tuition: $13,206.
Yearly average net price: $5,856.
Student population: 8493.
# undergraduates: 8438.
Campus setting: City: Large.
Campus housing avail.: No.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.

8: California State University-Bakersfield

California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) is a public university established in 1965 as California State College, Bakersfield. It is part of the California State University system and its main campus is in Bakersfield, California, about 115 miles northwest of Los Angeles, CA.

CSUB offers five Political Science-related Bachelor’s programs — four based on its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science (PS). Overall, this BA prepares students for up to 60 different professional roles within organizations such as businesses (particularly banks, energy concerns, and insurance companies), governments, international organizations, and non-profits. Each BA option requires 180 units (approx. 40 courses), with at least 20 for a required minor and 66 for the major (incl. 15 for one of three emphases: American Politics, International Relations & Comparative Government, and Pre-Law). PS students who want to teach can complete the Social Science Teacher Preparation Program (PDF, p. 179 [2]) as part of their degree. CSUB’s 180-unit BA in Global Intelligence & National Security (GINS) is for students who want to work for security-related federal agencies (CIA, DHS, DoD, FBI, NSA, ODNI). Finally, CSUB has two other Political Science-related options: a 30-unit GINS minor and a 20-unit PS minor. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 41%.
Transfer-out rate: 2%.
In-state tuition: $6,792.
Out-of-state tuition: $17,952.
Yearly average net price: $5,690.
Student population: 8720.
# undergraduates: 7635.
Campus setting: City: Large.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: C.

7: University of Texas at El Paso

University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a public university that was established in 1914 as the Texas State School of Mines and Metallurgy. Today UTEP is part of the University of Texas System and is located in El Paso, Texas, some 550 miles northwest of San Antonio, TX, and about 270 miles south of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

UTEP offers four Political Science-related Bachelor’s programs — all based on its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science. Overall, this BA prepares students for a variety of career options (some requiring advanced degrees), including working for governments, intelligence agencies, media outlets, non-profits, or political campaigns. Each BA option requires 120 semester-hours (approx. 40 courses), with at least 18 for a required minor and at least 27 for the major (which can take the form of one of four concentrations: General Political Science; Law and Politics; International Politics; or Public Administration and Service). Students interested in teaching may be able to add a Secondary Education minor to their degree. Finally, UTEP also offers four other Political Science-related program options: an 18-20 hour minor in Comparative and International Politics; an 18-20 hour minor in (General) Political Science; an 18-20 hour minor in Public Administration and Service; and a 9-hour certificate in North American Studies. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 38%.
Transfer-out rate: 31%.
In-state tuition: $7,259.
Out-of-state tuition: $18,389.
Yearly average net price: $5,607.
Student population: 23079.
# undergraduates: 19817.
Campus setting: City: Large.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

6: California State University-Fresno

California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) is a public, comprehensive university established in 1911 as Fresno State Normal School. It is part of the California State University system and is located in Fresno, California, about 190 miles southeast of San Francisco, CA, and 230 miles northwest of Los Angeles, CA.

Fresno State offers two Political Science-related Bachelor’s programs. Its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science prepares students to: go on to law school and legal/ judicial careers; become civic organizers, congressional aides, teachers, or union leaders; find work with all levels of government (city manager, diplomat, military officer, public servant); get elected to public office; or obtain positions with international or non-profit organizations. The BA requires 120 units (approx. 40 courses), with 36 for the major (incl. capstone, independent study, and internship opportunities). Students who want to teach middle/ secondary school can add a Teaching Credential to their degree. Finally, Fresno State also offers four other Political Science-related program options: a 21-unit minor in Political Science; a 21-unit minor in Public Administration; an 18-unit, interdisciplinary minor in International Political Economy; and a 12-15 unit, interdisciplinary certificate in Legal Studies. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 52%.
Transfer-out rate: 2%.
In-state tuition: $6,299.
Out-of-state tuition: $17,459.
Yearly average net price: $5,599.
Student population: 23179.
# undergraduates: 20511.
Campus setting: City: Large.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: C.

5: California State University-Fullerton

California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) is a public, comprehensive university established in 1957 as Orange County State College. It is part of the California State University system and its main campus is in Fullerton, California, some 30 miles southeast of Los Angeles, CA.

CSUF offers two Political Science-related Bachelor’s programs — both based on its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science. This BA provides an understanding of human behavior in relation to “power and public organizations.” That means it can prepare students for careers in city management, federal law enforcement, foreign service, government service, journalism, labor relations, lobbying, market research, or the military. The BA requires 120 units (approx. 40 courses), with 48 for the major (incl. course options in American foreign policy; globalization, justice and democracy; government and the economy; political behavior and motivation; political philosophy; research methods; and an internship opportunity). Students who want to teach, may be able to add a Teaching Credential to their degree. Finally, CSUF also offers three 18-unit, Political Science-related minors, in: International Politics; Law, Politics, and Society; and Political Science. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 56%.
Transfer-out rate: 3%.
In-state tuition: $6,315.
Out-of-state tuition: $17,475.
Yearly average net price: $5,542.
Student population: 38128.
# undergraduates: 32726.
Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.

4: California State University-Los Angeles

California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) is a public, comprehensive university established in 1947 as Los Angeles State College. It is part of the California State University system and its main campus is in Los Angeles, California, about 5 miles roughly east of the city’s downtown core.

CSULA offers four Political Science-related Bachelor’s programs — all based on its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science. Overall, this BA prepares students for a variety of career options (some requiring graduate/ professional degrees). These options include becoming an activist/ advocate, congressional staffer, customs officer, federal law enforcement agent (FBI, CIA), government relations advisor, lawyer, online political editor/ blogger, political campaign manager, or public affairs specialist. Each of the four BA options requires 180 units in total (approx. 46 courses), with 65 for the major; 33 of which are for core requirements (incl. a senior-year capstone). The other 32 go toward one of four option areas: General Political Science, Global Politics, Pre-Legal Studies, or Public Administration. CSULA also offers 20-24 unit minors in each of these four areas for students in other majors. (In 2016-17, CSULA is converting to a semester system, which will change this BA’s unit requirements). See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 41%.
Transfer-out rate: 2%.
In-state tuition: $6,348.
Out-of-state tuition: $17,508.
Yearly average net price: $2,735.
Student population: 24488.
# undergraduates: 20681.
Campus setting: City: Large.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.

3: Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) is a public HBCU (Historically Black College/University) established in 1891. ECSU is part of the University of North Carolina system and is located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, about 170 miles east and slightly north of Raleigh, NC; and some 55 miles south and slightly west of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

ECSU offers two Political Science-related Bachelor’s programs — both based on its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History with a minor in Political Science. (ECSU does have a BA in Political Science, but it’s in the process of being reconfigured and is no longer accepting new students.) The available BA, meanwhile, prepares students for graduate studies, law school, and/ or careers in business, community affairs, education, global affairs, government service, politics, public history, or public policy. The BA requires 124 credit-hours (approx. 44 courses), with 42 for the major, including 12 for an optional concentration in Public History. The Political Science minor accounts for 21 hours (incl. courses in American national government; comparative government; political theory; and state and local government). Finally, ECSU also offers two other Political Science-related program options: a 21-hour minor in Global Studies, with concentrations in Politics or African History and Politics. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 39%.
Transfer-out rate: 17%.
In-state tuition: $4,498.
Out-of-state tuition: $16,173.
Yearly average net price: $2,490.
Student population: 1867.
# undergraduates: 1805.
Campus setting: Town: Distant.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: C.

2: CUNY Lehman College

Lehman College is a public college established in 1967 and is located in the Bronx part of New York City. It started as part of Hunter College in 1931, joining the City University of New York (CUNY) system in 1967. It is named after former governor Herbert H. Lehman, who was also a senator and philanthropist.

Lehman offers one Political Science-related Bachelor’s program — its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science. With this BA, students are able to pursue a variety of career opportunities that require/ benefit from an understanding of governments and the political process. These career fields (some of which require advanced study), include business, civil service, education, journalism, labor advocacy, law, politics, public administration, and social research. The BA requires at least 120 credits (approx. 40 courses), with 39-40 for the major (incl. course options from American politics; international politics; law and politics; political theory; public policy and administration; and internship opportunities). Finally, Lehman offers four other Political Science-related program options: a 15-credit minor in Global Studies; an 18-credit minor in Law and Government; a 15-credit minor in Political Science; and a 12-15 credit interdisciplinary minor in Urban Community Development. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 37%.
Transfer-out rate: 27%.
In-state tuition: $6,408.
Out-of-state tuition: $13,218.
Yearly average net price: $2,327.
Student population: 12398.
# undergraduates: 10326.
Campus setting: City: Large.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.

1: California State University-Dominguez Hills

California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) is a public university established in 1960 as South Bay State College. It is part of the California State University system and is located in Carson, California, less than 20 miles south of Los Angeles, CA.

CSUDH offers one Political Science-related Bachelor’s program — its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science with a General Political Science concentration. This BA provides students with a strong foundation in communication, critical thinking, and research, along with an understanding of how governments function. This prepares students for a variety of careers (some requiring graduate/ professional studies), including becoming a business executive, civil servant, foreign service official, journalist, labor union official, lawyer, law enforcement agent, lobbyist, political strategist, politician, or teacher/ professor. The BA requires 120 units (approx. 40 courses), with 39 for the major/ concentration (incl. course options from American politics; comparative politics; history of political thought; and international relations; plus a senior-year capstone research project). Finally, students in other majors can study Political Science via CSUDH’s 15-unit minor. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

Graduation rate: 32%.
Transfer-out rate: 2%.
In-state tuition: $6,139.
Out-of-state tuition: $17,299.
Yearly average net price: $1,640.
Student population: 14687.
# undergraduates: 12682.
Campus setting: City: Small.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.

15 of the Most Affordable Bachelor’s Degrees in Political Science