Bachelor of Political Science at Temple University

Temple University

United States of America, Philadelphia

University Rank:#721

International students can study the Political Science at Temple University at its main campus in Philadelphia, United States of America. This Bachelor degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 4 years and is offered at the university's main campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on August 28, 2027.

About Bachelor of Political Science

Learn diverse theoretical and methodological approaches to studying international affairs, politics and important current issues with the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Temple University's College of Liberal Arts.

Through the 123-credit undergraduate curriculum, you'll investigate American politics at the local, state and federal levels, as well as international relations and classical and modern political thought. Debate political theory and how power and resources should be allocated in society. Learn to write effectively, build excellent research skills and critically evaluate U.S. democracy while studying the following four distinct subfields of political science.

American politics, which explores American elections, political institutions, public opinion and the media.
Comparative politics, which emphasizes political systems outside of the U.S., as well as mass political behavior across a broad range of contexts.
International relations, which investigates the interaction and conflict between governments around the globe.
Political theory, which evaluates individual behavior within a political system and brings clarity to key concepts of equality, democracy, freedom and justice.

Students in the Political Science BA program become capable, engaged and intelligent citizens through active, real-world participation in our governmental systems. Students can intern in Washington, D.C., or spend a semester participating in state politics in Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania state capital. Graduates are prepared for careers in advocacy and community organizations, government agencies, social services or unions among many others. They are also prepared to pursue graduate degrees in international affairs or law.

Temple's Political Science faculty are nationally recognized in their fields, and offer classes related to their current research and writing specialties. Some of these topics include

- childhood and multigenerational poverty;
- political psychology;
- prekindergarten finance policy;
- public assistance programs;
- race, ethnicity and politics;
- the politics of development aid;
- threat perception in U.S. foreign policy; and
- urban politics.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Political Science at Temple University

Entry Requirements

1. Official high school and/or university transcripts with English translations (required)

Your application must include all official and original academic records from any school: secondary high school, college, or university you have ever attended.

If you are attending a high school curriculum that is four years, Temple University reviews grades 9-11 as well as your current progress in 12th grade (term/quarter/semester/predicted) or your final transcript if you completed high school.

If you are attending a high school curriculum that is only three years, we strongly recommend you submit the final year of your middle school as well.

2. Test options

First-year Applicants

Option 1: Apply without standardized testing

At Temple University we are pleased to offer applicants a test-optional solution for submitting their application. Test-optional means that you are not required to submit ACT or SAT for admission consideration and is typically chosen by students who feel their test scores do not accurately reflect their academic abilities or who were not able to take SAT or ACT tests due to circumstances outside of their control.

Applicants who choose this option are equally eligible to receive merit scholarships.

Option 2: Apply with standardized testing. Submit official SAT or ACT results. These must be sent officially from the testing agency.

Unsure about whether or not to submit testing? Contact [email protected].

All applicants, regardless of which option they choose, should review the English language proficiency test scores section to determine whether they are required to submit English language proficiency scores to support their application.

Transfer Applicants

If you have at least 15 college-level credits, SAT/ACT scores (or other standardized tests) are usually not required for transfer admission unless our Admissions Office specifically requests them.

Please note that proof of high school graduation may be required and English language proficiency test scores may be required.

The average GPA for incoming fall 2022 transfer students was 3.21. All applicants are reviewed for admission but we prefer that students have a 2.50 or higher GPA.

3. Letters of Recommendation (optional)

If you submit letters of recommendation, please request letters from individuals, such as a high school teacher or advisor, who can speak to your academic abilities and accomplishments. Please send no more than two letters to [email protected] or through the Common Application.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 79

Career Opportunities after Completing Bachelor of Political Science

Department Internships

Temple's Political Science Department helps students secure experiential internships to prepare them for careers after graduation. Student placements have included

the city of Philadelphia,
law firms and local prosecutors' offices,
political campaigns,
public interest groups, and
state legislative and congressional offices.

Public Service Internship Opportunities

Students can participate in public service internship opportunities through the Public Service Cooperative. Temple's faculty, students and alumni have a long tradition of public service. Temple offers four distinct, credit-bearing internship opportunities for undergraduate students on the local, state and federal levels.

Students interested in public service can work part time in Philadelphia in either city government or competitive political campaigns. Full-time internship programs are available in Pennsylvania's capital city Harrisburg, or in the nation's capitol, Washington D.C.

Harrisburg Capital Semester

Started in fall 2009, Temple University sponsors an internship semester each fall and spring semester in Harrisburg in association with Temple's Harrisburg Campus. Students can explore government affairs, policymaking and implementation firsthand while studying full-time and staying on track to graduation. The Harrisburg semester allows students to receive 6 to 9 credit hours of internship along with a 3-credit Research Preparation course as well as a 1-credit Professional Development Seminar. Learn more about the Harrisburg Capital Semester.

The Washington Semester

The Washington Semester places students in internships in our nation's capital through close collaboration with The Washington Center. Students work in government institutions such as the House of Representatives, and in public organizations focused on the arts, business, environment, international relations, journalism and other fields. Develop connections, take courses and gain professional development during your internship. Enrollment in the program includes a financial stipend. Learn more about the Washington Semester.

The skills gained from a liberal arts degree are highly relevant in today's rapidly evolving world. Apply the experience and knowledge acquired in the Political Science BA program to your professional pursuits across many organizations and industries, including academics, cultural institutions, government agencies or the social sciences. The versatility of this program's curriculum helps you graduate with valuable skill sets sought by many employers.

Temple's Political Science BA is an excellent foundation for graduate study. Students often pursue master's degrees in business, international affairs, law, public policy and public administration.

Graduates pursue careers such as

- diplomacy
- education,
- government affairs,
- lobbyists,
- policy researchers,
- political consultants and
- political correspondents.

Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Political Science at Temple University

Application Fee 55

How to Apply for Bachelor of Political Science at Temple University

1. Make an application plan.

If you’re a first-year applicant, you’ll first want to pick a deadline goal and decide if you’d like to apply Early Action (due Nov. 1) or Regular Decision (due Feb. 1).

2. Apply using the Common Application.

Temple exclusively uses the Common Application. When completing your application for Temple, be sure to indicate whether you’re applying Early Action or Regular Decision if you’re a first-year applicant. Even if you apply before or by the Early Action deadline, you still must indicate Early Action on your application to ensure you will receive an admissions decision early. Transfer applicants do not need to select a deadline preference.

There’s an application fee of $55, which you will submit at the same time as the Common Application unless you qualify for a waiver.

Bachelor of Political Science at Temple University

Temple University

United States of America, Philadelphia