The Ohio State University offers the Bachelor of Political Science as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its Columbus campus in United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for political science and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 24, 2027.

About Bachelor of Political Science

Take courses in American politics, comparative politics, international relations and political theory, and gain training in data analysis while learning about elections, international affairs, political economy and the values that govern countries.

Political Science

Degree: BA

Campus: Columbus

College: Arts and Sciences

Are you interested in elections, international affairs or political economy? Do you want to learn more about the values and institutions that govern the United States and other countries? Do you want to acquire leadership and citizenship skills? If so, political science may be a great fit for you.

Political science students shape the future, tackle real-life problems by analyzing the politics behind them, and develop the leadership skills and knowledge necessary to effectively shape public policy and create change.

The department offers two distinct degrees in political science: a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Political Science.

Get started

Upon admission to the university, students can declare a major in political science within the College of Arts and Sciences.

Curriculum

Students in the BA in political science have the opportunity to specialize in one of the following areas:

American politics
Comparative politics
International relations
Political theory
Democracy and law
Political identities and allegiances
Political economy and development
Cooperation, conflict and violence
Inequality and justice
Political leadership and reform
Political analysis

The BS degree provides rigorous training in social scientific methodology and equips students to study and produce empirical research about politics.

For the most up-to-date information about program requirements, visit polisci.osu.edu.

Study abroad

Students in political science can take advantage of the following international exchange programs:

The Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) in France
The Department of External Studies of the University of Oxford in England
The University of Mannheim in Germany
Leiden University in the Netherlands
The Canadian Parliament, during which students work as interns in the office of a member of the Canadian Parliament

Internship

Students benefit from the wide range of internship opportunities offered by the Department of Political Science. Political science students have interned at every level of government and with law firms, lobbying groups, nonprofit organizations and political campaigns around the country and across the world.

Honors and Scholars

Honors political science courses are offered at both the introductory and upper levels. The senior Honors thesis gives qualified students the opportunity to specialize in a topic of their own choosing and to work closely with a faculty supervisor.

Recent Honors courses include:

Supreme Court Decision Making
Nationalism and Ethnicity
Game Theory for Political Scientists
African Politics
Data Analysis in Political Science

In addition, the faculty collaborate with other departments across campus to create unique interdisciplinary opportunities.

Student organizations

The Collegiate Council on World Affairs (CCWA), a student organization focusing on international relations, participates in a variety of activities, including Model United Nations, Model European Union and Model African Union. CCWA hosts a mock conference and sends members to intercollegiate Model UN competitions. Past conferences and competitions have been held at Georgetown University, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago.

The Journal of Politics and International Affairs is published biannually by the Undergraduate Political Science Organization.

The Mock Trial at Ohio State team participates in competitions around the country that replicate a trial setting.

Possible careers

Graduates of the political science program receive a degree from a nationally-ranked department in a discipline that is well known for instilling strong critical reasoning, research and writing skills.

Recent graduates have pursued advanced degrees at top graduate programs and have pursued careers in a variety of fields, including law, business, political analysis and consulting, public policy, secondary and higher education, and journalism.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Political Science at The Ohio State University

Entry Requirements

Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.

Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State

Enrollment in your intended major

Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

English Program Requirements

we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.

Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Political Science at The Ohio State University

How to Apply for Bachelor of Political Science at The Ohio State University

How do I submit scores?

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.

Tips for sending scores to Ohio State

Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.

Is the essay required?

The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.

Should I take a standardized test more than once?

Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.

How does Ohio State look at scores?

When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.

These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.

Official transcripts

High school transcripts

Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.

How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:

Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.

Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.

Official ACT or SAT scores

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.

How do I submit my scores?

We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.

Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor

While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.

If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to [email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.

Official proof of English language skills

You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:

TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher

You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.

Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.

*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.