Bachelor of Political Science at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

    Bachelor of Political Science at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

    Bachelor of Political Science at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

    University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers the Bachelor of Political Science as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Lincoln , 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 21, 2027.

    About Bachelor of Political Science

    A political science major combines the analytical and communication skills of a liberal arts degree with an in-depth understanding of governments and political processes. Your political science major prepares you for virtually any career path–from government to law, journalism to business. Courses in political science examine government and politics in the United States and around the world.

    Prelaw Students

    Students in Prelaw may find the courses in American government, politics, and law particularly useful. In particular, they are advised to take some of the following courses: POLS 345 Courts, Judges, and Lawyers; POLS 347 Myths and Realities of the Justice System; POLS 441 Constitutional Law; POLS 442 Civil Liberties: Freedom of Expression and Conviction; POLS 443 Civil Liberties: Issues of Fairness and Equality; and POLS 469 International Law.
     

    Graduates of political science will be able to:

    1. Explain the basic theories and concepts of at least two fields of political science.
    2. Understand the exercise of power in pursuit of political objectives.
    3. Engage in analytical and critical thinking about political subjects.
    4. Effectively communicate the products of analytical and critical thinking orally and in writing.

    Disciplines

    Arts & Sciences

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Political Science at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

    Entry Requirements

    Application Fee

    There is a $45 application fee payable online with a credit card.

    Deadlines

    Summer/Fall – May 1

    Spring – December 1

    Additional Documents

    In addition to the online application, International First-Year students are required to submit:

    • Final secondary school transcript, preferably officially signed and stamped by a principal of secondary school
    • Secondary school certificate/diploma
    • English proficiency scores
    • Bank statement
    • Passport copy

    English Proficiency Deadlines

    To be fully-admitted, you must meet English proficiency by the following deadlines:

    Fall Term – July 15

    Spring Term – December 1

    Summer Term – May 1

    Thanks for your interest in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln! All admissions materials are to be uploaded via MyRED to complete your application.

    You can contact the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to apply for admission by yourself. You are not required to use an agent to apply for admission or enroll at the University of Nebraska. If you chose to use someone to assist you in applying for admission or enroll for classes, that is your responsibility.

    Completed Coursework Requirements

    • A broad section of course work in English
    • Native language courses
    • Math
    • Natural Sciences
    • Social Sciences

    English Proficiency

    Non-native English speakers must submit an IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo score demonstrating proficiency in English. Contact your IELTS testing center or TOEFL to have your official scores sent directly to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

    If you do not meet proficiency requirements, you can still be offered conditional admission.

    For more detailed information, see the English Proficiency requirements on this page.

    ACT/SAT Requirements

    ACT/SAT tests are not required for admission to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln but may be required for entry into specific colleges.

    Colleges that require ACT/SAT scores:

    • College of Architecture
    • College of Engineering

    Bank Statement Requirements

    In order to be issued I-20, you must submit a bank statement to your MyRED account to show sufficient support for the first year of study.

    You will still be evaluated for admission without submitting the bank statement, but admission letters and I-20s will not be sent until the bank statement requirement has been met.

    Statements must include:

    • Student's name
    • NUID Number

    NOTE: Scholarship letters can be used in place of bank statements.

    Items not Required

    Letters of recommendation and essays are NOT required for admission.

    English Requirements

    • IELTSMin 6
    • TOEFLMin 70

    Career Opportunities after Completing Bachelor of Political Science

    The following represents a sample of the internships, jobs and graduate school programs that current students and recent graduates have reported.

    Transferable Skills

    • Contextualize political, social, and historical events
    • Defend and discuss complex issues from multiple angles
    • Develop and defend evidence based arguments
    • Communicate clearly using different forms of writing to and for a variety of different audiences
    • Gain global perspective and high levels of intercultural awareness
    • Make decisions carefully, using appropriate theoretical frameworks
    • Read, understand, and critically review scientific information
    • Simplify complex information and present it to others
    • Understand the connection between people, places, and communities
    • Use various qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
    • More...
      • Analyze and explain data
      • Compose convincing arguments and present logical information
      • Analyze and interpret difficult texts
      • Collaborate with a team to develop solutions
      • Comprehend and critically evaluate complex information

    Jobs of Recent Graduates

    • Campaign Organizer, Impact Organization/Environment New Mexico - Albuquerque NM
    • Assistant Attorney General, Nebraska Attorney General's Office - Lincoln NE
    • Director of Voting Rights, Nebraskans for Civic Reform - Lincoln NE
    • Economic Analyst, The United States Government - Washington D.C. MD
    • Public Involvement Specialist, State of Nebraska - Lincoln NE
    • Civic Engagement and Organizing Coordinator, Border Action Network - Tucson AZ
    • Deputy Data Director, Democrat Party of Virginia - Richmond VA
    • Resource and Student Engagement Coordinator, Nebraska Family Alliance - Lincoln NE
    • Immigration Services Officer, The Department of Home Land Security - Lincoln NE
    • Financial Services Officer, Sacs Federal Credit Union - Omaha NE
    • More...
      • Government Relations Intern, American Society of Hematology - Washington, D.C. DC
      • Outreach and Communications Associate, Cambridge Global Advisors - Washington DC
      • Research Manager, Nebraska Department of Economic Development - Lincoln NE
      • Staff Assistant, US House of Representatives - Washington DC DC
      • Truman Fellow/Policy Analyst, U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services - Washington DC

    Internships

    • Legislative Research Aide, Lancaster County Veteran Services - Lincoln NE
    • Intern, Great Plains National Security Education Consortiu - Lincoln NE
    • Country Assistance Coordinator Intern, United States Dept of State - Washington DC
    • Legislative and Lobbying Intern, Nebraskans for Civic Reform - Lincoln NE
    • Community Development Intern, Nebraska Dept of Economic Development - Lincoln NE
    • Senator Deb Fischer Intern, United States Senate - Lincoln NE
    • CommerceConnect Intern, United States Dept of Commerce - Washington DC DC
    • School of Government Internship, Sun Yat-Sen University - Guangzhou, China ZZ
    • Congressman Adrian Smith Intern, United States House of Representatives - Washington D.C. DC
    • National Intern, Project Vote Smart - Philipsburg MT

    Graduate & Professional Schools

    • Juris Doctorate, Harvard University - Cambridge MA
    • Master's Degree, International Education and Policy Management, Vanderbilt University - Nashville TN
    • Master's Degree, Public Administration, University of Nebraska at Omaha - Omaha NE
    • Ph.D., Economic Analysis and Policy, Stanford University - Stanford CA
    • Ph.D., Political Science, University of Rochester - Rochester NY
    • School of Language Studies, Foreign Service Institute -
    • Master's Degree, Teacher Education, Doane College - Crete NE
    • Master's Degree, International Relations, University of Oregon - Eugene OR
    • Ph.D., Diplomatic History, Ohio State University - Columbus OH
    • Juris Doctorate/Master of Business Administration, Kansas University - Lawrence KS
    • More...
      • Medical Doctor, University of Nebraska Medical Center - Omaha NE
      • Juris Doctorate, Georgetown University Law Center - Washington DC
      • Master's Degree, Critical and Creative Thinking, UNO - Omaha NE
      • Juris Doctorate, Rutgers School of Law - Camden NJ
      • Master's Degree, Survey and Methodology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln NE

    Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Political Science at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

    Application Fee 45

    How to Apply for Bachelor of Political Science at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

    Review the materials you'll need before starting an application. Complete the application online. You can also apply through the Common App.

    Check Your Application Status

    Check MyRED to check your application status and verify all documents have been submitted to complete your application.

    Pay Enrollment Deposit

    Once you're admitted, pay the $250 enrollment deposit to reserve your place at Nebraska.

    Enrollment Deposit

    All First-Year, Transfer and International students, including students in the Intensive English Program, who have received notification of their admission to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln pay the $250 Enrollment Deposit.

    What is the Enrollment Deposit?

    The University of Nebraska–Lincoln requires a $250 Enrollment Deposit to be paid by the deadlines below to finalize your admission and secure your space in the incoming class.

    • Spring Deposit Deadline: December 1
    • Fall/Summer Deposit Deadline: May 1

    The Enrollment Deposit is not a new fee. The $250 deposit applies directly toward students' first expenses at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, such as orientation programs and more.

    Who is Required to Pay the Enrollment Deposit?

    The Enrollment Deposit is required for all new First-Year, Transfer and International students, including students enrolling in the Intensive English Program, who are admitted.

    Why Do I Need to Pay the Enrollment Deposit?

    The Enrollment Deposit :

    • Allows the University to more effectively plan for class offerings and student resources in preparation for your arrival.

    • Provides an incentive for students to actively consider their college choice on an appropriate timeline, which increases their selection in housing, New Student Enrollment dates and classes.
    • Allows the University to more accurately report new student class data as part of the budgeting process.

    Refund

    The Enrollment Deposit is fully refundable prior to the deposit deadlines below:

    • Spring Deposit Deadline: December 1
    • Fall/Summer Deposit Deadline: May 1

    If a student chooses not to attend the University and did not request a refund on or before the deadline, the student forfeit's the full amount of their Enrollment Deposit.

    To request a refund, please email the Office of Admissions.

    Requesting Reinstatement

    Admitted students who do not pay the deposit prior to the deadline forfeit their admission and aid. Students may request reinstatement by sending a letter to the admissions committee at:

    University of Nebraska–Lincoln Admissions Committee
    1410 Q St
    Lincoln, NE 68588-0417

    OR email the committee at: [email protected]

    • Reinstatement of admission cannot be guaranteed.
    • Reinstatement of federal, state, and university aid is not guaranteed.
    • Please indicate in the circumstances surrounding your late payment in your reinstatement request.

    NOTE: The Enrollment Deposit is not waived under any circumstance. The Enrollment Deposit is Non-Transferable.

    Obtain I-20

    After you are notified of your admission status, we will email instructions about obtaining your I-20 or visa.

    Obtain I-20

    If you need an I-20 and F-1 student visa to study at Nebraska, submit the following:

    A bank statement showing the support that is greater than or equal to the cost of attendance for the program. In addition, be sure:

    • It includes the name of the account holder in English.
    • Is printed on official bank letterhead.
    • You write your NU ID # on the top of the bank statement.
    • It is signed and stamped as official by a bank representative.
    • Statement must be dated and be no older than 1 year old.
    • Statement must include a currency type.

    You may also submit a scholarship letter that indicates support from a government or private scholarship. This letter must include:

    • Your name.
    • An outline of expenses the scholarship will cover.

    Submit the bank statement and scholarship letter to your MyRED account.

    SEVIS Transfer

    If you are currently studying at a high school or university in the United States you may transfer your SEVIS record to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

    Transferring your SEVIS record allows you to maintain your current record and obtain a University of Nebraska–Lincoln I-20 which can be used to obtain a new student visa if traveling overseas prior to your enrollment at Nebraska.

    When you have been admitted to Nebraska and are ready to transfer, contact the international advisor at your previous institution and ask to have your SEVIS record released to Nebraska. Our institution code is: OMA214F00217000.

    Sign Housing Contract

    After you pay your enrollment deposit, you can sign up for on-campus housing through MyRED.

    Complete New Student Enrollment

    NSE is a required student orientation program.

    Submit English Proficiency Scores

    If you're conditionally-admitted, you may submit English proficiency scores up until your term's deadline to become fully-admitted.

    Prepare for Arrival

    There are a few health requirements to complete and prepare for before you arrive on campus.

    Pre-Enrollment Health Requirements & Information

    All incoming students must submit the Pre-Enrollment Health Requirement Form through MyRED.

    In addition, all international students must complete the following health requirements at the University Health Center:

    • Provide proof of two rubeola/measles MMR immunizations or positive rubeola lab result
    • Undergo a tuberculosis test

    For students who have the University of Nebraska's StudentBlue Insurance Plan, the cost of the Pre-Enrollment Health Requirement is covered 100%.

    Health Insurance

    • The University will automatically enroll all international students (F1 and J1) in StudentBlue Health Insurance.
    • You may waive the insurance plan if you show documentation of a comparable medical insurance plan. Proof consists of a plan in your name and the document must be in English.
    • Deadline to waive the health insurance is the 14th day of class each semester.

    Meningococcal Vaccine

    Meningococcal disease is a rare infection with potentially devastating results. The vaccine is recommended for first year students living in university residences but is not required by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

    Once you get to Lincoln...

    International Orientation is a required event for all new international students when you arrive on campus.

    Bachelor of Political Science at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    United States of America

    United States of America, Lincoln

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