Political Science Bachelor of Science Degree

• Digital politics: The influence, impacts, and implementation of technology in politics.
• Government, economics, and public policy: Applied politics, humanitarianism, economics, and the study of power in our society as studied through the lens of behavioral science and institutional interactions. 
• International and global security: The study of world power interaction and the role played by the state in both traditional and non-traditional ways, including human, cyber, and global security. 
• Politics, ecology, and the life sciences: An in-depth study on the political impact of modern biology, biotechnology, and environmental changes, and their influence on how we understand ourselves as human beings and citizens. 

The political science major culminates in a capstone course, which ties together the themes of the major through a seminar and a significant writing project.

Double Major Pathways

Double majoring in a discipline that complements your political science studies lets you further explore a secondary area of study and can give you an advantage in the job market. 

Double Major in Cybersecurity and Political Science: With this double major pathway, your RIT education can prepare you for a career in cyberpolitics or cybersecurity, both highly specialized and in-demand career paths. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity jobs are among the fastest-growing career fields nationally, with a projected job growth of 31 percent through 2029. That’s more than seven times faster than the national average. Double majoring in cybersecurity and political science can put you on a fast track for success in a high-growth industry that is crucial to the safety and security of countries and organizations.

For more information on this double major, contact the program chair or your academic advisor.

Furthering Your Career in Political Science

Pre-Law Program

Law schools welcome applications from students majoring in a wide range of academic programs. RIT’s pre-law program will help you navigate the admission process for law school, explore a range of legal careers, and guide you through course selection to ensure you build the skills and competencies required of competitive law school applicants. The program is open to students in all majors who are interested in pursuing a career in law.

Majoring in Political Science for Law School Preparation

Because a political science major includes an in-depth study of the context of law, the systems that surround it, and leadership within public service, it is an ideal major for law school.

RIT’s political science faculty bring specialized law and politics expertise to the classroom for both theoretical and practical fields. 

Further Your Education in Political Science

Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees

Today’s careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.

• Political Science BS/Sustainable Systems MS: An accelerated dual degree that builds a foundational understanding of the political and economic forces at play nationally and globally and prepares grads to make informed decisions when applying sustainability science principles to address the world’s most challenging issues — from peacekeeping and pollution to food scarcity and fast emerging technology issues.
• Political Science BS/Science, Technology and Public Policy MS: The accelerated dual‑degree provides an integrated pathway that blends a foundation in politics—in both theory and practice, and from the domestic to the international—with advanced coursework in science and technology policy—preparing graduates for impactful roles in government, NGOs, consulting, or tech-driven policy spheres. 
• +1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor’s degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.

3+3 Accelerated BS/JD Programs

RIT has partnered with Syracuse University’s College of Law and University at Buffalo School of Law to offer accelerated 3+3 BS/JD options for highly capable students. These programs provide a fast track to law school where you can earn a bachelor’s degree at RIT and a Juris Doctorate degree at Syracuse University or University at Buffalo in six years. Interested students may apply to the option directly, with successful applicants offered admission to RIT and conditional acceptance into either Syracuse University’s College of Law or University at Buffalo School of Law.

RIT’s political science undergraduate degree is one of the approved majors for the 3+3 option.

Learn more about Accelerated Law 3+3 Programs.

RIT’s Teaching Partnership Programs

Whether your goal is to go into early childhood or elementary education, become a secondary education teacher with a content area specialty at the middle or high school level, or work in the higher education or counseling fields, RIT’s partnership programs with local universities provide a guided pathway to a career in teaching. 

These 4+1 or 3+2 programs enable you to earn your bachelor’s degree at RIT and a master’s degree in education at one of our partner universities. As you progress, you’ll benefit from focused academic advising, career exploration opportunities, and resources for research, learning, and skill development.  

RIT’s political science degree is eligible for RIT’s Teaching Partnership Program.

Learn more about RIT’s Teaching Partnership Programs.