OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
Open search box
Immerse yourself in the ideas of history’s greatest political minds, today’s front page headlines and everything in between.
Join fellow students in Salem to support needs in higher education.
Work with a dynamic team to prepare for professional opportunities.
95% of students are employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation.
Politics is one of the most powerful forces on earth. It’s the foundation behind decision and policy making that impact us at all levels and in all areas from education, social justice and agriculture, to the environment, energy, public safety and more.
In lectures and dynamic discussions, and in your chosen option, you'll explore ideas of leading historic thinkers and delve into the stories behind contemporary news headlines. You’ll deepen your ability to reason and think analytically, learn to assess and develop arguments, and become adept at communicating persuasively in writing and in person.
You’ll gain knowledge and skills that will help you effect change from within or outside a government system, or in business or a nonprofit, so that you can contribute to a better world.
Undergraduate Degrees
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Bachelor of Science in Political Science
Options
General Political Science
Environmental and Energy Politics
International Affairs
Law and Politics
Minor
A minor in political science can strengthen a major in almost any field, giving you a broad background in government and politics that you can apply to your chosen field.
Select courses in this major are delivered via OSU Ecampus. Oregon State's Ecampus is ranked #5 in the nation for online education by U.S. News & World Report.
The political science degree is supported by the School of Public Policy in the OSU College of Liberal Arts
A minor in political science can give you a broader understanding of the forces at play in your chosen field and sharpen the skillsets you need to influence them.
Political science graduates can have careers in a wide variety of fields, including business, government, media, non-profits, law and higher education. Students will gain skills and strengths in analytics, critical thinking, and verbal and written communication much desired in a variety of employment opportunities.
Attorney/Lawyer
Campaign Manager
Case Manager
Consultant
Environmental Law and Policy
Legislative Assistant
Lobbyist
Political Scientist
Professor
Public Policy and Administration
Public Relations
We're here to help! Future students can connect with an OSU-Cascades admissions advisor for admission and program questions.