Political Science Degree - BA | University of the Pacific

Understand the public sphere, shape policy and become a leader

When you earn a political science degree at University of the Pacific, you’re not just learning how to navigate political landscapes, you’re gaining an understanding of how people live and work together in public ways. As a political scientist, you’ll focus on what happens in and around government and politics, how people cooperate to make policy and how conflicts can occur.

You’ll study voting and revolutions; the U.S. Supreme Court and the United Nations; the idea of justice and the nature of power; environmental policy; criminal law and gender politics—all in the pursuit of clearer knowledge about the characteristic ways people interact in the public sphere.

Apply Now

Request Information

What you can do with a political science degree

Political science isn’t just about elections. While graduates do track polls and advise campaigns, a degree in political science opens doors far beyond politics, from law and journalism to public policy and international relations. A BA prepares you to lead, research and influence change.

Learn about careers in political science

Learn beyond the classroom

At Pacific, you won’t just sit in class—you’ll get hands-on experience in Sacramento or Washington, D.C., and work on real political issues. It’s all designed to help you build a strong resume and stand out for jobs or grad school.

Washington semester internships

Three-year BA option

Optimize your time and resources by completing your political science degree at Pacific in just three years. By taking a focused courseload, you’ll save on tuition and get a head start on launching your career or starting graduate school—one year earlier than most.

See the plan

Pacific Legal Advantage Program

The Pacific Legal Advantage Program is your launchpad to law school. This immersive seven-unit experience sets you right into the legal arena, equipping you with the insights and skills you need to thrive in your future studies.

Learn More about Pacific Legal Advantage

Almond Board of California
APCO Worldwide
Bank of the West Wealth Management
California Democratic Party
California State Senate
City of Stockton
Closed Loop Marketing
DeKalb County Government
Epsilon Marketing
Google
Grassroots Campaigns
International Trade Administration
Mexican Consulate of Sacramento
National Republican Congressional Committee
San Joaquin County Courhouse
Santa Clara District Attorney's Office
The PlumpJack Group
Woodruff Sawyer & Co.
Youth With a Mission

Nationally Ranked

Speech and Debate Team

At Pacific, political science majors can build powerful communication and critical thinking skills by joining our nationally ranked speech and debate team. With a legacy dating back to 1854 and a recent national championship under its belt, the team is both competitive and welcoming. Debate helps students learn to analyze arguments, explain complex ideas clearly and consider opposing viewpoints—skills that give future lawyers and public servants a strong advantage.

Learn more about speech and debate

Criminal justice concentration

Pacific offers a criminal justice concentration for political science majors, a degree that can lead to careers in social justice reform, government policy, the courts system or the corrections system. Potential careers include policy analyst, lawyer, crime victims service coordinator, forensics technician, fish and game warden, federal special agent or social worker.

Learn more about criminal justice

Public policy dual-degree program

Pacific and McGeorge School of Law now offer an accelerated pathway to a master's in public policy. If you major in political science and minor in public policy, you can earn a BA degree in just three-and-a-half years. If you meet GPA requirements, you're guaranteed admission to McGeorge, where you can earn your master’s in a year-and-a-half. The program offers a foundation in law and develops the quantitative analytical skills used in formulating public policy.

Learn about the public policy dual degree program

Pathway to Law program

Pacific offers an accelerated pathway to a law degree through a partnership with McGeorge School of Law. Political science majors who minor in pre-law can earn their bachelor’s degree in three years. If you meet GPA and LSAT requirements, you’re guaranteed admission to McGeorge, where you can complete your J.D. in three years—or in just two and a half years if you qualify for the honors program.

Learn more about the 3+3 track

Learn more about the accelerated pathways for transfer students

Get Involved

While earning your political science degree, you can get involved in nearly every aspect of university life. In addition to participating in student government and groups like the College Democrats and the College Republicans, you can join other organizations.

PPSA is a way for you, faculty, alumni and staff to plan activities to encourage greater understanding of politics and government and to encourage political participation. PPSA also sponsors social events to promote a spirit of community and fun among Pacific’s political scientists.

Pi Sigma Alpha is the only national honors society for political science and government students at Pacific. Its legacy of scholarship and value within the discipline makes listing your Pi Sigma Alpha membership on your résumé reflect your hard work at Pacific. Juniors and seniors with a 3.4 GPA or higher who have taken at least a 1-100 level political science course are eligible for membership.

PAD’s pre-law program helps you explore whether a legal career is right for you, choose the right law school and get ready for the challenges ahead. You’ll take part in events and activities that guide you through the law school admission process and support your journey every step of the way.

Take the next step

Apply Now

Request Information

Visit

SUCCESS AFTER PACIFIC

Makana Eyre

Makana came to Pacific from Hawaii to play volleyball and stayed to earn a degree in political science. He now works as a freelance journalist based in Paris, a career he recommends "because it gives you the excuse to talk to really interesting people all the time and ask interesting questions and to learn about fascinating topics."

LEARN MORE ABOUT MAKANA