BA Political Science at Rice University

Programme overview

BA Political Science is a undergraduate degree programme at Rice University in Political Science (School of Social Sciences). The mission of the Department of Political Science at Rice University is to contribute to the university and discipline through excellence in research, graduate training and undergraduate teaching. We train graduate students in modern techniques of social science research in three substantive areas of political science—American Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Relations—to prepare them for successful careers in academic research. The degree totals 41 credit hours.

Faculty: School of Social Sciences | Department: Political Science | Study mode: full-time | Location: Houston, TX, United States

What you will study

A minimum of 13 courses (41 credit hours) to satisfy major requirements. A minimum of 120 credit hours to satisfy degree requirements. A minimum of 8 courses (26 credit hours) taken at the 300-level or above. A minimum of 4 courses (14 credit hours) from the Core Requirements.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to the university through Rice undergraduate admissions; no separate admission requirements are published for this major.

USD 71,140 a year (2026-27). Standard undergraduate tuition for students entering 2024 or later (students who entered before 2024 pay $65,280); one rate for all undergraduate majors and all students. Estimate; excludes student activity, recreation and health and wellness fees, room a Source

Entry term is Fall. Early Decision I and II and Regular Decision are offered.

Early Decision I closes November 1 with decisions by mid-December; Early Decision II and Regular Decision close January 4, Regular Decision decisions by April 1. The application fee is $75. SAT/ACT scores are optional (recommended, not required).

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