BA Political Science at Syracuse University

Programme overview

In-person major building research, critical thinking and writing skills, using political theory and empirical analysis to interpret U.S. and global politics.

Faculty: Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs | Department: Political Science | Study mode: full-time | Location: Syracuse, NY, United States

What you will study

Ten political science courses with a specialization of at least three courses in one area; topics include democratization in the Middle East, Chinese politics, immigration and citizenship and the politics of globalization. Options include the NYS Assembly Internship Program and the Distinction Program senior research project.

Career pathways

Law, public service, electoral politics and public policy.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Maxwell School (university-wide first-year requirements): Syracuse University first-year applicants submit the Common Application or Coalition Application, an official high school transcript, senior year grade report, a school counselor evaluation and one academic recommendation; SAT/ACT scores are optional. English proficiency for international applicants: TOEFL iBT 85+, IELTS 6.5+ or Duolingo 125+ preferred. Some programmes in the college may have additional requirements.

Requirements published at faculty level.

USD 69,180 a year (2026-27). 2026-27 Main Campus undergraduate full-time tuition ($34,590 per semester for 12-19 credits, shown as $69,180 for the academic year on the cost page); one undergraduate rate band, the same on the international costs page. Excludes housing, meals, miscella Source

Students may apply for the fall or spring semester. First-year fall applicants may apply through Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Early Action or Regular Decision. Transfer applicants may apply for fall or spring.

First-year deadlines: Early Action November 1; Early Decision I November 1; Early Decision II January 5; Regular Decision January 5. Fall transfer applications are due July 1; spring applications (first-year and transfer) are due November 15. Some programmes have earlier deadlines (for example Drama acting and musical theater application and prescreen December 1; architecture portfolio January 5).

First-year students apply through the Common Application or the Coalition Application powered by Scoir. SAT/ACT scores are not required for Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Fall 2027 or Spring 2028 admission, and students who do not submit scores remain eligible for merit scholarships. An application fee waiver can be requested in writing by the school counselor to [email protected].

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