BA Political Science at University of California, San Diego

Programme overview

Political science addresses some of the fundamental problems facing human society. Questions concerning world peace, government policies aimed at achieving economic stability and growth, the management of environmental quality, control over political competition, the possibility of using law to affect social and political change, and the gap between the rich and poor in the United States and abroad are all on the research agenda of contemporary political scientists.

Faculty: Political Science | Department: Political Science | Study mode: full-time | Intake: fall quarter | Location: La Jolla, CA, United States

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Application information

Entry requirements

University admission (UC San Diego, College/university level, not programme-specific): applicants meet the minimum UC admission requirements and admission is highly selective; some majors are selective and applicants are advised to name an alternate major. Applications are made through the UC Application (filing period October 1 to November 30) and admission begins in fall quarter.

Domestic applicants: USD 14,202 a year (2026-27). Systemwide tuition for California-resident undergraduates first enrolled in 2026-27 (3 x $4,734), one rate for all undergraduate programmes (Tuition Stability Plan, held flat for up to 6 years); excludes Student Services Fee, campus fees, housing and food Source

International applicants: USD 53,472 a year (2026-27). Nonresident undergraduate tuition for first-year students 2026-27 as listed in the Common Data Set, one rate for all undergraduate programmes (includes nonresident supplemental tuition); excludes required fees of $3,789, housing and food. Source

UC San Diego enrolls for Fall term only.

Fall 2027 UC application opens August 1; applications are submitted October 1 to November 30, 2026 through the University of California application.

Admitted first-year students must accept the offer by May 1.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.ucsd.edu/

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