BA Political Science at University of Nevada, Reno

Programme overview

Political science is the study of power, who wields it and to what end. Program majors study how governments interact with individuals or other governments and examine the results. The study of politics is an essential component of a liberal arts preparation for citizenship and leadership in a democratic society.

Study mode: full-time | Location: Reno, NV, United States

What you will study

Political science majors in the College of Liberal Arts learn how to understand and analyze the ideologies, institutions and social forces that shape our lives. Through courses in American politics, comparative politics, political theory, international relations, public policy and administration, students come to develop both a deep knowledge of the world around them and the critical thinking, writing and analytical…

Career pathways

Political science majors have gone on to careers in all levels of government, including working for the governor or U.S. senators and even running for office themselves. After graduation, students also may go into teaching, work for a multinational corporation or attend graduate or law school. Our internship programs enable students to apply coursework to real-life experience.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University-level freshman admission (not programme-specific): minimum 3.0 weighted academic GPA in core courses; high school coursework of 4 units English, 3 units math (Algebra I or higher), 3 units natural science and 3 units social science; SAT/ACT scores optional. Some majors and colleges set additional direct-entry or progression requirements.

Domestic applicants: USD 9,383 a year (2026-27). Undergraduate base tuition for Nevada residents, 2026-27, based on 30 credits across fall and spring at $312.75 per credit; applies to all undergraduate programmes (university-wide rate band); excludes mandatory student fees ($1,696), differential fees (e Source

First-year entry terms: Spring 2027 and Fall 2027.

First-year applications opened August 1, 2026. Early Action deadline for Fall 2027 is November 15, 2026; final deadline for Fall 2027 is April 7, 2027; final deadline for Spring 2027 is December 15, 2026. Scholarship and financial aid deadline is February 15, 2027. SAT/ACT scores are optional for admission. Domestic first-year applicants pay no application fee; international undergraduate applicants pay $95. Apply through the university admissions portal (admissions.unr.edu) or the Common App.

Apply through the official page: https://www.unr.edu/apply

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