BA Political and Social Thought at University of Virginia

Programme overview

The Political and Social Thought (PST) major attracts able, creative, diverse and independent students with interests in politics and society. It runs across the third and fourth years.

Faculty: College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences | Department: Political and Social Thought Programme | Duration: 2 years (third and fourth years) | Intake: Selected each spring as rising third-year students | Study mode: full-time | Location: Charlottesville, VA, United States

What you will study

Students take PST Core Seminars in the third year, two Foundation Courses, three Study Areas defined with the Director, and a fourth-year thesis supported by a bi-weekly thesis seminar and workshop. Study abroad during the school year cannot ordinarily be allowed.

Career pathways

Graduates have pursued law schools, Ph.D. programmes and other graduate and professional school, and have entered publishing, investment banking, community organizing, theater, and NGOs or advocacy groups such as Amnesty International.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Each spring, 18-20 rising third-year students are selected from a substantial applicant pool, based on grades, a writing sample, a faculty recommendation and a short application essay.

First-year entry for Fall 2027 via Early Decision, Early Action and Regular Decision; transfer applicants can apply for Spring or Fall entry.

First-year deadlines: Early Decision and Early Action November 1 (decisions by December 15 and February 15 respectively); Regular Decision January 5 (decision by April 1). Applications are submitted through the Common Application. Standardized testing is test optional for Fall 2027 first-year applicants.

Transfer deadlines: Spring Transfer October 1 (notification by December 1); Fall Transfer March 1 (notification by May 1). Transfer applications are test optional.

Application fees (2026-27): undergraduate $75; Graduate School of Arts & Sciences $85; Architecture $80; Batten graduate $75; Darden non-PhD $250, Darden PhD $100; Data Science $85; Education and Human Development $65; Law $85; McIntire graduate $85; Medicine $80; Nursing $88; SCPS $70; Graduate Engineering no fee.

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