Cost & earnings at University of Colorado Boulder What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
Political Science graduates earn a median $33,993 Across 1,130 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The Bachelor’s in Political Science and Government at the University of Colorado Boulder is an undergraduate degree that examines political institutions, public policy, political behaviour and international affairs. It suits students who want rigorous training in political theory and empirical methods and who plan careers in public service, law, advocacy, research or international organisations.
The Department of Political Science at the University of Colorado Boulder combines substantive study of political ideas, institutions and policy with training in research design and data analysis. Core topics include American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory and public policy. Students typically take foundational courses in political institutions and political thought, followed by intermediate classes in areas such as Congress and the presidency, political parties and elections, democratisation, security studies and global governance.
Quantitative and qualitative research methods are emphasised: courses in statistics for political science, research design, survey research and data visualisation prepare students to evaluate evidence and conduct original research. Elective modules allow specialisation in fields such as environmental politics, human rights, public administration, political economy, gender and politics, and urban politics.
The programme structure combines required core courses with a range of electives and capstone options. Many students complete a senior seminar or honours thesis under faculty supervision. Practical learning opportunities — internships in state and local government, placements with NGOs and policy organisations, and participation in campus-run civic initiatives — are used to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems.
Admission to the University of Colorado Boulder is competitive. Prospective students are expected to have a strong secondary school record with substantive coursework in social studies, history, English and mathematics. Typical successful applicants present a combination of high school GPA, rigorous course selection (such as Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate where available), and strong written work.
Applicants may submit standardised test scores if available; scores are considered as part of a holistic review but may not be required. International applicants should hold an equivalent secondary-school qualification and demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or prior instruction in English if required by the university.
Specific departmental prerequisites are minimal, but preparation in college-level writing, critical reading and introductory statistics or quantitative reasoning is strongly recommended. Transfer students should check credit-transfer policies and consult the department about advanced standing for prior coursework.
Graduates of the Political Science and Government programme leave with analytical, research and communication skills valued across many sectors. Common career paths include public service and government administration at local, state and national levels, policy analysis and public affairs, campaign management and political consulting, and work in non-governmental organisations and advocacy groups.
Alumni also pursue careers in law, journalism, think tanks, international organisations and business roles that require policy literacy and stakeholder engagement. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in law, public policy, international affairs, or political science research programmes. The department’s emphasis on methods and empirical analysis also prepares students for roles in data analysis and research-oriented positions.
CU Boulder’s Political Science department is located in a region with active state and municipal governments and a vibrant non-profit and policy community, offering plentiful internship and practical-learning opportunities. Faculty research spans American politics, comparative politics, international relations and political theory, providing students access to a wide range of expertise and supervised research projects.
The university supports experiential learning through internship programmes, research assistantships and community-engaged courses. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across schools and centres on campus — for example in environmental policy, public affairs and security studies — enriching the political science curriculum with applied perspectives. Smaller seminar classes and opportunities for honours research make it possible for motivated undergraduates to work closely with faculty and develop a distinctive academic or professional profile.
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