Radford University

What you'll study

The programme provides a foundation in core areas of political science while allowing students to tailor study through electives and experiential options. You will typically take courses in:

• American Government and Politics — structure and function of federal, state and local government, constitutional foundations and electoral systems.
• Comparative Politics — methods of comparing political systems, political development, regime types and policy-making across countries.
• International Relations — theories of international politics, diplomacy, conflict and cooperation, and global institutions.
• Political Theory — classical and contemporary thinkers, concepts of justice, rights and civic obligation.
• Public Policy and Administration — policy analysis, implementation, budgeting and management in public organisations.
• Research Methods and Statistics — quantitative and qualitative methods used in political science research, survey design, data analysis and interpretation.
• Law-related courses — constitutional law, civil liberties and the legal process, useful for students preparing for law school.
• Capstone / Senior Seminar — integrative research project or seminar synthesising disciplinary knowledge and research skills.

Structure typically blends required core courses, a selection of concentration or elective courses (for example public administration, campaigns and elections, or international politics), and experiential components such as internships, study abroad, research with faculty and community-engaged projects.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and satisfy Radford University’s general undergraduate admission criteria. Typical expectations include a solid academic record in secondary school and preparation in core subjects such as English and social studies. Standardised tests may be considered according to the university’s current admissions policy, but admission decisions take a holistic view of grades, coursework, recommendations and extracurricular engagement.

Transfer applicants are usually admitted on the basis of college-level coursework with a minimum number of transferable credits and an acceptable collegiate GPA. Mature applicants and those with professional experience are considered through the same holistic process. Prospective students planning to apply to professional programmes (for example law school) should consult advisors about recommended undergraduate course choices.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Government pursue a wide range of careers in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Common paths include:

• Public service and government — roles in local, state or federal agencies, policy analysis, legislative aide positions and public affairs.
• Law and legal professions — many alumni progress to law school or work in paralegal, compliance and advocacy roles.
• Public policy and research — policy analyst positions in think tanks, research institutes and consultancy firms.
• Campaigns, advocacy and communications — campaign staff, political consultants, public relations and community organising.
• International organisations and NGOs — programme management, human rights advocacy and development work.
• Media and education — journalism, public information, teaching and programme administration.

The programme emphasises transferable skills—critical thinking, research, written and oral communication, data literacy and ethical reasoning—that employers across sectors value. Internship and practicum opportunities help students build networks and practical experience prior to graduation.

Why study at Radford University

Radford offers a liberal-arts informed approach to political science with small-class settings that promote discussion and close faculty mentorship. The university emphasises experiential learning, making internships, community-engaged projects and undergraduate research readily available to political science majors. Students benefit from advising focused on career goals and professional preparation, including pre-law guidance and support for internships in government, nonprofit and media organisations.

Located within reach of state government and regional political hubs, Radford students have opportunities to engage locally while developing skills applicable to national and international careers. The department’s emphasis on applied learning, combined with multidisciplinary options across Radford’s colleges, helps graduates enter the workforce or continue to graduate and professional study prepared and competitive.