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The Global Insight

What is the difference between a BS and a BA in political science?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on April 02, 2026

The first thing to know is that a B.A. tends to incorporate a broader representation of disciplines, while a B.S. is more focused on science and math. The degree requirements for the B.A. include more courses in the liberal arts and humanities like writing, art, history, philosophy, and religion.

Is political science a BS degree?

The bachelor of political science degree is the standard introductory degree in the world of politics, public policy, and the legal fields. As with an associate degree, your bachelor’s degree program will provide introductory–level education on policy development, government, and the history of political systems.

What can I study after political science degree?

According to political science career experts, each of the following types of careers is one where a political science degree is a plus:

  • Lobbyist.
  • Lawyer.
  • Diplomat or foreign service officer.
  • Political scientist.
  • Professor.
  • Business executive.
  • Political consultant.
  • Government official.

How much money do political science majors make?

The median annual wage for political scientists was $125,350 in May 2020. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $62,840, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $170,800.

What kind of degree does political science have?

Political Science, BA/BS. Offered as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Major. Through service-learning and internship programs, the program offers students experiences in politics, government, law, and social research.

How much does a high school political science teacher make?

The mean yearly wage for high school teachers in 2019 was $65,930, and teachers of political science at the postsecondary level earned a mean wage of $102,290 annually. Teachers at the high school level were expected to see a job growth of around 4% from 2019-2029, the BLS reports.

Can a political scientist work as a social advocate?

The BLS does not report specifically on the job outlook for political scientists working as social advocates, but social advocacy is both one of the major areas in which political scientists work, and one of the highest-paid areas for political scientists. Wondering what to do with a political science degree?

What can you do with a political science degree in Oklahoma?

Students graduating from Oklahoma’s best political science degrees find rewarding work as a policy analyst, elected official, civil service administrator, lobbyist, campaign manager, nonprofit manager, or government official, to name a few.