BestOnlineCollege.org is an advertising-supported website. Many of the school and program listings that appear on this site are from partners who compensate us, and this compensation may affect how, where, and in what order listings appear (such as featured placements). This compensation does not influence our editorial content, evaluations, or rankings, which are determined independently using publicly available data. We do not review or feature every school or program available in the marketplace. Our goal is to provide accurate, unbiased information so you can make informed decisions. Read our full Advertiser Disclosure.
Political Science Concentration in Liberal Arts
A political science concentration focuses on a defined area within liberal arts. It typically builds on the program core and adds courses that deepen subject knowledge in government, policy, and political systems.
Quick Answers
What is a political science concentration in liberal arts?
A political science concentration is a focused set of courses within a liberal arts program that emphasizes government, policy analysis, and political theory.
What do you typically study in this concentration?
Coursework varies by school, but most programs cover American government, comparative politics, international relations, and public policy.
Is this concentration available online?
Many schools offer this concentration online, but availability depends on degree level and start-term scheduling.
Back to Liberal Arts Concentrations
At a Glance
- Focus area: Government, public policy, international relations
- Key career: Market Research Analysts – $78,760 median salary (BLS, May 2025)
- Related career: Management Analysts – $101,860 median salary (BLS, May 2025)
- Job outlook: Market Research Analysts +6.7% growth, 87,200 annual openings (2024-2034)
- Degree levels: Available as bachelor’s concentration or graduate specialization
For an overview of all degree paths, see the Liberal Arts Program Guide.
What you typically study
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| American Government | Constitutional structure, federalism, and political institutions |
| Comparative Politics | Political systems and governance across different countries |
| International Relations | Diplomacy, conflict, trade policy, and global organizations |
| Public Policy Analysis | Policy design, implementation, evaluation, and reform |
| Political Theory | Classical and modern theories of justice, power, and governance |
| Senior Seminar or Thesis | Original research project on a political science topic |
Questions to ask before choosing this concentration
- How many courses are required versus elective options?
- Are there prerequisite courses for this track?
- Does the concentration include a capstone or applied project?
- Is the concentration available online and in your desired term?
Most students pursue this focus within a bachelor’s in liberal arts, and you can confirm delivery options on the online format page. If you are still deciding, compare it with the sociology track.
How liberal arts concentrations compare
| Concentration | Key Career | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication | Market Research Analysts | $76,950 | +6.7% |
| English | Writers and Authors | $72,270 | +3.6% |
| History | Management Analysts | $101,190 | +8.8% |
| Philosophy | Management Analysts | $101,190 | +8.8% |
| Political Science | Market Research Analysts | $76,950 | +6.7% |
| Sociology | Human Resources Specialists | $72,910 | +6.2% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Next Steps
- See whether the degree fits your goals in Is a Liberal Arts Degree Worth It?.
- Compare schools among accredited online colleges.
- Explore a related field in our psychology program guide.
Data verified: June 7, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.