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Data Sciences for Political Science (BS)

The Data Sciences for Political Science (BS) is a collaborative program between the School of Public Affairs and the College of Arts and Sciences. It is administered by the Department of Government and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. The purpose of the Data Sciences for Political Science (BS) is to prepare students for data analytic positions in academia, government, and industry that require extensive knowledge of statistical and computational tools applied to political problems. Graduates will be able to process, understand, and explore data to solve complex problems and produce new knowledge.

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Admission to the Program

New freshmen and transfer students are admitted through the University's Admissions Office. Students currently enrolled in the University who wish to transfer into the Department of Government or develop a double major or minor should have a grade point average of 2.50 or higher and the approval of the undergraduate academic advisor.

AU Core Requirements

For additional information, see AU Core Curriculum.

Major Requirements

  • 44 credit hours with grades of C or better, including at least 18 credit hours at or above 300-level
  • Portfolio requirement: all students submit a portfolio of 2-4 papers of their best written work from upper-level major courses in the final semester of their program for departmental assessment

Course Requirements

Required (25 credit hours)

Basic Statistics (4 credit hours)

Complete 4 credit hours from the following:

Individual and State (3 credit hours)

Complete 3 credit hours from the following:

Electives (9 credit hours)

Complete 9 credit hours from the following:

Capstone (3 credit hours)

  • 3 credit hours in GOVT-XXX approved coursework at or above 400-level

Combined Data Sciences for Political Science (BS) and Political Science (MA)

American University offers students the opportunity to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees through its combined bachelor's/master's programs. See Admission to a Combined Bachelor's / Master's Program and Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degrees for more information.

In addition to meeting the minimum university requirements for combined bachelor's/master's programs:

  • Admission to the combined BS/MA program requires junior standing, a minimum 3.30 cumulative GPA, a completed application form, two written faculty recommendation, an essay on the student's interests and abilities in political science, and an interview with a Department of Government graduate advisor. Students must apply for admission to the graduate program no later than junior year, after completion of 75-90 credits. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission to the BA/MA program
  • Students must finish the master's degree requirements within three years from the date of first enrollment in the master's program
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  • For additional information regarding American University's undergraduate admissions requirements and application process, please visit american.edu/admissions.
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