History and Political Science
Total graduates
83
2025 · 19 schools
International share
0.0%
0 international students
Bachelor's degrees
62
0.0% international
Master's degrees
10
0.0% international
Overview
The field of History and Political Science is an interdisciplinary study that combines the analysis of historical events with the understanding of political systems, theories, and behaviors. Students in this major explore the intricate relationships between historical contexts and political developments, examining how past events shape contemporary political landscapes.
In the history component, students delve into various time periods, cultures, and significant events, gaining critical insights into how societies evolve over time. Courses may cover topics such as ancient civilizations, modern revolutions, and the impact of colonialism. This historical perspective allows students to understand the roots of current political ideologies and conflicts.
On the political science side, students study the structures and functions of government, political theory, and the behavior of political entities. This involves analyzing political institutions, public policies, international relations, and the role of political actors, including parties and interest groups. Students learn to critically assess political systems, both domestic and global, and explore significant themes such as democracy, authoritarianism, and human rights.
Graduates with a degree in History and Political Science are well-prepared for various career paths, including public policy, law, international relations, education, and journalism. The skills developed in this major—such as critical thinking, analytical writing, and research ability—are highly valued in numerous fields. Additionally, understanding historical and political contexts is crucial for engaged citizenship and informed decision-making in an increasingly complex world.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2020 to 2025, graduates grew 168% and the international share went from 9.7% to 0.0%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 19 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
| Rank | School | State | Graduates | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #169 | MMonmouth University | New Jersey | 1 | 0 |
| #299 | Nebraska | 1 | 0 | |
| LAC #34 | Colorado | 8 | 0 | |
| LAC #184 | GGlenville State University | West Virginia | 2 | 0 |
| — | AAbraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Georgia | 11 | 0 |
| — | AArizona State University Digital Immersion | Arizona | 11 | 0 |
| — | SSouthern Arkansas University Main Campus | Arkansas | 8 | 0 |
| — | IIndiana University-Kokomo | Indiana | 8 | 0 |
| — | TTexas A & M International University | Texas | 8 | 0 |
| — | EEureka College | Illinois | 6 | 0 |
| — | KKeuka College | New York | 3 | 0 |
| — | FFriends University | Kansas | 2 | 0 |
| — | NNotre Dame of Maryland University | Maryland | 2 | 0 |
| — | CCairn University-Langhorne | Pennsylvania | 2 | 0 |
| — | AAverett University | Virginia | 2 | 0 |
| — | UUniversity of Sioux Falls | South Dakota | 1 | 0 |
| — | KKing University | Tennessee | 1 | 0 |
| — | Texas | 1 | 0 | |
| — | NNorthwest University | Washington | 1 | 0 |
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other | 622,190 | $73.99 | $153,890 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | 37,100 | $51.78 | $107,690 |
| Social Science Research Assistants | 30,640 | $31.80 | $66,140 |
| History Teachers, Postsecondary | 18,790 | — | $96,580 |
| Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 16,970 | — | $108,100 |
| Political Scientists | 5,540 | $68.51 | $142,510 |
| Historians | 3,450 | $39.06 | $81,240 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2020–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.