What Are the Math Requirements for Political Science?

Despite the name, political science is often more theoretical than practical science.

Political science belongs to a group of subjects referred to as 'soft sciences'.

This doesn't mean these subjects are easy, just that they deal more in theory than in the practical application of concepts.

Because of this, the math requirements for a political science degree will be significantly lower than degrees such as engineering, physics, or other science majors.

Even though the requirements are usually lower, most universities still have math requirements for political science majors.

Furthermore, political science degrees can have different concentrations that will have different math requirements.

What are the Math Requirements for Political Science?

At most universities, the math requirements for political science will be minimal, and usually only what is included in the general education curriculum.

For example, a person taking classes to graduate with a political science degree could be expected to take math classes like Algebra, Statistics, or even Geometry.

It's rare for colleges to include Calculus or other advanced math courses in their political science math requirements.

Although more specialized concentrations might include higher-level math classes or courses that involve math, like economics and finance.

Math Requirements for Combined Political Science Degrees

Beyond the common concentrations for political science, some schools offer combination degrees.

These degrees are a hybrid of a political science degree and another discipline.

Because these degrees introduce added curriculums, such as business administration, economics, and computer science, there will also be added math classes.

For example, a combination degree involving political science and business administration could see added classes with math-related coursework like business math, accounting, finance, and economics courses.

Political Science Concentrations

Political science degree concentrations come in several different forms, and some schools have differing names, despite having similar course content.

If you're pursuing a degree in political science, a counselor at your chosen school can help you identify the name for your chosen concentration.

Here are some of the common concentrations and math requirements for political science majors.

Political Theory

Political theory curriculums put special focus on the inner workings of politics, the role of governments, and concepts like what makes a government just, and legitimate, and what is a proper scope for governmental authority.

This is usually done with debate, writing, and analysis of writings of past and present scholars and politicians.

As the name suggests, this concentration puts more focus on the theory of politics.

This means that, for most universities, the only math requirements would come in general education requirements that the university might have.

This isn't to say that math won't appear in some of the theoretical coursework, but it won't be a primary focus or driving force of the material.

International Relations

No country exists in a vacuum, and international relations majors focus on how individual countries play a role in the larger world structure.

This international structure can be examined through the lenses of the United Nations (UN), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and other similar groups.

Much like Political Theory, this concentration focuses very heavily on the theory behind international diplomacy.

International Relations majors use historical writings and modern events to inform discussions about improving the way nations interact.

Math requirements for political science degrees with an international relations concentration are often minimal as students are expected to do more reading than calculating.

Data Science or Political Analytics

Polling and focus groups are a principal component of political science for informing policy, predicting elections, and more.

This field of political science requires a heavy concentration on data and statistics.

Of the common concentrations, data science will have the highest math requirements for political science majors.

Even though data science course work includes more math-focused classes, students with this major can expect very field-specific math.

Math-based classes for this concentration will focus on statistics and analysis rather than on advanced calculations.

United States Politics

This concentration focuses on the day-to-day workings of the United States government, particularly policy-making, political parties, and governmental institutions.

The math requirement for this political science major is primarily an analytical approach.

As a result, a curriculum for U.S. Politics might include a statistics course, but most required course lists for a degree with this concentration don't include specialized math.

Why Are There Math Requirements for Political Science Majors?

Political Science is a much more theoretical and philosophical degree compared to the traditional hard sciences.

The math requirements for political science majors are often just any general education requirements that a college has.

If there are any added classes included in the curriculum as a math requirement, these classes are usually extremely specific to the concentration.

Math requirements for political science exist because even in a theoretical field, there are practical math applications such as analyzing poll data, interpreting statistics to influence policy decisions, and more.

Even if political science is considered a 'soft science', there are still many real-world examples of when math is needed.

Find The Right Political Science Degree for Me

Political Science degrees can help prepare graduates for law school, careers in political analysis, and holding elected office.

Finding the right political science program for your needs has never been easier.

Learn.org's database of education resources can help you find a political science degree program that fits your schedule, and budget, and can help prepare you for your dream career. Begin your degree today.