B.A. in Political Science/ Journalism

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fees: US$ 70

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 75% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 64 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 105.

California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and diverse achievements, making education more accessible to deserving students from around the world.

International Student Scholarship: CSUS offers merit-based scholarships to outstanding international students. These scholarships are available to both undergraduate and graduate students and provide partial tuition waivers. Eligibility criteria vary, but they typically consider academic achievements and potential contributions to the campus community.

American English and Culture Program (AECP) Scholarships: CSUS's AECP offers scholarships to international students who demonstrate exceptional English language proficiency and academic potential. These scholarships can cover a portion of the program's tuition costs.

Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments within CSUS offer scholarships to students based on their field of study. International students may be eligible for department-specific scholarships that recognize achievements and contributions within a particular academic area.

Private Scholarships: CSUS encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities from foundations, organizations, and government agencies. These scholarships can be awarded based on factors such as nationality, academic performance, and community involvement.

Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships: CSUS values diversity and offers scholarships that celebrate students from different backgrounds, cultures, and identities. International students who contribute to creating a diverse and inclusive campus environment may be eligible for these scholarships.

Global Education Scholarships: These scholarships are specifically designed for international students to help cover educational expenses. They recognize students' commitment to their education and their potential to make a positive impact on the global community.

Study Abroad Scholarships: CSUS provides opportunities for international students to participate in study abroad programs. Scholarships are available to support students who wish to study in different countries and gain diverse academic experiences.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary from year to year.

Graduates of the B.A. in Political Science/Journalism program at California State University - Sacramento are well-equipped for a range of dynamic and impactful career paths that blend their expertise in political analysis with their skills in journalism. The program’s interdisciplinary nature provides a strong foundation for roles in both media and political fields. 

Political Journalist: Political journalists report on government activities, public policies, and electoral events. They analyze political trends, conduct interviews with public officials, and write articles or produce multimedia content that informs the public about political issues and developments.

Political Analyst: Political analysts study and interpret political trends, policies, and systems. They provide insights and recommendations to policymakers, media outlets, and organizations. Their work involves analyzing data, conducting research, and forecasting political outcomes.

Public Relations Specialist: Public relations specialists manage and enhance the public image of organizations, political figures, or government agencies. They craft press releases, organize events, and handle media inquiries to shape public perception and communication strategies.

Campaign Manager: Campaign managers oversee political campaigns, including strategy development, voter outreach, and fundraising. They coordinate campaign activities, manage staff, and ensure effective communication with the public to support electoral success for candidates.

Media Relations Coordinator: Media relations coordinators act as liaisons between organizations and the media. They handle press inquiries, prepare statements, and manage media coverage to ensure positive and accurate representation of their organization’s interests.

Legislative Aide: Legislative aides support elected officials by conducting research, preparing briefs, and assisting with policy development. They help draft legislation, analyze policy impacts, and facilitate communication between legislators and constituents.

Public Affairs Specialist: Public affairs specialists focus on managing the relationship between organizations and government entities. They monitor legislative developments, advocate for policy positions, and ensure that their organization’s interests are represented effectively.

Editorial Writer: Editorial writers create opinion pieces and editorials for newspapers, magazines, and online publications. They offer commentary on political issues, public policies, and societal trends, drawing on their understanding of both politics and journalism.

Diplomat or Foreign Service Officer: Diplomats represent their country in international relations, working on foreign policy, trade negotiations, and diplomatic missions. Their role involves managing international relationships and addressing global political issues.

Non-Profit Communications Director: Communications directors in non-profit organizations develop and implement strategies for media outreach and public relations. They manage communications campaigns, write content, and work to advance the organization's mission and goals.

Investigative Reporter: Investigative reporters conduct in-depth research and uncover hidden information on political and public affairs. Their work often involves exposing corruption, conducting interviews, and analyzing complex issues to inform the public.

Lobbyist: Lobbyists advocate on behalf of organizations or interest groups to influence legislative and regulatory decisions. They build relationships with policymakers, present arguments, and work to advance specific causes or objectives.

Academic Researcher or Professor: Graduates with a passion for academia may pursue careers in research or teaching. They can contribute to scholarly research on political science, media studies, and related fields, and teach at universities or colleges.

Government Communications Specialist: Government communications specialists manage internal and external communications for government agencies. They craft messages, handle media relations, and ensure that government policies and initiatives are effectively communicated to the public.