Great Books in Political Thought, Certificate


Future leaders study the past. Engage with the great books in political thought and the Western tradition. Analyzing the writings of great political philosophers can help you understand the political thought of the past, so you can have the knowledge to make prudent political judgments as a future leader in your community.

Program Description

This certificate program in great books in political thought teaches students the foundational great books, focusing on political thought and the Western civic tradition. Beginning with the classics like Plato, Aristotle and the Bible; moving to medieval thought with Augustine and Aquinas; and then to early and late modern authors such as Machiavelli, Locke, Rousseau, Montesquieu, Burke and Marx with other great writers like Tocqueville and Hawthorne, this program helps students engage with impactful texts that have been thought and debated through recorded history and were instrumental in shaping political ideas and institutions today.

GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.


At a Glance: program details
  • Location:
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No

Program Requirements

Enrollment Requirements

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before an undergraduate degree is completed. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.


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Career Outlook

Graduates are prepared with key, specialized knowledge on political thought and civics. They can expect to specialize in their chosen career paths, such as a classical charter school teacher, professor, political scientist or news analyst.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education


  • Growth: -1.6%
  • Median Salary*: 72040

Historians


  • Growth: 2.2%
  • Median Salary*: 76750

History Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: -0.2%
  • Median Salary*: 83820

Social Science Research Assistants


  • Growth: 4.4%
  • Median Salary*: 61990

Intelligence Analysts


  • Growth: -0.7%
  • Median Salary*: 93790

Military Officer Special and Tactical Operations Leaders, All Other


  • Growth: %
  • Median Salary*: 0

News Analysts, Reporters and Journalists


  • Growth: -3.9%
  • Median Salary*: 62200

Political Scientists


  • Growth: -3.1%
  • Median Salary*: 142080

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 2%
  • Median Salary*: 98070

Legislators


  • Growth: 3.4%
  • Median Salary*: 0

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


Program Contact Information

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