Edited By Charlotte Sears
Review & Contribution By Dr. William Clark
Political science is the study of political philosophy and practice, as well as the analysis and interpretation of the political system and political behavior. Studying national and international democratic structures is part of an online political science degree. The program deals with power and governance systems and analyzes political activities, behavior, and thoughts. After completing a political science degree online, one can work in federal governments, educational services in state and private organizations, professional and scientific services, and other settings. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median pay of $122,510 for political scientists and related employment.
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Southern New Hampshire University
PROGRAM: BA Political Science
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on campus students, over 170,000 online students, making it one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, or via our innovative online platform.
SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Political Science Degree
If students are serious about dedicating their careers to the functioning and development of governments and society, they must pursue a political science degree from a top university. Prospective students must determine whether the institution of choice is accredited, has qualified faculty, and has adequate infrastructure. Based on these and other considerations, the following are the best online political science degrees: .*
| Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| University of Central Florida | 4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32816 | $6,368 | 75% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from Online Political Science Degree Programs
A political science degree online is a 120-credit undergraduate program that typically requires four years to complete. Students can complete the degree online, off-campus, and in hybrid learning formats. The degree studies the meaning, utilization, and distribution of political and economic power, and one discovers how different individuals and groups influence international affairs and governmental decisions. Focus is on also on equality, justice, liberty, and understanding how societies will govern and organize themselves.
Some required major courses students pursuing a political science online degree can expect in the program include:
American Government and Politics
In this course, students understand the different powers, governmental structures, and political systems of America. They focus on the growth of U.S. politics and compare the historical implications of politics in the U.S. and its effect on contemporary politics. The course also analyses the governance and working of important governmental institutions.
International Relations
In this course, students examine the scientific study of interactions between sovereign states. They look at the different activities which concern the state, like war, trade, foreign policy, and diplomacy. and study international relations in the context of multiple existing theories, seeking to explain how states operate in international systems.
Current Events in Politics
In this course, students understand the different political events occurring in recent times. They study critical contemporary issues like geopolitics that explain the earth’s geography’s effect on international relations and politics.
Political Ethics
In this course, students learn about making different moral judgments about political agents and political action. It helps students understand the various struggles and ethical dilemmas that politicians go through daily. They also look into the different sets of codes that exist in politics.
Social Analysis
In this course, students understand the practice of examining social problems systematically. They learn about social problems or trends and make changes in the analyzed situations. The various issues related to social characteristics are also examined, as are the general life quality, social justice, and social services in the context of the societies in which we live.
Some of the other courses one can find in the political science online degree are:
- Global Issues
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Principles of Macroeconomics
- Introduction to Sociology
- Introduction to Political Science
- Introduction to Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Comparative Politics
- International Affairs
- American Constitutional Law
- State Government
- American Legislative Process
- Civil Liberties and Rights
- American Chief Executives
- International Politics
Read the guide to bachelor programs to understand more about bachelor’s degrees.
Degree Types for Online Political Science Programs
There are two types of bachelor of political science online offered in the United States – The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science or BA Political Science and the Bachelor of Science in Political Science or BS Political Science.
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science or BA in political science degree offers students the opportunity to study different dimensions of politics, power, and government. It focuses on the broader representation of the discipline of political science. It also includes more humanities and liberal arts courses, like art, history, religion, philosophy, and writing.
Bachelor of Science in Political Science
The Bachelor of Science in Political Science or BS in political science degree focuses on the political science discipline from a scientific perspective. Students gain advanced research knowledge, and the curriculum prepares students for a career or graduate studies in political science. The degree will help students build a technical understanding of the subject.
Areas of Specialization for Online Political Science Programs
Specializing is an excellent way to gain in-depth knowledge on a specific area within the subject. Gaining expertise and skills in these concentrated areas can lead to niche jobs in the market. Some specializations students pursuing online political science could consider taking up are:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| American Politics | In this specialization, students learn how the politics in the country functions within certain frameworks. They look at the presidential system and the federal constitutional republic within the distinct branches that share powers. | Niche roles as political scientists |
| Comparative Politics | In this specialization, students understand topics related to political behavior, conflict, political institutions, and the consequences and causes of the economic development of different countries. | Niche roles as political scientists |
| Political Theory | In this concentration, students focus on the different sets of observations or ideas that explain the state’s social, political, and economic conditions. It helps students understand rights and duties under political theory. | Niche roles as political scientists |
| International Relations | In this specialization, students study many schools of thought on concepts like liberalism, constructivism, and realism. It is one of the major subfields of political science. | Niche roles as political scientists |
| Political Behavior | This concentration helps students understand the political field better. It interlinks with economics, sociology, and psychology. Students learn experimental design as part of this specialization. | Niche roles as political scientists |
| Political Methodology | In this specialization, students learn many cutting-edge tools that help them study the determinants of corruption in bureaucracies. They also study the consequence of experiences with the criminal justice system and migrant flows. Students also learn different approaches to empirical research. | Niche roles as political scientists |
| Social and Political Theory | In this specialization, students recognize that no concept or idea exists on its own. They understand society’s basic notions and intersubjectivity and look at all the ideas, concepts, and symbols in society. | Niche roles as political scientists |
Why should I do a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science Online?
Through the online degree in political science, students understand the global collaborations between nations and the different concepts of diplomacy, war, peace, security, and human rights. The program will help them study public policy, the political behavior of individuals and groups, and the study of government. The bachelor’s program specializes in politics and related concepts in the context of the United States and other countries. By studying these topics, one can analyze the different political scenarios within the U.S. and the countries with whom the U.S. has geopolitical connections.
The program will also help develop in-depth knowledge about public opinion, interest groups, administrative behavior, public law, international law and organizations, national security, political behaviors, and more. Knowledge in these areas will lead to various careers as journalists, city planners, analysts, nonprofit managers, etc.
There are various skills that students studying a political science online degree can acquire and transfer to their academic or professional careers. Some of these skills include the ability to:
- analyze critically then given political information about the different issues that exist in modern American society;
- demonstrate in-depth knowledge of theoretical, historical, scientific, and structural dimensions which exist in politics;
- effectively communicate in writing and exhibit excellent oral skills;
- show sensitivity and tolerance towards the difference cultural, racial, and varied differences in humans;
- demonstrate an understanding of the political institutions and processes which help in forming public policies that will impact citizens;
- understand the basics of the American political system and governmental institutions which exist around the globe;
- demonstrate a basic understanding of foundational theories, methodologies, and concepts used in different studies of political science;
- show efficient writing and research skills relevant to the field; and
- demonstrate critical thinking about different political issues and develop proficiency in developing essential arguments in written or oral formats.
Read the guide to bachelor programs to understand more about a bachelor’s degree.
Free Courses for Political Science Online Students
Free courses contain information in the form of videos, articles, recorded seminars, research papers, and more. Such free lessons will help students get an opportunity to discuss new trends, information, concerns, and data in the political science field. The information from these courses can help them gain new insights into their domain. Here are a few examples online degree political science students can explore:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Public Leadership Credential[2] | In this course, students learn about the different roles and responsibilities individuals would play in being construction managers. They will be able to distinguish characteristics that define construction management organizations. | edX |
| Moral Foundations of Politics[3] | In this course, students learn about the conditions influencing a structure or object subjected to time-invariant forces in equilibrium. They look at the conditions under which an object moves or remains stationary. | Coursera |
| Contemporary Issues in World Politics[4] | In this course, students learn how technology, climate change, and regulation are altering the designs of buildings and professional practice in the construction field. They also explore trends and problems in this field. | FutureLearn |
How to get into Online Political Science Degree Programs?
The bachelor’s degree admission requirements might differ according to the institution, program, and specialization. Usually, no minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) or standardized test score is required for a bachelor’s in political science. However, a student with excellent academic standing will be preferred for admission. Some of the political science degree admissions requirements common with most universities across the United States are:
- Completed application form with fee
- Minimum of 2.5 GPA in the previous degree is generally required
- ACT and SAT (optional at some colleges)
- Official high school transcripts
- Personal Statement (should be written well as it highlights the writing ability of the student)
- Letters of Recommendation (some colleges typically require two or three letters of recommendation)
How Long does it take to complete an Online Political Science Degree?
It takes about four years to complete an online degree in political science if taken full-time. The program duration depends on how many credits are completed in a semester, program delivery mode, specializations, projects, etc. Here is a quick summary of the duration of a political science degree:
- Time to complete a full-time political science bachelor’s degree: about 4 years
- Time to complete a part-time political science bachelor’s degree: 4 to 6 years
Accelerated Online Political Science Degrees
Accelerated programs help students complete and earn their degrees faster than four years. Students can take more classes in an accelerated program as they are not limited to following a cohort. With an accelerated degree, one takes up the same course content as traditional degrees. However, students may have fewer holidays, so the program can be finished more quickly. Examples of universities that offer accelerated online political science degrees are Arizona State University[6] and Central Michigan University[7]. The American Military University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science that students can complete in 8 to 16 weeks online[5].
Accreditations for Online Political Science Programs
Accreditation is a rigorous process that ensures educational institutions continuously meet set quality standards. Students, employers, and others can rest assured that a degree from an accredited university is of quality and value. The Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs [8] and the Council for Higher Education[9] provide tools to check whether a college is accredited. Colleges offering an accredited online political science degree can be accredited nationally or regionally, with the latter being more common. The six authorized regional accrediting agencies are:
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
The guide to college accreditation is an excellent place to start to understand accreditation.
How to Pay for Online Political Science Degree?
Financial Aid goes a long way in ensuring that students are not burdened with the high cost of undergraduate education. Although online students do not have to spend on transportation, gas, parking, meals, or accommodation, the tuition fees alone could still be prohibitively expensive. Here are some funding mechanisms online degree in political science students can explore to pay for college:
Scholarships
Scholarships are typically given to academically deserving students to help them further their education. Aside from academic scholarships, some are awarded based on criteria such as diversity and inclusion, financial need, athletic ability, and so on.
Federal Grants
The federal government offers grants to students who want to attend college or pursue specific programs. These grants are funded by both the federal and state governments and do not have to be repaid. To apply for this financial aid, one must meet certain criteria; some common grant requirements are outlined in the Federal Student Aid Guide.
Loans
Banks and other financial institutions provide loans to those looking to further their education. When taking out loans, interest rates are determined by the financial market and can lead to debt if the principal and interest are not paid back on time.
FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA is a form students can fill out and submit to understand whether they are eligible for federal financial aid.
Scholarships for Online Political Science Students
Scholarships are an excellent way to offset the high cost of education. They are awarded to undergraduate students based on merit or financial need. The amount awarded by a scholarship will differ and cover different needs like tuition, books, or research. Here are a few scholarships for those pursuing a political science online degree:
| Scholarship | Description | Amount/Award | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Antonio Jorge Political Economy Scholarship[10] | The Dr. Antonio Jorge Foundation offers two qualified students a scholarship to help fund their undergraduate education in a field related to political economy, an interdisciplinary branch of the social sciences that focuses on the interrelationships between individuals, governments, and public policy. | $500 | Opens in Fall | Currently open |
| Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program[11] | The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program provides scholarships to students from underrepresented communities studying social science and law. Individuals should be committed to diversity concerning their religious affiliation, ethnicity, etc. | $6,000 | TBA |
| Boren Scholarship[12] | The Boren Scholarship is awarded to U.S. undergraduate students interested in working in different capacities with the federal government. Awardees are offered work in the federal government in exchange for the funding they receive. | $12,000 to $25,000 | February 1, 2024 |
FAQs Related to Online Political Science Degree Programs
What is political science?
Political science is a branch of social science that deals with the systems of government and state. It scientifically analyzes political behavior and activity.
What are the subfields in political science?
What can you do with an online political science bachelor’s degree?
Is a bachelor’s degree in political science worth it?
How many credits is a bachelor’s degree in political science?
Can you get a political science degree online?
How long is a political science degree online?
Career Opportunities and Salaries after an Online Political Science Degree
A career in political science will equip students to undertake policymaking changes, analyze data, and work as academicians in this field. They will be able to pursue careers that make a difference in society. Examples of occupations those pursuing a political science degree online can consider include:
| Occupation | Job Description | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2031) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Reporters[14] | Political reporters are individuals who report on politics. They are specialists in political news, cover different aspects of politics, and gather and analyze data about current events in politics and governments. | Communication skills, technological skills, interpersonal skills, stamina, persistence | $48,370 | -9% (decline) |
| Political Market Research Analysts[15] | Political market research analysts usually explore different ways to use political market research. They use market research to inform about a range of various activities in politics. They convert data and findings into tables, charts, graphs, and written reports. | Critical-thinking skills, communication skills, analytical skills, detail-oriented | $122,510 | 6% (as fast as average) |
| Government Service Executives[16] | Top-level government executives direct an organization and administer and monitor its activities to ensure that goals are met. They also ensure that all work is going on in compliance with regulations. | Leadership skills, time-management skills, decision-making skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills | $98,980 | 6% (as fast as average) |
| Political Cartoonists[17] | Political cartoonists are also known as editorial cartoonists. They are artists who draw editorial cartoons containing social or political commentary. They express their personal or public opinion through pictures. | Customer-service skills, interpersonal skills, business skills, artistic ability, creativity, dexterity | $49,960 | 6% (as fast as average) |
| Political Financial Managers[18] | Political finance managers are individuals who raise and spend funds for politics-related purposes. These could include election campaigns and various public offices that candidates and parties run. | Organizational skills, analytical skills, communication skills, math skills, detail-oriented | $131,710 | 17% (much faster than average) |
Certifications and Licensing for Online Political Science Students
Through certifications, students can develop a competitive edge, gain industry skills, and develop ways to maximize their earning potential. They help in expanding one’s career opportunities.
However, in fields like political science, certifications are scarcely available. Those who have acquired a political science online degree do not need state licensure to work as a political scientist or in related roles.
Additional Resources for Online Political Science Students
Students pursuing online political science degrees should get involved in professional organizations, which provide numerous opportunities. One can network with prominent professionals and organization members working in a variety of fields to gain insights into how politics can influence or affect them. Members can also access journals, webinars, seminars, and research reports, which can be immensely useful in one’s studies or career. Here are a few professional associations to explore:
| Organization | Description |
|---|---|
| American Political Science Association[19] | The American Political Science Association provides resources in various political science subfields and engages its members in research. They assemble political panels for discussions on urban political issues and publish journals. They also offer research grants to students. |
| Southern Political Science Association[20] | The Southern Political Science Association promotes interest and research in practical and theoretical political problems. They sponsor annual conferences where research in all dimensions and subfields of political science is presented. |
| Midwest Political Science Association[21] | The Midwest Political Science Association aims to facilitate communications between members engaged in political studies and develop standards to encourage research in practical and theoretical political problems. It is a nonpartisan association. |
| International Political Science Association[22] | International Political Science Association aims to create a global and inclusive political science community in which everyone can participate. They promote collaboration between political science scholars and support the field’s development. |
| Northeastern Political Science Association[23] | The Northeastern Political Science Association is an academic association that promotes the study of government and politics. The organization focuses on the professional development of its members in the field of politics and is committed to the highest research standards. |
Citations:
[1] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Political Scientists
[2] Harvard University- Public Leadership Credential
[3] Coursera- Moral Foundations of Politics
[4] edX- Contemporary Issues in World Politics
[5] American Military University-Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
[6] Arizona State University-Bachelor of Science in Political Science
[7] Central Michigan University-Bachelor of Science in Political Science
[8] Department of Education-Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
[9] Council for Higher Education
[10] Dr. Antonio Jorge Political Economy Scholarship
[11] Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program
[12] Boren Scholarship
[13] U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics-Occupational Outlook of Political Geographer
[14] U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics-Occupational Outlook of Political Reporter
[15] U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics-Occupational Outlook of Political Market Research Analysts
[16] U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics-Occupational Outlook of Government service executives
[17] U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics-Occupational Outlook of Political Cartoonist
[18] U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics-Occupational Outlook of Political Financial Managers
[19] American Political Science Association
[20] Southern Political Science Association
[21] Midwest Political Science Association