Politics, public policy, public administration, and global affairs are deep and sensitive matters that shape cultures and determine the order in the community.
With an online Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, students focus on studying these areas of the discipline. They spend a significant amount of time doing research, writing, analyzing, skills to prepare themselves for the different career paths relating to the degree.
Political Science majors carve out careers in the government, the academe, as well as private and non-profit organizations. The most common career tracks include:
- journalism,
- research,
- teaching,
- and law.
To become political scientists, who are well-versed in political systems, trends, policies, and issues, undergraduate holders can proceed with earning a master’s degree.
An online Bachelor’s in Political Science is a viable option for individuals seeking to strike a balance between their academic goals and work or personal obligations. Today, distance learning is available for interested students who are determined to earn a degree.
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- Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Political Science
- University of Central Florida
- University of Massachusetts- Amherst
- Penn State World Campus
- Florida International University
- University of Memphis
- Oregon State University
- University of Massachusetts-Lowell
- Indiana University – Bloomington
- Kennesaw State University
- Keiser University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Iowa
- Liberty University
- Washington University in St Louis
- South Dakota State University
- Fort Hays State University
- University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
- Indiana University-Purdue University- Indianapolis
- Northeastern University
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Political Science
METHODOLOGY:
Among the many schools offering the online undergraduate program, which one suits and prepares you best for a career in the field?
Our 20 Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Political Science gathers the distance learning options for the undergraduate degree as offered by top online colleges and universities across the United States.
The web-based Bachelor’s in Political Science degrees have the most robust features that are deemed highly effective in shaping the next Political Science specialists in the country.
- Detailed on this profiled list are the rigorous coursework and extensive curricula of each online program as delivered by the schools through top-notch online learning platforms.
- These online schools score high in terms of the degree program courses and subjects that focus on helping students achieve an in-depth understanding of the discipline and practical application of this acquired knowledge.
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University of Central Florida
Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Located in Orlando, Florida, the University of Central Florida features a purely online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree program. Online students may check on lectures and accomplish courses based on their schedules. The program’s three areas of concentration are:
- American politics and policy,
- international relations and comparative politics,
- or pre-law.
Students with an American Politics and Policy major complete courses in civic engagement, presidential campaigning, and space policy. Those majoring in international relations and comparative politics take courses like political economy, the politics of developing areas, and indigenous politics.
Pre-law students, on the other hand, are immersed in topics such as legal policy and politics. Aside from 38 credit hours of major courses, 82 general education hours, along with science and math classes are also required. The degree can be completed in four years, but students can opt to pursue the accelerated track of the program.
The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC).
University of Massachusetts- Amherst
Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
The University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Massachusetts features an online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree completion program. This enables students to finish their degree program while handling family obligations and work. The program, designed for working professionals with sufficient college experience, consists of 120 credits with 39 credits of political science classes. Courses include:
- public administration,
- environmental policy,
- international relations,
- women and public policy,
- and the politics of football.
The degree program has a pre-law concentration, which focuses on topics on court and law. Students may also choose an online site for their required three-credit internship.
The university is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).
Penn State World Campus
Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Pennsylvania features an online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree program. It is a 120-credit curriculum composed of courses such as political science courses in:
- political theory,
- legislative research,
- and contemporary political ideologies.
Electives include the international political economy, politics of terrorism, and the politics and institutions of Latin American nations. With an asynchronous format, the degree can be completed in four years.
Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Florida International University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Situated in Miami, Florida, Florida International University features a purely online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree program. Upon completing the general education requirements, students may take 39 credits in American government and either political theory, international relations, or comparative politics. Customization of the degree is possible through topics like:
- political violence and revolution,
- authoritarianism,
- and human rights.
There is a success coach for every online learner. The success coach guides students through selecting and registering their courses, accessing academic support services, and searching for leadership and internship enhancement opportunities.
Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC).
University of Memphis
Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the University of Memphis features a purely online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree program. The 120-credit coursework enhances students’ basic understanding of how the government operates by acquiring skills for careers in business, law, education, and public service.
Aside from general education courses, students are required to complete at least 36 hours in subjects such as:
- American government and politics,
- international relations,
- political theory,
- and comparative politics.
Other classes include political media, the politics of globalization, American foreign policy, and ancient political thought. The degree can be completed in four years. Accessibility to online tutoring and an online writing review program is also one of its best features.
The University of Memphis is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC).
Oregon State University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Bachelor of Science in Political Science
Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon features the online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree program and Bachelor of Science in Political Science degree programs. Both of these programs require at least 120 credits for completion. Aside from liberal arts courses, students need to take political science classes in areas such as that:
- gender and the law,
- rural public policy,
- and issues in Central & European politics.
Online students may pursue a minor in wildlife or business management though graduates may also choose journalism, intelligence education, and public service. Some graduates may also pursue advanced studies in political science or law school. The university has four start dates a year, and student services like online tutoring, success counseling, and career guidance are readily accessible.
The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Online Bachelor of Liberal Arts with an emphasis on Political Science
The University of Massachusetts-Lowell features an online Bachelor of Liberal Arts with an emphasis on Political Science degree program. Political Science majors specialize in legal studies, economics, and history and pursue careers in law, government, and nonprofit management. Courses required in the political science specialization include:
- politics of the internet,
- politics of food,
- and electoral politics.
Students attend online classes on research methods in political science, while those who are planning to take law school may take courses related to the American legal system. The political science department motivates students to finish an experiential learning course, which will eventually prepare them for careers or advanced studies.
The university is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).
Indiana University – Bloomington
Online Bachelor of Science in Political Science
Indiana University-Bloomington in Bloomington, Indiana features an online Bachelor of Science In Political Science degree program. The 120-credit coursework is delivered in an asynchronous format, and students have no deadlines.
They may complete coursework according to their own convenient time, making this program ideal for working students juggling careers, academics, and family responsibilities. Courses include:
- Indiana politics,
- contemporary revolutions,
- political philosophy and public opinion,
- along with general education courses.
Students study the different forms of government, enhance research and writing skills, and effectively create arguments and assess sources of valuable information. Online resources include guidance counseling, online tutoring, and technical assistance.
Indiana University Bloomington is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Kennesaw State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Political Science
Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia has a fully online Bachelor of Science in Political Science degree program. Its primary goal is to prepare students for public service careers and graduate-level studies in social science. The 120-credit program curriculum is composed of topics such as:
- political thinkers,
- public polling and survey techniques,
- and the U.S. Congress.
Completion requirements include a supervised internship or cooperative study program featuring a local business, a non-profit organization, and a government agency. Program coordinators aid students in finding appropriate internship sites. The program ends with a senior seminar, which emphasizes the strong link between political science and its related disciplines.
Personalized, online coaching is also available. Online students should access the online writing center, which provides specialized guidance in asynchronous and synchronous formats. There is an online student community through which students and their peers collaborate in accomplishing projects.
The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC).
University of Illinois at Springfield
Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
The University of Illinois at Springfield features an online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree program, a 120-credit coursework delivered in an asynchronous format. Being a distance learning option, it allows students to check out their lectures and complete their assignments at their convenience, provided that they follow through with the schedule guide for attending online classes.
Courses include:
- American political systems,
- political philosophy,
- and empirical political analysis.
Students must complete 10 hours of engaged citizenship experience consisting of a local internship and attendance in a speaker series on civic engagement, in addition to completing a two-hour capstone seminar.
The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Keiser University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Keiser University features an online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree program. The 120-credit coursework is delivered in an asynchronous format through Blackboard and can be completed in four years. Students take only one course at a given time and are required to pass a final exam at the end of the four-week class to proceed to the next level.
Courses include:
- religion and politics,
- foreign policy in the Middle East,
- the global economy,
- and immigration law.
In their last two years of study, online students are required to take classes in statistics, conflict resolution, critical thinking, the history of civil rights, and civil liberties.
The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC).
Texas Tech University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Situated in Lubbock, Texas, Texas Tech University features an online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree program with specializations in:
- American politics,
- international relations,
- comparative politics,
- and policy & public administration.
Students typically complete the 120-credit coursework in four years. Customization of the degree can be achieved through electives like post-communist politics, political behavior, international bargaining, and security. Students must also complete general education and communication literacy courses.
Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC).
University of Iowa
Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
The University of Iowa in Iowa City features an online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree program. Graduates emerge with the necessary skills for careers in public policy, campaign management, and nonprofit and government administration. Some students pursue graduate-level studies in law, public administration or international relations, and political science.
The comprehensive curriculum enables students to be prepared for graduate studies and careers. Courses include:
- the politics of class and inequality,
- the analysis of political data,
- Chinese politics,
- and American foreign policy.
Students may also select a culminating experience that is appropriate with scholastic and work experience. They also have the choice to participate in a supervised internship or undergraduate research tutorial.
The University of Iowa is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Liberty University
Online Bachelor of Science in Political Science
Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia has an online Bachelor of Science in Political Science degree program. Its 120-credit coursework aims to enhance the students’ understanding of how the government operates and the origins of politics from biblical and historical perspectives.
Program requirements are mostly available online, and the coursework is delivered in an asynchronous format. This makes the program appropriate for those with professional or personal responsibilities. There are also eight start dates per year in Liberty and courses may last for eight weeks. Full-time students may complete the entire program for four years.
The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC).
Washington University in St Louis
Online Bachelor of Science in Political Science
Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, Washington University has an online Bachelor of Science in Political Science degree program. It is a combination of liberal arts education along with training in political practice and theory.
The 120-credit coursework allows students to be prepared for career advancement in different disciplines. It is delivered asynchronously and academic advisers aid students as well in the selection of courses.
Topics include:
- race and ethnicity in American politics,
- Israeli politics,
- urban administration,
- and business & public policy.
Washington University in St. Louis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
South Dakota State University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Bachelor of Science in Political Science
South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Bachelor of Science in Political Science degree programs.
Students may focus on:
- criminal justice,
- pre-law,
- public administration,
- research and graduate school preparation,
- teaching,
- or general political science.
Students finish general education courses and foundational political science classes in topics like American government and early and modern political philosophy. Elective alternatives, which can be used to align their course of study with their academic and career objectives, explore topics on issues hounding the local government and democracy in European nations. The 120-credit coursework may be completed in four years.
South Dakota State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Fort Hays State University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas features an online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree program. The 124-credit coursework is delivered in an asynchronous format through Blackboard. Students may also choose between the Public Administration and Legal Studies tracks.
The legal studies track equips students for law school in terms of mock trials, LSAT preparation, and courses in subjects like:
- American civil liberties
- and constitutional law.
The Public Administration track is for students seeking public service careers at the state, local, or federal levels. Courses in the public administration track include:
- budgeting,
- personnel management,
- the administrative process,
- and policy analysis.
For full-time students, the degree can be completed in four years. Fort Hays State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Online Bachelor of Science in Political Science
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse features an online Bachelor of Science in Political Science degree program. The academic institution allows students who consider graduate school to pursue political inquiry and analysis, aside from research methods in government and politics. The university integrates experiential learning within the political science curriculum.
Students planning to proceed with law school may take mock trial classes to learn the fundamentals in court procedures. Some opt for two Model United Nations courses if they are interested in international relations. For the online mock trial and Model UN courses, classes are delivered in a synchronous format. The university provides students with internship opportunities in the government, criminal justice, and public administration.
The University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Indiana University-Purdue University- Indianapolis
Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree program. The 120-credit coursework consists of 33 credit hours in major courses like:
- comparative politics,
- international relations,
- and political analysis.
There are accelerated tracks for the students to earn two advanced degrees in the field of political science. Students may enroll in a combined BA/MA program wherein applicants meet the requirements for a master’s and bachelor’s degree in five years. They also have the option to enter the joint BA/JD program, allowing learners to earn both a law and a bachelor’s degree in just six years.
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Northeastern University
Online Bachelor of Science in Political Science
Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts features an online Bachelor of Science in Political Science degree program for careers in:
- the government,
- law,
- journalism,
- and public service.
The 120-credit curriculum covers foundational courses like history, philosophy, economics, and communication. Online students may choose from the following specializations, namely international relations and comparative politics or American politics.
International relations majors take classes in international conflict, negotiation, and global governance. Students specializing in American politics, attend courses on American foreign policy and tackle topics concerning the relationship between politics and mass media. For both specializations, students may complete a political science capstone course to enhance their professional skills. The degree can be earned in four to seven years.
The university is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What can I learn from an online Bachelor’s in Political Science Degree program?
Most online bachelor’s in political science programs offer the same courses. The political theory covers the fundamentals of political theory and also has practical applications in the current political climate.
International relations range among various topics including global governance. There are also courses like American law and the legal process, and topics such as criminal justice and the numerous policies and procedures.
What are the possible career paths for Bachelor’s in Political Science degree holders?
Here are the possible careers that can be pursued by political science degree holders:
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants
- Reporters, Correspondents, and Broadcast News Analysts
- High School Teachers
What are some known political science professional organizations?
Generally, professional organizations give members valuable and useful resources and services. The popular Political Science professional organizations include the American Political Science Association (APSA), the Southern Political Science Association (SPSA), and the International Political Science Association (IPSA).