Best Accelerated Political Science Online Degree Programs
Do you want to get started on your career in government, law, or public relations? An accelerated online political science degree can help you get there — and it can help you get there fast. Plus, with an accelerated political science degree, you can choose to specialize in an area of interest, like comparative politics or legal studies.
Popular Bachelor’s in Political Science
Whether you already have your associate degree in political science or you’re not sure where to begin, check out this guide to learn everything you need to know to get started.
Types of Accelerated Political Science Online Degrees
With a political science degree online, there are a variety of concentrations to choose from. The bachelor of science (BS) degree emphasizes statistics, data, and mathematics in a political context, while the bachelor of arts (BA) degree may require a foreign language.
Common accelerated online political science degrees include:
- BA in General Studies, Political Science Concentration
- BA in Historical and Political Studies
- BA in Political Science
- BA in Political Science, Legal Studies Concentration
- BS in Global Security and Intelligence Studies, Comparative Politics Concentration
- BS in Political Science
Overview of Accelerated Political Science Degree Programs
In an accelerated poli sci program, you’ll usually need 120 credits to graduate. To complete this credit requirement within three years, you may need to take courses during the summer semester. Online programs usually allow you to take courses asynchronously, but some may require attendance for certain classes.
The core curriculum includes topics such as political theory, American government, international relations, public policy, and comparative politics.
Accelerated Bachelor’s in Political Science
A bachelor’s degree in political science provides an understanding of politics, public relations, and international law. You’ll build a foundation in analytics, critical thinking, and research skills. Plus, it is a stepping stone to a variety of different fields. You could pursue a career as a campaign manager, lobbyist, speechwriter, public opinion analyst, and more.
Accelerated Master’s in Political Science
Accelerated master’s in political science programs hone communication, research, critical thinking, and analytic skills. If you want to earn your master’s while right after undergrad, some accelerated bachelor’s degrees in political science include an accelerated master’s degree in a five-year program. Earning a master’s in poli sci can open careers as a political scientist, sociologist, researcher, or educator.
Careers for Accelerated Political Science Degrees
Of course, the main advantage of an accelerated degree is that you can enter the workforce earlier, so you can start earning money sooner. Plus, online degrees give you the flexibility to earn while studying. A poli sci degree offers training applicable to diverse careers, from political analyst to speech writer to pre-law.
| Jobs | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| Political Scientist | $132,350 |
| Postsecondary Political Science Teacher | $105,530 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $66,750 |
| Sociologist | $101,770 |
| Survey Researcher | $60,960 |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fastest Political Science Degrees
How quickly can you get a political science degree online?
Most online bachelor’s degrees in political science require 120 credit hours for graduation. Accelerated bachelor’s degrees can be finished in three years or less. Other programs offer a five-year combined bachelor’s and master’s degree in political science.
What’s the difference between a BA vs. a BS in political science?
Both a BA and a BS in political science offer a similar core curriculum but have differences in emphasis. A BA in political science usually requires a foreign language and is a good choice if you’re interested in pursuing international policy, public relations, non-profit campaigns, or foreign service.
A BS in political science will focus more on data, statistics, and research. A BS is a good fit if you’re interested in data-driven public policy or political science research. With a BS in political science, you could also pursue careers in business analytics or data science.
Can you get a bachelor’s in political science in two years?
With accelerated programs, getting your bachelor’s in political science in two years may be possible. However, to complete a degree that quickly, you’ll need to take summer courses and take more than a full course load.
Considering that a typical bachelor’s in political science requires 120 credits to graduate, you need to plan on earning 60 credits per year to graduate in two years. Credit for internships, work experience, AP courses, and online courses can make it easier to earn a degree in two years.
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