Best Online Political Science Programs

In online bachelor’s in political science programs, students gain foundational knowledge in areas like political theory, American politics, and political economy. Political science majors develop practical research, writing, and critical thinking skills throughout their program, preparing them for diverse careers and academic opportunities.

Political science graduates can enter various careers both within and beyond the political realm, working in business, nonprofit, and civil service positions. Earning a bachelor’s in political science is also an excellent choice for degree-seekers who plan to pursue careers in government and public policy.

The following page explores the ins and outs of undergraduate political science degrees. In addition to covering what students can expect in the classroom, this guide examines application requirements, career prospects for political science graduates, and the elements that make up a quality online program.

Read on to learn more about what a bachelor’s in political science can offer.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Online bachelor’s in political science students typically complete 120 credits before graduating. In addition to general education requirements, learners take classes in political theory, comparative politics, and American government. Throughout these programs, degree-seekers also hone communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills that prepare them for a variety of careers.

Political science majors can often choose between earning a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree. Students choosing the latter option supplement core requirements with more math and science courses, while those pursuing a BA typically complete additional humanities and foreign language requirements. Possible concentrations or focuses in political science programs include political theory, international relations, and comparative politics.

Online students may complete coursework asynchronously or synchronously. Asynchronous programs provide learners with more flexibility by eliminating scheduled class times. These programs use online discussion boards and collaborative projects to ensure that distance learners can still connect with their peers and professors.

Read on to learn about classes students often encounter while earning an online bachelor’s in political science.

This introductory course covers the challenges and opportunities inherent to democratic forms of government, the persistence of non-democratic regimes, and political development in countries around the globe. Students focus on the political institutions and processes in industrialized democracies, developing nations, and post-communist regimes.

In this course, students grapple with the complex relationship between citizenship, freedom, and economics, delving into the enduring ideas behind Western political thought. Channeling these intellectual challenges through thinkers like Aristotle, Locke, and Marx, students explore the how and why of the political and social experience.

Introducing learners to actors in global politics, this course explores the interactions and relationships between various countries. To gain an understanding of contemporary global politics, students also explore the historical intricacies and development of institutions like the United Nations and European Union.

In this course, students explore the political behaviors of citizens, activists, legislators, and politicians throughout United States history. This course covers essential topics like the presidency, civil rights, and the Constitution.

Examining the issues, history, and theories within the international political economy, this course explores the behaviors, consequences, and political interactions resulting from the pursuit of wealth. Covered topics often include international trade, international economic systems, and the influence of multinational corporations.

Political science graduates begin their careers armed with marketable research, writing, and analytical skills. As a result, these graduates can find work in various public, private, and nonprofit settings.

Individual career decisions influence the professional outlook for graduates with a bachelor’s in political science. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 1% job decline for high school teachers between 2023 and 2033. During the same period, the BLS projects 8% job growth for market research analysts. Conversely, students pursuing journalism careers enter a competitive trade with negative projected growth rates.

See where an online bachelor’s in political science can take you. Learn more about political science careers.

Teachers create academic lessons while teaching students the necessary knowledge to begin their professional or college careers. Often teaching classes focusing on topics like American government and civics, these professionals also help students develop research and writing skills. To work in public schools, educators must complete an approved teacher preparation program and earn state licensure.

Median Annual Salary: $65,220 (May 2023)

Whether working for newspapers, digital media, or television, political journalists often have a background in political science. These professionals investigate news stories, conduct research for assigned stories, and use contacts to conduct interviews. Some journalists enter the field immediately after earning their bachelor’s degree.

Median Annual Salary: $57,500 (May 2023)

Using research and critical thinking skills, these analysts study market conditions and their impact on the sale of goods and services. These professionals analyze the effectiveness of marketing strategies while dealing with complex data.

Median Annual Salary: $74,680 (May 2023)

Providing various support services to elected officials, legislative aides often coordinate meetings, write speeches, and summarize legal research. These professionals also monitor legislative developments, meet with constituents, and research potential legislation.

Average Annual Salary: $49,920 (August 2024)

Laws and regulations can significantly affect a company’s bottom line, and government affairs directors help them manage legal changes. Additionally, these professionals implement policy strategies, manage relationships with legislators, and help shape public relations strategies.

Average Annual Salary: $110,490 (August 2024)

Graduates with a bachelor’s in political science often pursue a graduate-level education. An advanced degree often leads to expanded career options, greater expertise, and increased earning potential.

In addition to on-campus continuing education options, online degrees abound. Students interested in a political science master’s degree can choose from several online options. Political science graduates also enroll in MBA programs, JD programs, and Ph.D. programs in education and public administration.

Earning an online bachelor’s in political science can open up a variety of career and academic opportunities. This degree helps learners hone widely applicable research, writing, and critical thinking skills.

Additionally, online students can often manage personal and professional obligations while completing academic requirements, especially if they enroll in an asynchronous program.

Students with a bachelor’s in political science develop the tools needed to tackle various careers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

While it may seem like a niche field for future academics and politicians, political science offers graduates the chance to pursue careers as market research analysts and high school teachers. Additionally, a bachelor’s in political science is a strong choice for students planning on applying to law school.

Political science graduates can enter a variety of careers, although demand varies by sector. The BLS projects negative job growth for high school teachers and 6% job growth for public relations specialists between 2023 and 2033.

Graduate school is another viable option for political science graduates — gaining additional expertise and training can enhance career options and earning potential.

How much money a political science graduate can make depends on their specific job and professional experience. For example, as of May 2023, high school teachers earned a median annual salary of $65,220.

As with most careers, gaining additional professional experience can lead to higher wages. Additionally, earning postgraduate certificates or a graduate degree can significantly increase earning potential. Political science majors who go on to earn a law degree can become lawyers, who earned a median salary of $145,760 per year, as of May 2023.

In addition to earning an annual median salary of over $74,000, market research analysts also enter a field that the BLS projects to grow by 8% from 2023-2033. Additionally, according to PayScale data from August 2024, government affairs directors boast an average base salary of over $110,000 per year.

For individuals interested in maximizing their earning potential, graduate school may be a good idea. For example, political scientists, who generally need a master’s or doctoral degree, earned a median annual salary exceeding $130,000 as of May 2023.

Offered by the American Political Science Association (APSA), the political science careers page helps majors identify internships and career paths. It also provides a job board with open positions.

The internship database at the APSA helps political science majors identify opportunities in the federal government, Congress, and other political agencies. It also includes resources on how to turn an internship into job opportunities.

Published by the APSA, the journal represents the premier venue for scholarly writing in political science. The journal dates back to 1906 and publishes scholarship in all areas of political science.

The national honor society for political science students, PSA offers scholarship opportunities, awards, grants, and student leadership opportunities for members.

With a focus on American foreign policy and global affairs since 1922, Foreign Affairs provides a print magazine, a website, and other mediums to read analyses of foreign politics. Foreign Affairs also publishes book reviews.

Political science students benefit from joining professional organizations, which provide networking opportunities and professional development resources for students planning careers in multiple fields. These organizations often host an annual conference, provide resources geared toward students, and offer scholarship and award opportunities. Members also receive access to recent publications and journals to stay current in their field. Many professional organizations also host career centers with job postings in political science.