Best Online Master’s in Political Science Programs

Got a passion for politics, law, and governmental institutions? Think about an online master’s in political science program. You’ll learn how political activity influences the social sciences, gaining skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and political systems.

A master’s in political science can lead to rewarding careers in government, public policy, education, and even the nonprofit world. In addition to opening the door for a variety of different career opportunities, the degree makes you eligible to pursue a doctoral degree if you’re interested in further academic advancement.

Read on to learn about potential career paths, salaries, job outlook, and program expectations.

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

Earning a master’s degree in political science allows you to work in nonprofit, law, government, education, or consulting. You may find a position as a campaign manager, legislative assistant, or political reporter, where you’d apply your political savvy, critical thinking, and research skills to address pressing issues.

Jobs for political scientists, who help shape public policy, are projected to grow by 3% from 2023 to 2033, as fast as average for all professions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Other roles include public relations specialists, for which jobs are projected to grow by 6%, according to the BLS. Urban and regional planning jobs are projected to grow by 4%. Roles such as regulatory affairs specialist and compliance manager let you ensure organizations meet legal and regulatory requirements.

After you graduate, you may be able to earn anywhere from $50,000 a year as a policy analyst to $90,000 a year as a lobbyist.

An online master’s degree in political science will give you a deep understanding of legal concepts and government systems, preparing you for a career as a policy analyst, lobbyist, or legislative assistant.

If, after your online master’s in political science degree, you want to pursue a law degree, you will have the critical thinking skills and subject matter expertise to enroll in law school, pass the bar, and become a successful lawyer.

With your knowledge of political systems and government functions and skills in policy analysis, you’ll be prepared to work in government agencies. Relevant roles you might pursue include government researcher, campaign staff, legislative aid, and policy analyst.

An online master’s degree in political science will give you the skills to contribute to policymaking, so you can work in policy development, draft legislation, and advise elected officials.

Your online master’s in political science program will give you skills in policy understanding, research, critical thinking, and communication.

With advanced skills in policy analysis, you can work as a legislative aid, public relations specialist, policy analyst, or program evaluator. You could even work in public affairs within federal, state, or local government.

If you want to work as a political journalist, commentator, news editor, or political analyst, you’ll be well-equipped with the skills you gained from your online master’s in political science program.

You’ll have the research, analysis, and critical thinking skills to apply your deep understanding of politics while reporting on political news for public audiences.

Your online master’s in political science program can further develop your communication, research, and analytical skills as well as impart a deep understanding of political systems.

These skills will serve you well in politics, where you can contribute to government operations and policy development at any governmental level. You could work as a legislative aide, campaign manager, lobbyist, or public opinion researcher.

With an online master’s in political science degree, you can pursue a teaching career at the middle school or high school level. You’ll draw from the skills analysis and research skills you learned from your master’s program.

You’ll also have a foundation in political theory, which you can use to teach social studies courses. If you pursue a doctoral degree, you’ll be eligible to work in higher education, teaching political science courses at a college or university.

Skills in research, policy understanding, communication, and advocacy, are valuable for working with nonprofit organizations. This includes non-governmental organizations (NGOs), foundations, and advocacy groups.

In the nonprofit world, you can influence public policy and work on policy analysis, program development, campaign management, and related projects.

Your master’s in political science program will provide you with advanced critical thinking, analytical, and research skills. You’ll also gain a deep understanding of political systems in and outside the U.S.

As you explore online master’s in political science programs, you’ll notice that these programs tend to require students to complete between 30 and 36 credits at a rate of $384 to $565 per credit. As for length, these programs range from two to four years. You can potentially save money on tuition by applying to schools in your state. Otherwise, you might have to pay extra as an out-of-state student.

Courses you may encounter include the following: