An online bachelor’s in political science program prepares students for law, teaching, journalism, campaign management, government, and foreign service careers. Students learn many applicable skills for landing positions with competitive salaries. Public relations managers earn a median annual salary of $119,860, while the median annual salary for market research analysts is $63,920. Students can also go on to earn a master’s in political science, which will qualify them for additional jobs.
Bachelor’s degrees typically require 120 credit hours, which translates to four years of full-time study. The cost of this degree varies based on the school the student attends. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition at a four-year public institution was $7,869 in the 2021-22 academic year. At private institutions, undergraduate tuition averaged $$37,095.
How to Choose an Online Bachelor’s in Political Science Program
Choose an area of study
Because an online bachelor’s in political science degree is the foundation for many different career paths, students must clarify their career goals before choosing an area of study. Common concentrations in political science include:
-
- Pre-law
- Politics
- Journalism
- Public Relations
- Analysis
Once students know their concentration, they can determine if a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) will help them reach their goals. Bachelor of Arts degrees offer a broad-based liberal arts foundation. Bachelor of Science degrees have a more technical basis, focusing on research.
Research schools and programs
A good place to start with your research is confirming that the schools and programs you’re exploring are accredited. This will ensure that the school and its programs have undergone an extensive review by a third-party agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education. A school’s accreditation status can affect a student’s financial aid eligibility, post-graduation employment options, and other institutions they can attend for further study.
During the research phase, students should seek out answers to the following questions to help them evaluate programs:
- What are the faculty’s credentials?
- What are the school’s graduation and job placement rates?
- What support services does the school offer to online students?
- Are there networking opportunities for online students?
- What does the program curriculum include?
Students can visit a program’s website, take virtual campus tours, follow them on social media, and reach out to representatives online to learn whether a school meets their needs.
Prepare for tests and applications
While researching online, contact the admissions department and speak with a counselor about what they require in their college application. Each school may request different items.
However, in general, students will have to submit the following when applying to an online bachelor’s in political science program:
- Application (check if the school accepts the Common Application)
- Official transcripts from previous education
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
- Resume
One example is the college entrance exam. Some universities require students to submit scores for the SAT or ACT, although these tests are becoming increasingly optional.
Select your program
Students should select a program that fits within their budget, has a program format that meets their needs, offers student support to help them succeed, and offers curricula that match their career path.
One thing students should keep in mind when selecting programs to apply to is that most schools charge application fees, which can add up quickly. To help stay within budget, students can request an application fee waiver from the school’s admissions or financial aid office.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
A university’s financial aid department can answer questions regarding how to pay for an online bachelor’s in political science program.
The first step students should take is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Schools use the information collected by this form to determine eligibility for student loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study funding.
Whenever possible, students should use gift aid, like scholarships and grants that don’t require repayment, before borrowing student loans. Students who are borrowing money should research the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized direct federal loans.
Students working full-time may want to see if their company provides employee tuition assistance.
Best 50 Accredited Online Bachelor’s in Political Science Programs
intelligent score 99.69
Award
Rankings
#1 Best Colleges
#2 The Best Schools
#4 Best Degree Programs
School Information
Orlando, FL
Graduation Rate: 73%
Admission Rate: 36%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $179
Out-of-State: $715
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
844-376-9160
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 99.56
Award
Rankings
#1 The Best Schools
#2 Best Colleges
#5 Best Degree Programs
School Information
Miami, FL
Graduation Rate: 67%
Admission Rate: 64%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $228
Out-of-State: $345
accreditation
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-782-1802
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 99.27
Award
Rankings
#2 Best College Reviews
#4 The Best Schools
#5 Best Colleges
#5 Online College Plan
#20 Best Degree Programs
School Information
Scottsdale, AZ
Graduation Rate: 47%
Admission Rate: 70%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $634
Non-Resident: $634
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
866-277-6589
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 98.74
Award
Rankings
#1 Best College Reviews
#3 Bachelors degree Center
#3 Best Colleges
#7 Online College Plan
#20 The Best Schools
#28 Best Degree Programs
School Information
University Park, PA
Graduation Rate: 70%
Admission Rate: 92%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
123
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$620-$664
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
814-863-5386
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
123
intelligent score 98.63
Award
Rankings
#4 Best Colleges
#5 The Best Schools
School Information
New Brunswick, NJ
Graduation Rate: 83%
Admission Rate: 68%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $416
Non-Resident: $994
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
848-445-8888
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 97.79
Award
Rankings
#6 Bachelors degree Center
#7 Best Colleges
#13 The Best Schools
#22 Best Degree Programs
School Information
Lubbock, TX
Graduation Rate: 63%
Admission Rate: 68%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $50
Non-Resident: $458
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
806-742-3121
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 97.79
Award
Rankings
#3 Best Degree Programs
#4 Best College Reviews
#6 The Best Schools
School Information
Hays, KS
Graduation Rate: 57%
Admission Rate: 90%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$226
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
785-628-4425
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 97.64
Award
Rankings
#6 Best Colleges
#15 The Best Schools
#23 Best Degree Programs
School Information
Corvallis, OR
Graduation Rate: 65%
Admission Rate: 89%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
180
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$350
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
541-737-9204
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
180
intelligent score 97.15
Award
Rankings
#3 The Best Schools
#18 Best Degree Programs
School Information
Manchester, NH
Graduation Rate: 36%
Admission Rate: 92%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$320
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-668-1249
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 96.66
Award
Rankings
#2 Bachelors degree Center
#15 Best Degree Programs
School Information
Iowa City, IA
Graduation Rate: 71%
Admission Rate: 86%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$385
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
319-335-3847
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 94.98
Award
Rankings
School Information
Austin, TX
Graduation Rate: 82%
Admission Rate: 29%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$362
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected].
Phone:
866-701-7515
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 94.76
Award
Rankings
School Information
Dahlonega, GA
Graduation Rate: 39%
Admission Rate: 81%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $186
Out-of-State: $658
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
678-717-2385
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 94.53
Award
Rankings
School Information
Adelphi, MD
Graduation Rate: 30%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $318
Out-of-State: $499
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-570-8682
Delivery Format
Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 91.46
Award
Rankings
School Information
Jonesboro, AR
Graduation Rate: 53%
Admission Rate: 63%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$276
accreditation
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
870-972-3548
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 90.59
Award
Rankings
School Information
Cedar City, UT
Graduation Rate: 53%
Admission Rate: 89%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$300
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
435-865-8665
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 89.8
Award
Rankings
School Information
Anchorage, AK
Graduation Rate: 34%
Admission Rate: 69%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$282
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
907-786-1480
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 89.68
Award
Rankings
School Information
Florence, AL
Graduation Rate: 51%
Admission Rate: 90%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$340
accreditation
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
256-765-4100
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 89.22
Award
Rankings
School Information
Boston, MA
Graduation Rate: 89%
Admission Rate: 18%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
128
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$541
accreditation
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
617-373-2200
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
128
intelligent score 88.94
Award
Rankings
School Information
Sonora, CA
Graduation Rate: 28%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$375
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
573-875-7484
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 88.67
Award
Rankings
School Information
Russellville, AR
Graduation Rate: 47%
Admission Rate: 94%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $249
Out-of-State: $499
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected].
Phone:
479-968-0343
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 88.43
Award
Rankings
School Information
Terre Haute, IN
Graduation Rate: 45%
Admission Rate: 94%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $242
Out-of-State: $352
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
844-445-0117
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 87.74
Award
Rankings
School Information
Madison, WI
Graduation Rate: 88%
Admission Rate: 60%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$675
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
608-262-3961
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 87.66
Award
Rankings
School Information
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Graduation Rate: 56%
Admission Rate: 96%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$916
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
888-453-4737
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 86.78
Award
Rankings
School Information
Kennesaw, GA
Graduation Rate: 49%
Admission Rate: 82%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$185
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
470-578-6227
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 85.85
Award
Rankings
School Information
Springfield, IL
Graduation Rate: 56%
Admission Rate: 79%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$367
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
217-206-7495
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 85.69
Award
Rankings
School Information
Saint Louis, MO
Graduation Rate: 93%
Admission Rate: 13%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,650
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
314-935-6700
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 85.35
Award
Rankings
School Information
Richmond, KY
Graduation Rate: 49%
Admission Rate: 98%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$421
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
859-622-4455
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 83.37
Award
Rankings
School Information
Pullman, WA
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: 86%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$563
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
509-335-3557
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 83.25
Award
Rankings
School Information
Providence, RI
Graduation Rate: 52%
Admission Rate: 45%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
122
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$495
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-342-5598
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
122
intelligent score 82.94
Award
Rankings
School Information
Norfolk, VA
Graduation Rate: 57%
Admission Rate: 96%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $393
Out-of-State: $1,073
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
757-683-3685
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 82.8
Award
Rankings
School Information
Tucson, AZ
Graduation Rate: 65%
Admission Rate: 87%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$500
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
520-621-3237
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 82.62
Award
Rankings
School Information
Mount Pleasant, MI
Graduation Rate: 61%
Admission Rate: 77%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
124
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$440
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
989-774-3442
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
124
intelligent score 80.35
Award
Rankings
School Information
Huntsville, TX
Graduation Rate: 61%
Admission Rate: 97%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $244
Out-of-State: $652
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
936-294-1457
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 80.16
Award
Rankings
School Information
Lynchburg, VA
Graduation Rate: 36%
Admission Rate: 99%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$390
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-424-9595
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 79.49
Award
Rankings
School Information
New Castle, DE
Graduation Rate: 44%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$409
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
877-967-5464
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 78.76
Award
Rankings
School Information
Richmond, IN
Graduation Rate: 48%
Admission Rate: 81%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $242
Out-of-State: $352
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
765-973-8200
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 77.55
Award
Rankings
School Information
San Diego, CA
Graduation Rate: 36%
Admission Rate: 55%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$370
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-355-6288
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 76.81
Award
Rankings
School Information
Orono, ME
Graduation Rate: 58%
Admission Rate: 96%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$388 - $485
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
207-581-5858
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 76.68
Award
Rankings
School Information
La Crosse, WI
Graduation Rate: 69%
Admission Rate: 74%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$450
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
608-785-6956
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 74.95
Award
Rankings
School Information
Dekalb, IL
Graduation Rate: 59%
Admission Rate: 70%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$360
accreditation
Network of Schools, Public Policy, Affairs and Administration
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
815-753-1011
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 73.84
Award
Rankings
School Information
Louisville, KY
Graduation Rate: 55%
Admission Rate: 75%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$514
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-871-8635
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 73.37
Award
Rankings
School Information
North Dartmouth, MA
Graduation Rate: 58%
Admission Rate: 92%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$342
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
508-999-9202
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 72.2
Award
Rankings
School Information
Honolulu, HI
Graduation Rate: 63%
Admission Rate: 70%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $650
Non-Resident: $1,402
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
808-956-8357
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 72
Award
Rankings
School Information
Saint Louis, MO
Graduation Rate: 59%
Admission Rate: 57%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $480
Non-Resident: $1,194
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
314-516-5000
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 71.23
Award
Rankings
School Information
Des Moines, IA
Graduation Rate: 62%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$472
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
515-263-6183
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
intelligent score 70.66
Award
Rankings
School Information
Whitewater, WI
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: 83%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$395
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
262-472-1440
Delivery Format
Online, On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
120
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How we rank schools
This list features some of the best online bachelor’s in political science degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online bachelor’s in political science degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect from an Online Bachelor’s in Political Science Program?
An online bachelor’s in political science program involves completing 120 credit hours of core curriculum and electives. Students must also complete a capstone project, including research, writing a final paper, or participating in an internship.
Full-time students in an accelerated program may finish in two to three years, while those not in an accelerated program may need four years. Part-time students often need five to six years to complete the degree program. Asynchronous programs make it easier for online students to move through the courses quicker. Asynchronous refers to a pre-recorded curriculum so students can finish classes faster than a synchronous, or real-time, program.
The curriculum for online and on-campus programs is usually the same. Students will study topics like the following:
- International relations
- Public laws and policies
- Government and politics
- Public administration
Potential courses you’ll take in an online bachelor’s in political science degree program
- Political Science 101. This introductory course provides students with a foundation in political science theories. Students learn how political science applies to America and internationally, politics and government, and the law.
- American Government. Students learn how the theories of political science impact the government. Topics in the class focus on current events, government structure, and the process of making policies. Students review and analyze real-life scenarios.
- Comparative Politics. Students learn how the American government differs from that of other countries. They examine and compare current politics, cultures, elections, and policies.
- Policy Making. Students learn policy-making steps, including who makes policies, the reasons behind policies, and how policies may not benefit everyone in America.
- The Law. Students learn the American legal system, the branches of government, the role of the courts, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and a comparison to international laws. They also study the Amendments and how politics and the law impact religion, minority groups, various cultures, and even the President.
What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor’s in Political Science Degree?
An online bachelor’s degree in political science provides a solid foundation for the additional study that is required for most political scientist jobs. Depending on their specific interests, students may also pursue graduate degrees in public administration or public policy.
Individuals who have a bachelor’s degree in political science are typically qualified for entry-level positions such as research assistants, political campaign workers, or government support staff. Because of the emphasis on research and analysis, political science graduates may also go on to work in the private sector as market researchers or budget analysts.
The majority of political science graduates work for the federal government, although they’re also found in civic and grantmaking organizations, educational services, and state and local governments.
Career outlook
- Market research analysts — Help a company promote its products or services by gathering and analyzing data on consumer buying habits, demographics, needs, and preferences. They collect data using various methods, such as focus groups, interviews, literature reviews, market analysis surveys, public opinion polls, and questionnaires.
- Median annual salary: $74,680
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 13%
- New jobs projected: 94,600 per year
- Survey researchers — Design surveys to collect factual data, such as employment and salary information, or to ask questions in order to understand people’s opinions, preferences, beliefs, or desires and provide analysis of results.
- Median annual salary: $60,960
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): -4%
- New jobs projected: 700 per year
- Political scientists — Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems, research political ideas, and analyze governments, policies, political trends, and related issues.
- Median annual salary: $132,350
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 7%
- New jobs projected: 600 per year
Online Bachelor’s in Political Science Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online bachelor's in political science degree program?
To confirm the steps in the application process, contact the school’s admissions office, as the process likely varies between schools. If a college requires an entrance exam like the SAT or ACT, students must plan to take it early enough to meet the deadline for submitting their application.
Universities cannot offer acceptance to students who do not submit all application materials, which generally include:
- Complete application and fees
- Standardized test scores
- Official transcripts from previous education
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
How much does an online bachelor's in political science degree program cost?
This will depend on a few factors unique to each person, as well as differences in how universities set tuition rates. Public universities tend to have lower tuition rates than private institutions. However, public schools may charge higher tuition rates for out-of-state students.
Other factors that will influence the annual and total cost of a bachelor’s degree include:
- Part-time vs. full-time status
- Additional university fees
- Scholarships and grants awarded to the student
- Employment status while enrolled
- Military and other tuition discounts
Students enrolled in online programs can save money by not having to pay for transportation, childcare, or on-campus activities fees.
How long does it take to earn an online bachelor's in political science program?
The time it takes a student to complete an online bachelor’s in political science program can depend on how quickly they can complete the program’s credit hours. Full-time students typically need four to five years to finish all requirements, while part-time students need five to six years. Students in an accelerated program can complete in two to three years.
A program with an asynchronous format makes it easier for students to complete their degree in less time. Finally, personal issues, like family emergencies, may cause a student to put school on hold, affecting the time it takes to complete.
Is an online bachelor's in political science worth it?
Individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in political science should be aware that most political science and related positions require, at minimum, a master’s degree. A bachelor’s in political science provides an ideal foundation for an advanced degree in this field, but on its own, may not qualify graduates for a broad range of positions.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals who have a bachelor’s degree earn $501 more per week than their counterparts with no college degree, translating to over $26,000 more per year. For students who earn a master’s and become political scientists, the median annual wage is $132,350, which is nearly triple the overall median wage of $48,060.