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
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How We Rank Schools
This list features programs that prepare students for graduate study in political science and careers in related fields, such as public relations, market research analysis, and geography. Students can expect to receive either a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science or Bachelor of Science in Political Science. We’ve evaluated undergraduate programs that offer coursework online and in hybrid learning environments.
Accreditation is given to programs that uphold rigorous academic standards and adequately prepare students for jobs after graduation. Regional accreditation has been given to the schools on this list by institutions such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
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.
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.