Guide to Top Online Political Science Bachelor’s Degrees

Do you find yourself constantly checking news headlines and analyzing the issues of today? If this sounds like you, an online political science degree might be right for you. This degree is a great way to prepare for careers in high-impact fields, such as economics, public policy, and politics. With an online degree program, completing your studies in this field can be easier and more affordable than ever. STEPS will help you learn about career paths, discover top-rated online political science degree programs, and get answers to your questions about the field. Continue reading to decide whether this degree is right for you and your career ambitions.

Author: Karen A. Brudnak

Editor: Grace Butler

Updated: 04/01/2025

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Political Science Degrees: Learning the Basics

Political science is a branch of social science that examines systems of governance, politics, and power and analyzes political activities and behavior. Online degree programs in political science teach students the fundamentals of the field to establish a robust knowledge base, and then integrate real-world topics into the conversation.

Studying political science can be both rewarding and intellectually stimulating. Students will explore the history and development of key political ideologies, such as justice and civil rights. They will also study the research methods used by political scientists and learn how to apply them in their own research. Depending on the school you attend, your program may conclude with an integrative capstone requirement that prepares you for professional work or further study.

Still interested? Let’s take a deeper look at career paths in political science and see which one might be the right fit.

The Careers of Political Science Graduates

By equipping you with the ability to research and analyze, a political science degree can prepare you for many different careers, including a career in politics. Political science is one of the most popular degrees for those applying to law school, but it’s also a good match for a variety of other fields. Below are some career ideas you may have already begun exploring, as well as some that might be new to you.

Law

If you’re interested in attending law school and pursuing a career as an attorney, a political science degree is an excellent choice for your undergraduate degree. However, if you decide that extensive years of study aren’t appealing, another option is to become a paralegal.

Paralegals work with lawyers and attorneys to provide support across a variety of administrative and research-oriented tasks. Many paralegals and legal assistants work in private practices, but some focus on larger firms that work in politics and governmental oversight.

Typical duties for law professionals include fact-finding and case investigation, evidence analysis, and preparation of legal documents. Job titles include:

Attorney
Legal Assistant
Legal Paraprofessional
Paralegal
Senior Paralegal

Communications

These media professionals use their expertise in disciplines such as political science to inform the general public and offer analysis of the news and other current events. Members of this field tend to be excellent writers and communicators, with an eye for finding stories important to today’s consumers of media.

As part of their job duties, communications professionals may research relevant topics, investigate new story ideas, and offer their own reporting. Many work for traditional media outlets and online outlets, such as websites, magazines, newspapers, television, and radio. Job titles include:

Blogger
Correspondent
News Analyst
Reporter
Social Media Influencer

Marketing

Marketers study current economic conditions to enhance potential sales of a service or product and forecast future trends. They are often tasked with researching and analyzing consumer behavior and working to measure the effectiveness of their organization’s strategy.

Marketers may work as part of a marketing firm and interact with one or many clients. In this capacity, your political science degree can help give you insight into decision-making and effective research methods. Job titles include:

Advertising and Promotions Manager
Market Research Analyst
Marketing Manager
Marketing Director
Social Media Manager

Civil Service

Once a political science degree gives you expertise and insight into the function of governments, a job in national, state, or local government will tap into those skills. Civil servants provide services to the public, implement government policy, and manage government programs.

Civil servants are hired employees and are not elected officials. Some, but not all, civil service jobs require you to take a civil service exam. You’ll find a variety of positions, some available with a bachelor’s degree in political science and others that require additional education. Job titles include:

Communications Specialist
Contract Manager
Intelligence Analyst
Policy Analyst
Social Services Director

Education

Whether you’re interested in teaching elementary social studies, middle school civics, high school advanced placement classes, or college political science courses, your political science degree will give you the knowledge to take on these educational roles.

Before teaching in public schools, you may need to complete a lateral entry program to get your teaching credentials. To teach in private schools, the required credentials will vary. For teaching at the college level, you’ll need at least a master’s degree and possibly a doctorate. Job titles include:

Assistant Professor
Civics Teacher
Political Science Teacher
College Instructor
Social Studies Teacher

Salary and Career Details

Area ↕	Occupation ↕	10th Percentile ↕	90th Percentile ↕	Median ↕
U.S.	Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists	$40,040	$137,040	$74,680
U.S.	Financial Analysts and Advisors	$53,540	$211,540	$97,450
U.S.	Paralegals and Legal Assistants	$39,710	$98,830	$60,970
U.S.	News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists	$31,550	$160,360	$57,500
U.S.	Public Relations Specialists	$38,570	$126,220	$66,750

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Area ↕	Occupation ↕	Curr. Jobs ↕	Proj. Jobs ↕	New Jobs ↕	Growth % ↕
United States	Financial Analysts	317,200	341,400	24,200	7.60%
United States	Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists	868,600	985,200	116,600	13.40%
United States	News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists	58,500	56,600	-1,900	-3.20%
United States	Paralegals and Legal Assistants	354,300	369,100	14,800	4.20%
United States	Public Relations Specialists	297,100	315,100	18,000	6.10%

Political Science Degrees by Level: Which is Right for You?

Because political science can take you in so many directions, there’s no correct answer for which degree to seek. If you’re looking for an entry-level job or are completing basic coursework to transfer into a bachelor’s program, then an associate degree will serve you well. Plus, that community college tuition makes the financial burden smaller.

If law school is in your future, then a bachelor’s degree is the right fit. If you’re more interested in teaching or leading major research projects, you’ll want to consider a master’s or doctoral program. Below is a breakdown of these different political science degrees.

Undergraduate Certificates

An undergraduate certificate is an option for students wanting to gain baseline knowledge in a specific subject or specialty without having to complete an entire degree program. Political science students pursuing an undergraduate certificate may be looking to enter the workforce quickly, transition to a new career in political science, or add a subject specialty to their resumes.

If you’re looking to dip your toes into a political science education, an undergraduate certificate may be a great place to start. Many undergraduate certificates can be taken fully online. As another bonus, if you decide to pursue a full degree in political science, the credits you earn in your undergraduate certificate can often be transferred to a degree program.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Undergraduate Certificate Program

University of Maryland Global Campus’s Certificate in American Government and Political Processes

This undergraduate certificate at the University of Maryland Global Campus gives students an in-depth study and analysis of the U.S. government. Students in this fully online program will analyze the vertical and horizontal structures of the American government and study the three federal branches, bureaucracies, and the state governments in an academic context.

Cost	Credits	Mode	Accreditation
$324-$499/credit	18	100% Online	MSCHE

Associate Degrees

An associate degree gets you the credentials you want without needing to commit four or more years to schooling. It’s a great option to get your foot in the door, acquire a degree in your field, and give yourself time to determine whether you wish to pursue further education. Plus, you might have access to tuition reimbursement through your employer, which means you won’t have to pay the full cost when you move on to your bachelor’s degree.

While an associate degree generally takes about two years, many community college programs allow you to spread that out so you can fit in life’s other commitments, such as work and family.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Associate Degree Program

Barton Community College’s Associate of Arts in Political Science

If an associate degree seems like the right start, but you know you want to continue to a bachelor’s degree program, check out the online political science program at Barton Community College. Designed specifically for those intending to move into a bachelor’s program, the curriculum includes courses such as Government of the United States, Introduction to Political Science, Social and Behavior Sciences, and International Relations.

Cost	Credits	Mode	Accreditation
$160/credit	60	100% Online, On Campus	HLC

Bachelor’s Degrees

A bachelor’s degree is a fairly standard entry point for a political science career and prepares you for a wide variety of jobs. It’s a popular option if you’re headed to law school or it could also be paired with a post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate for a quicker route into the legal field. Students can also continue into post-graduate programs to obtain more advanced degrees.

Political science bachelor’s degrees also set you up for civil service jobs, advocacy work as part of a nonprofit, or a business-oriented position in marketing or finance. Most political science bachelor’s degree programs will take about four years to complete.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Program

Southern New Hampshire University’s Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

The eight-week courses offered in this program allow you to move through your studies quickly and focus on each subject more deeply. Courses within the major include Public Administration, American Politics, International Relations, State and Local Government, and The Legal System in America. Electives such as Modern War and Society, Grant Writing, Public Fiscal Management, and Municipal Government Operations help you shape the program to match your interests.

Cost	Credits	Mode	Accreditation
$330/credit	120	100% Online	NHCTE

Graduate Certificate Programs

A graduate certificate can give you an added specialty or can help you fill in gaps in your educational background. Some graduate certificates are designed to be completed after a master’s or doctoral degree, and others are for anyone who has a bachelor’s degree or higher.

With a graduate certificate in hand, you’ll have proof of your skills and expertise, which will help you qualify for promotions and pay raises. Typically, graduate certificates require 12-15 credit hours of course study. That means the price is much lower than a full master’s program, so graduate certificates can be a money-saving option.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Graduate Certificate Program

East Carolina University’s Certificate in Security Studies

You can quickly carve out a specialty in security with this graduate certificate. As part of the program, you’ll take two core courses: Security Studies Foundations and Changing Nature of National Security. It also includes three electives chosen from the following: Cryptography and Information Security, Information Security Management, Criminal Justice and Terrorism, or Cyber Warfare and Security.

Cost	Credits	Mode	Accreditation
$289.11/credit	15	100% Online	SACSCOC

Master’s Degrees

A master’s degree in political science prepares you to step into a leadership role, teach political science topics, or progress into a doctoral program. A typical political science master’s requires 30 to 40 credits and takes about two years to complete. Programs at public universities generally cost less than those at private universities, though financial aid for public service degrees and scholarships for public service students can significantly cut the price difference.

The amount of research and reading in political science programs makes them a great fit for online studies. Online students often have access to many remote sources, such as online libraries and databases.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Master’s Degree Program

Virginia Tech’s Online Master of Arts in Political Science

This standout political science master’s program provides a strong foundation in political science and research methods. You’ll complete nine credits of required courses in research methods and contemporary political theory, 12 credits of electives, and nine credits for your research and thesis. Classes are asynchronous, which makes the program ideal for students looking for a flexible course schedule.

Cost	Credits	Mode	Accreditation
$969.25-$1,884.25/credit	30	100% Online	SACSCOC

Doctoral Degrees

A doctorate in political science gets you set to take charge and do big things. Your colleagues and potential employers will see you as an expert in the field and will turn to you for opinions, background, insight, and advice.

A political science doctorate makes you a good fit for the fields listed above, but it also opens doors to roles such as campaign manager and political consultant — positions you might not be able to fill with less education. For most doctoral programs, you’ll need a solid grade point average (GPA), typically about a 3.0, and you may have to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

STEPS Pick: Best Online Doctoral Degree Program

Atlantic International University’s Doctorate in Political Science

With a mix of synchronous and asynchronous classes, the Atlantic International University Doctorate in Political Science prepares you to lead a research project, take charge of a grant, publish a book, develop a curriculum, or teach at any level. Courses cover politics and political systems around the world, legislation, international law, the judicial system, and more.

Cost	Length	Mode	Accreditation
$250/credit	3-5 years	100% online	ASIC

Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Online Political Science Program

Finding the right online political science program might not be easy, but with so many excellent programs to choose from, you’ll have lots of options. One way to get a sense of the differences between programs is to compare each curriculum. Some may lean toward a more international flavor and others more historical. Which school has the right balance and a course catalog full of classes that you can’t wait to take? That may be the one for you.

It’s worth doing a little introspection to make sure political science is the field you want to study. Below are some questions to help you think that through.

Am I comfortable with controversy?

Everyone has opinions, and that’s even more the case with those studying in political science programs. Whether you’re in your first associate degree class or working on your thesis for your doctorate, you’ll need to be comfortable with colleagues and classmates debating current issues, historic issues, government policies, and politics.

Can I see myself doing lots and lots of research?

While political science degrees can take you in many directions, one common denominator you will lean on is your ability to plow through piles of research and compile your responses. However, if reading through vast sums of material isn’t appealing to you, then a political science degree might not be the best fit.

Is a flexible career path appealing to me, or would I prefer a more standardized path?

Your political science degree can help you pursue a variety of careers, but that can feel aimless. From a “glass half full” point of view, you can take it in lots of different directions. However, if you’d rather know where you’re going step by step, then political science might not be the career for you.

Will I feel isolated if I complete an online degree?

You may spend countless hours with just you and your computer. However, that’s not the only solution. You can find a study buddy, make appointments with recognized experts in their program, or discuss your study topics with a local interest group. Lots of resources for public service students are out there to help you make an online degree work for you.

Is a political science degree too general?

That depends on your future plans. It’s true that a political science degree is all about intangible skills, such as doing research, asking good questions, nailing down facts, and analyzing situations. While that’s less concrete than knowing the latest programming language, what’s important is that you know how to solve problems, use logic, and think your way through questions — skills that will serve you in almost any career.

How Much Will a Degree in Political Science Cost You?

Higher education requires a significant financial commitment. The cost of an online political science degree depends on several factors. The length of your program — whether it’s a certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree — plays a significant role. Additionally, tuition varies between public and private institutions, with public schools usually costing less.

Even the decision to attend school full-time or part-time will affect the cost. Some schools charge a premium for a slower pace. However, that slower pace also means you may be able to pay on a class-by-class basis and avoid taking out loans.

Online degrees offer several financial advantages, though they come with some challenges as well. One major benefit is flexibility; you can continue working while completing your studies to maintain an income while you’re in school. With an online program, you won’t need to relocate, saving money on moving expenses and housing. In terms of challenges, online programs require a high degree of organization and motivation to keep yourself on track.

Despite the costs, a political science degree can open doors to careers in government, law, public policy, and business. With strong earning potential and opportunities for advancement, the investment in your education can pay off through higher salaries and more career prospects.

Student Help Center: Common Political Science Questions Answered

What accreditation should I be looking for with a political science degree?

Accreditation ensures that colleges or universities meet the highest standards of quality, rigor, and excellence. Of the two types of accreditation — regional and national — regional accreditation is the most common.

Outside agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) usually carry out the accreditation process. Sometimes, programs obtain additional, programmatic accreditation specific to their discipline. However, this is currently not the case with political science, so prospective students should look for regional accreditation when conducting research.

How long will it take me to earn a degree in political science online?

That depends on which degree you’re seeking. A graduate certificate can be yours in just a few months. For a bachelor’s or doctorate, you’re looking at at least four years of study. If you transfer in credits from previous studies, you may be able to reduce your timeframe by a significant margin.

What are the typical admissions requirements for online political science bachelor’s degrees?

You should always consult each prospective school for specifics, but most programs follow the same admissions process and require similar materials. You’ll want to put your best foot forward by submitting a competitive application that includes the following items:

Official transcripts for all previous academic work (especially important for transfer students)
A professional resume or CV detailing relevant work or volunteer experience
Recent American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores (some schools no longer require these)
Letters of recommendation from former teachers or mentors
A personal statement that discusses your background, long-term goals, and fit within the program

Can I earn my political science degree 100% online?

Political science requires fewer hands-on elements than other fields, which makes it much easier to complete online. You could encounter exceptions depending on the school or program, but in most cases, prospective students should have no trouble completing their course of study entirely online.

Is it better to get a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in political science?

Neither option is inherently better but depends on what you wish to do with your degree and your area of interest. Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs focus more on the humanistic side of things and bring political science into conversation with other disciplines in the liberal arts.

The Bachelor of Science (BS)pathway adopts a similar approach but focuses more on scientific modes of inquiry, quantitative data, and empirical investigation. Both qualify you for a range of professions and provide solid preparation for further study.

Making Your Decision

After having reviewed all this information on political science degrees, what do you think? Does an online political science program feel like the right fit for you?

If you’re excited about the possibilities, keep the momentum going. Make a list of schools that are of most interest, review their program and admissions information, and consider making an appointment with an admissions advisor to get answers to any lingering questions.

If you’re not as sure, our advice remains similar: Review political science programs and admissions information and talk to an advisor. Once your questions are answered, you’ll know with certainty if a political science degree is the right path for you.

Top Picks: Online Political Science Degree Programs

To help you narrow down potential schools, we’ve identified some of the best online political science degree programs, with choices based on flexibility, accreditation, affordability, and academic quality. These programs combine rigorous, comprehensive study with convenient and accommodating delivery methods. They also come out at the top in terms of financial aid opportunities, tuition, student/faculty ratios, availability of academic support services, and accreditation.

For more information on our rankings, you can review the “About the Rankings” section below. Now you can begin your school search and find out which programs make the top of your list.

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