Online Master's Degrees in Political Science: Reviewing Top Programs

Profiles of Online Political Science Master’s Programs

Political science degrees often fit well with online learning. Much of the curriculum can be completed in a 100% virtual environment, and campus visits are either minimal or not required. This is useful for those seeking a master’s degree in political science who already have a full- or part-time job.

When evaluating programs, it is most important to check for accreditation. There are generally two types of accreditation: programmatic and institutional. The former concerns the accreditation of a specific program, while the latter deals with the entire college or university. Currently, there are no organizations that accredit political science programs at the master’s level in the United States. However, prospective students should confirm the school they plan to enroll in has institutional accreditation. This information can be found at the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

This section profiles three accredited master’s programs in political science, to give you a better understanding of what to expect with these programs.

Key Questions from Political Science Master’s Students

How long does it take to complete a master’s degree in political science online?

The vast majority of online master’s degrees in political science consist of between 30 and 40 credit hours. Full-time students can earn their degree within 18 months and part-time students typically finish within three years. In addition to the pace in which a student takes courses, the decision to complete a thesis can also add to the time it takes to graduate. Most online programs will be identical to traditional programs with respect to curriculum requirements, so online students can earn their degree in the same amount of time as an on-campus student.

How much does an online master’s degree in political science cost?

One of the major decisions to make when choosing an online master’s degree in political science is how much it costs to complete it. The exact cost depends on a variety of factors, such as residency status, program type, and the availability of financial aid. Each program will also have different student fees and housing costs. Before you apply to a program make sure you understand the cost of tuition and the amount of fees that the program will charge. Typically, an online master’s degree should cost anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000.

What are the admissions requirements for online master’s in political science degrees?

Most online political science master’s degree programs will have the same basic application requirements. These include:

• Application and fee
• Official transcripts
• A minimum undergraduate GPA, often 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement

Some admissions offices will have additional requirements, such as a professional writing sample and an undergraduate degree in political science or related social science field of study. Alternatively, an applicant may have an undergraduate degree in a non-political science field but will have taken a certain number of courses in political science.

Do I have to take the GRE to get into an online political science master’s program?

Though some online master’s programs in political science will require the GRE as a part of an admissions application, some graduate schools don’t require GRE scores. One good example is the University of Nebraska Omaha. Others make it optional, such as Sam Houston State University.

Is a master’s degree in political science worth it?

Yes. Earning a master’s degree in political science allows you to take the next step in professional development. A bachelor’s degree is usually enough for entry-level work, whether it’s as a researcher, analyst, historian or lobbyist. But after earning a master’s degree, graduates can take on higher-level roles, such as making strategic decisions about their organization or taking on a managerial role in their department. Whether you want a career in politics or you want to work for non-profits, the political science field opens up a wide range of occupations that place graduates at the forefront of societal change while allowing them to make a respectable living.

Concentrations & Specializations for Online Political Science Programs

Political science is a fairly general area of study, but a master’s degree can allow students to establish a specific niche in their education. In fact, the opportunity to specialize is a major reason to earn a master’s in political science online. A graduate’s focus can help open doors to specific careers, whether in government or the private sector. Here are some of the common concentrations:

American Government

Coursework focuses on understanding how the United States government works. Topics covered include the Constitution, Article III courts, the executive branch, and the legislative process.

Comparative Government and Development

This is for those who want to learn as much as they can about various forms of government. The curriculum will include instruction in different forms of government, such as dictatorships, democracies, monarchies, and other authoritarian forms of government. Coursework will also cover the role terrorist organizations and the military play in diplomacy and government affairs.

General Political Science

This is for students who want a broad understanding of the field of study, as well as greater flexibility in their choice of electives and non-core coursework. General programs ensure a broad knowledge base in political theory, research, and international affairs. This concentration is best for students who want a well rounded education to use in a teaching setting, like the program at Georgia State University.

International Affairs

This is great for those interested in foreign policy. You’ll choose among courses that focus on government and diplomatic relationships between the United States and its allies and adversaries. You’ll also examine international law, government-military relations, and the role gender plays in global politics. The University of Nebraska at Omaha currently offers an Internation Affairs concentration that allows students to take 15 of the required 30 credits in this one particular concentration.

Public Policy

Students will learn about a plethora of issues that relate to governing and how these issues interconnect. Expect to learn about the economy, national security, foreign policy, domestic policy, and methods of governance.

The Standard Political Science Curriculum

While each program has a different approach to its curriculum, there are some similarities, especially with the core classes. Below is a list of five courses prospective political science students can expect to find, whether as a core class or an elective.

Administrative Internship

Students can earn academic credit for an internship at a state, federal, or local government organization. Often, students are responsible for finding and setting up the internship.

Comparative Political Systems

A core class that all master’s level political science students take, this class introduces the basic principles, issues, and theories relating to the comparison of different forms of government and political systems. The political systems of various nations also will be discussed.

The Presidency

This class examines the history of the presidency in the United States. Students will examine how the president gets elected, an overview of executive power, and the role the president has when making policy and enforcing the law. You’ll also look at the relationship between the presidency and other branches of government.

Political Science Capstone Project

This project is an opportunity to show the knowledge and skills learned from earlier coursework. Students will have a chance to apply what they learned to an original research project through design, completion, and analysis.

Seminar in the Research Methods in Political Science

Political science is driven by research and data. This course trains students to design and conduct research and collect data. They will become familiar with tools for analyzing the data, including the use of statistical methods.

Career Outlook & Expected Salaries for Political Science Master’s Degrees

Fundraising Manager

Fundraising managers work to develop and carry out strategies to help their clients raise money. These clients may be charitable organizations, educational institutions, or political campaigns. Job duties also include interacting with donors, supervising fundraising activities, and identifying potential donors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay in 2023 was $130,480 per year, and the projected growth rate of this career for 2023-2033 is 7%.

Political Scientist

Political scientists study political systems. This may include research into historical governments and methods of rule, as well as analysis of current government systems. Political scientists may also focus on a specific area, such as types of government policies or ideas and what these mean for the future of government or politics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay in 2023 was $132,350 per year, and the projected growth rate of this career for 2023-2033 is 3%.

Survey Researcher

A survey researcher develops and conducts surveys, then analyzes and interprets the results. The goal of these surveys is to gain a better understanding of demographics and behaviors. One of the biggest applications for the use of survey information is with political polls. Survey researchers need a solid understanding of not just statistics but also the underlying motivations of those being surveyed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay in 2023 was $60,960 per year.

Highly Rated Poli Sci Master’s Programs for Online Students

With dozens of online master’s degree programs in political science available, it can be tough to find the right one. To help, we’ve researched and analyzed more than 7,000 accredited colleges and universities to identify the top schools with online master’s degrees in political science. See which institutions stand out when it comes to price, classroom size, student resources, and online program availability. For more information on STEPS’s ranking methodology, visit the “About the Rankings” pop-up below.