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20 Best Online Colleges with Online Degrees in Political Science

Written by College Cliffs Team At CollegeCliffs.com, our team, comprising seasoned educators and counselors, is committed to supporting students on their journey through graduate studies. Our advisors, holding advanced degrees in diverse fields, provide tailored guidance, current program details, and pragmatic tips on navigating application procedures.

Reviewed by Linda Weems I got started researching colleges and universities about 10 years ago while exploring a second career. While my second career ended up being exactly what I’m doing now, and I didn’t end up going to college, I try to put myself in your shoes every step of the way as I build out College Cliffs as a user-friendly resource for prospective students.

Updated: February 6, 2024, Reading time: 25 minutes

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For those intrigued by political systems, policy-making, and international relations, a bachelor’s degree in Political Science offers a gateway to a transformative career. This degree program covers governance, diplomacy, and the challenges faced by governments worldwide.

Online Degrees in Political Science - fact

Practical experiences and internships under the program enhance real-world understanding while transferable skills like analytical thinking and effective communication make graduates highly sought-after in various industries.

A graduate with a Political Science degree can pursue diverse paths, including political analysis, public administration, diplomacy, or campaign strategy.

Online Political Science programs feature general education courses while providing flexibility, enabling students to tailor their studies to particular interests and, most often, to complete the program in their own time.

Online programs are perfect for students who are working at the same time or have to balance work and responsibilities with their education.

In essence, a bachelor’s degree in Political Science empowers individuals to become influential contributors to shaping societies and nations. Through flexible online programs, students can embark on this transformative academic journey while managing other commitments effectively, opening doors to a world of impactful opportunities.

The Lowdown

Bachelor’s in Political Science degrees provide students with a comprehensive grasp of political systems, governance, and international relations. This program lays a strong foundation for a successful career in diverse fields related to politics and governance.

Upon completion, Political Science majors in this program have a range of career possibilities both in government and non-government sectors. The versatility of a degree in Political Science opens doors to various career opportunities besides political scientist work, according to the Labor Statistics Bureau.

Graduates can contribute to shaping policies, advocating for change, and understanding the complexities of political institutions.

Methodology

A lot of educational institutions across the US provide online bachelor’s degree programs in Political Science. To simplify and expedite your decision-making process, we have compiled a list of esteemed colleges and universities offering top-notch online or hybrid Political Science bachelor’s degree programs.

The institutions listed below, presented in no particular order, were chosen based on specific criteria. Essentially, each online Bachelor’s in Political Science programs offered by these reputable educational institutions exhibit the following attributes:

Check out our Methodology for more information.

College Cliffs is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

20 Best Online Bachelor’s in Political Science Programs

Arizona State University

Arizona State University - Online

(Online) Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Political Science

The Arizona State University, through ASU Online, offers more than 300 degree programs and certificates including two undergraduate degrees in political science:

Each program requires students to complete 120 credit hours.

The political science bachelor degrees of ASU equip students with the valuable skills necessary to be successful in government, politics, business and nonprofit careers. Some of the basic courses that political science students of ASU have to take include:

The University is a Higher Learning Commission accredited to provide its degree programs through ASU Online. It is also an institutional participant in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).

What Makes this Program Unique:

Diplomas completed through ASU Online will not specify that your bachelor in political science degree was completed online.

All transcripts and diplomas will simply say “Arizona State University,” as students of ASU Online will receive the same course content and learn from the same exceptional faculty as those under traditional, in-person programs.

Did You Know?

Some of the ASU alumni include Barbara Barrett, former U.S. Ambassador to Finland; and Vada Manager, former advisor to President Nelson Mandela.


Florida International University

Florida International University - Online

Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Florida International University offers fully online undergraduate degrees including Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, requiring students to complete 120 credits.

The program provides students with a disciplined education and equips them with the skills of political analysis, setting them up for a thriving career in government, the private sector, or graduate study in various fields.

The University earned these accreditations:

What Makes this Program Unique:

Did You Know?

The University ranks No. 1 in the U.S. for Quality Matters Certified online courses. The U.S. News & World Report also ranks FIU’s bachelor’s degrees as the Best Online Programs in 2023.

Some notable FIU alumni in the fields of politics and community service include:


Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University

Bachelor of Arts/Science in Political Science (Hybrid)

Fort Hays State University offers online and on-campus programs for its Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Political Science degrees. The core courses of these programs include:

In essence, FHSU’s Bachelor of Arts program requires 10 hours of modern language coursework, while the Bachelor of Science requires 20 hours of Science, Math and/or Applied coursework. The BA program also requires 21 hours of electives, while the BS program only requires 11 hours.

What Makes this Program Unique:

BA/BS in Political Science students can choose to concentrate on the following fields:

FHSU claims to offer world-class higher education experience at the best value and unmatched affordability anywhere across the country.

Did You Know?

A virtual tour of the campus is available for anyone who wants to explore the FHSU grounds.


Indiana University

Indiana University

Online Bachelor of Science in Political Science

Indiana University offers a 100% Online Bachelor of Science in Political Science, which prepares students for a fruitful career as government executives, legislators, community organizers, non-profit administrators, political scientists, social activists, news analysts, and court reporters, among others.

Students are required to complete 120 credit hours in order to graduate with a BS in Political Science degree. The program also exposes students to the politics at federal, state, and local government levels through the applicable courses, including:

What Makes this Program Unique:

Students who enroll in the IU Online program can enjoy the same quality education as those in on-campus classes since online courses are taught by the same exceptional faculty who teach on campus.

Did You Know?


Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University

Bachelor of Science in Political Science (Online)

Kennesaw State University, through Learn Online, offers a wide range of degree programs at doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s levels, as well as specialist education degrees, endorsements, minors, and certificate programs.

One of these valuable programs is the Bachelor of Science with a major in Political Science, designed for individuals who seriously take the responsibilities and opportunities of being in a democratic society. The program requires 120 credit hours, with these lower-division major requirements:

The University is SACSCOC-accredited.

What Makes this Program Unique:

Cooperative study programs and supervised internships at sites in government, industry, and business are available for students to participate in.

KSU is proud of its legacy of providing student-centered, research-driven university education that will empower graduates to seek and discover their own path to success. This is reflected in the University’s online courses, which undergo a thorough review process led by faculty and instructional design staff to ensure that the courses are meticulously prepared and delivered with utmost thoughtfulness.

Did You Know?

KSU is the third largest university in the state of Georgia with 11 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses.


Liberty University

Liberty University - Online

Bachelor of Science in Political Science (Online)

Liberty University trains effective political leaders through its 100% online B.S. in Political Science, requiring students to complete 120 credit hours. Some of the program’s courses include:

LU’s online political science program is eight weeks long with no set log in times and can be completed in less than four years.

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

What Makes this Program Unique:

Did You Know?


Oregon State University

Oregon State University Ecampus

Bachelor of Arts/Science in Political Science

Oregon State University offers B.A. or B.S. in Political Science through OSU Ecampus. The program requires 180 quarter credits, which is equivalent to 120 semester credits.

Some of the course topics covered in OSU’s political science programs include:

The University has gained Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities’ approval.

What Makes this Program Unique:

Did You Know?


Pennsylvania State University

The Pennsylvania State University

Online Bachelor of Arts, Online Bachelor of Science in Political Science

Pennsylvania State University offers two bachelor’s degrees in political science through its Penn State World Campus platform. These programs are:

 Both programs require at least 120 credits for completion. Some of the courses in the programs include:

Penn State is a Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) approved, as recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). It is also a National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements institutional participant.

What Makes this Program Unique:

The Penn State World Campus Career Services provides resources and tools for students to further their careers. The services include:

Did You Know?

Penn State has been providing distance education programs for more than 125 years. In 1998, the University launched World Campus and has made a high-quality, world-class education more accessible to domestic and international students since then.


Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Online)

Southern New Hampshire University offers Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with 24/7 online access to the classroom.  The program requires students to complete 120 credits and includes experiential learning opportunities. Faculty members also have real-world political experiences, ensuring students can learn from those who have been in the field.

SNHU is New England Commission of Higher Education-accredited.

What Makes this Program Unique:

Given New Hampshire’s long-held position as the first-in-the-nation primary, SNHU’s political science program can provide students with a unique perspective of the intricate relationship of the U.S. political system, public perception and the formulation of government policies.

Did You Know?


Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Online and Hybrid)

Texas Tech University offers students a completely online program for Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, requiring 120 credit hours for completion. This program, available on the University’s TTU Online platform, is offered by the College of Arts and Sciences.

TTU’s B.A. in Political Science is available at regional site campuses as well. On-site students have the option to take a combination of synchronous, face-to-face, and online courses to complete 36 hours of their requirements.

The University is accredited by the SACSCOC. It has also received approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to join the NC-SARA.

What Makes this Program Unique:

TTU is dedicated to providing quality support to online and distance-learning students, offering prestigious, affordable, flexible, and attainable educational solutions.

Did You Know?

TTU was ranked as America’s No. 1 Online Learning Schools (Colleges) by Newsweek in 2022.


The University of Arizona

The University of Arizona - Online

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Online)

The University of Arizona, through its Arizona Online platform, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science for students who are interested in the study of public policy, government, and the political behavior of groups and individuals.

Offered by the University’s College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, the program aims to equip students with analytical abilities and strong, clear communication skills. The courses for this bachelor’s degree program include:

The University is a WASC Senior College and University Commission-approved institution.

What Makes this Program Unique:

Did You Know?


University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Online)

The University of Central Florida offers online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science to students who want to establish a career in politics on local, national, and international levels. Graduates of this College of Sciences program are also presented with a variety of career opportunities in different fields, including:

This degree program, offered through UCF Online, requires students to complete 120 credit hours. Courses include Public Opinion, Civic Engagement, and Political Parties and Processes.

The University is SACSCOC-accredited. It is approved to participate in the NC-SARA.

What Makes this Program Unique:

Did You Know?

UCF has more than 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning. Its digital learning team has earned more than 100 awards and collectively published more than 130 peer-reviewed articles on digital education.


University of Illinois at Springfield

University of Illinois Springfield

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Online and Hybrid)

University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS) helps prepare students who are seeking a career in politics through its Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, which is offered 100% online. On-campus students also have the option to combine online and on-campus courses.

The program aims to prepare students with the theoretical understanding and practical experience needed for success, whether their aspirations involve shifting paradigms in local or international politics.

UIS is accredited by the HLC.

What Makes this Program Unique:

Did You Know?

The University is a leader in Model Illinois Government (MIG), a government simulation that provides students the chance to gain first-hand experience of the systems of politics and government in Illinois.


University of Iowa

University of Iowa

Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

The University of Iowa is offering students to pursue their Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree wherever they are in the world through its Department of Political Science online program. This B.A. program requires at least 120 semester hours towards graduation, including 36 s.h. of political science coursework.

More specifically, the program requires the following coursework:

The political science introductory courses include the mandatory Introduction to American Politics and four out of 18 optional courses, including introductions to the following:

Online students and on-campus students are held to the same degree and major requirements.

The University of Iowa is HLC-approved.

What Makes this Program Unique:

Did You Know?


University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus

Bachelor of Science in Political Science (Online and Hybrid)

The University of Maryland Global Campus equips students with an understanding of domestic and international politics through its online program, Bachelor of Science in Political Science. All courses are available online, but select hybrid courses are also available.

The BS program requires 120 credit hours, including 30 credits of required major courses such as:

Students can transfer as many as 90 credits in this online degree.

The University is MSCHE-approved. It is also a member of the University System of Maryland (USMD).

What Makes this Program Unique:

UMGC’s B.S. Political Science curriculum is designed with contributions from scholars, employers, and industry experts.

The University makes higher education attainable and affordable through the following:

Student services are available, including advising by email, chat, and phone, as well as lifetime career services.

Did You Know?

UMGC was founded more than 75 years ago to serve and provide education to working adults. It is the largest public university in the U.S.


University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth - Online and Continuing Education

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Online)

Through its Bachelor of Arts in Political Science online program, the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth can help students gain a comprehensive understanding of political structures and procedures within society worldwide.

Students are required to complete 120 credit hours to graduate. The program trains students to formulate and analyze arguments, develop research skills, and access and peruse writings on public affairs, among other valuable skills.

UMass Dartmouth is NECHE-accredited.

What Makes this Program Unique:

Did You Know?

UMassD is a military-friendly school recognized for its exemplary approaches to enrolling and supporting students with military backgrounds.


University of Memphis Global

University of Memphis Global

Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

The University of Memphis, through UofM Global, offers online B.A. Political Science for students who want the option and chance to complete the courses that best align with their schedules and preferences every semester.

The University’s political science bachelor program requires students to complete at least 120 credit hours. The degree program can be completed 100% online or by incorporating relevant college-level learning from previous educational experiences.

UofM is SACSCOC-approved and participates in NC-SARA.

What Makes this Program Unique:

Did You Know?,

With more than 20 years of experience in delivering online education, UofM Global offers top-ranked programs in various fields.


University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Online)

The Political Science (BA) degree of the University of North Dakota is offered 100% online, requiring students to complete 120 credits towards graduation. Some of the courses covered include American Government, Global Perspectives, Comparative Politics, Political Behavior, and Introduction to Research Methods.

UND’s online Political Science degree gives students greater flexibility in managing their schedules, as classes are asynchronous. Methods of instruction include:

UND is HLC- accredited.

What Makes this Program Unique:

Did You Know?

UND was founded in 1883, which was six years before North Dakota officially became a state. The University played a role in naming the state when the Dakota territories were divided into two separate states.


University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

The University of Wisconsin Whitewater - Online

Online Bachelor’s in Political Science

With its online Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Political Science degrees, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater not only equips aspiring students for successful careers in the public and private sectors but also prepares them for professional and graduate school.

The program is fully online and asynchronous, which means that students don’t have to come to the campus. Students also have the flexibility to attend school part-time or full-time.

The core program requirements include the following courses:

UW-Whitewater is HLC-accredited.

What Makes this Program Unique:

Did You Know?

Individuals who plan to check out the UW-Whitewater campus can participate in walking tours, whether self-guided, with a Warhawk, or in a group. Virtual campus tours are also available.


Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis

Bachelor of Science in Political Science (Hybrid)

Washington University in St. Louis, through the School of Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS), offers a Bachelor of Science in Political Science that allows students to split online and on-campus courses for greater flexibility in managing their lives.

This BS in Political Science degree covers political theory, comparative politics, political methodology, American politics, and international politics.

Washington University is accredited by the HLC.

CAPS  is a member of the Association for Continuing Higher Education, the University Professional & Continuing Education Association, and the Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs.

What Makes this Program Unique:

CAPS advisors are committed to going the extra mile to assist students in navigating their career path and educational needs. A wide range of student advising services are available.

Did You Know?

Even as the programs have progressed, CAPS remains unwavering in its commitment to offering adult students the opportunity to partake in the thrill of studying and achieving a degree or certificate from a distinguished research institution on a global scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science?

The Bachelor of Science (BS) and the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science programs differ in their focus and approach. A BS program often emphasizes a more quantitative and research-oriented approach, offering courses in data analysis, statistics, and scientific methodologies.

On the other hand, a BA program tends to provide a broader perspective, incorporating a mix of social sciences and humanities courses. This allows students to explore political theories, international relations, and historical contexts.

While both degrees offer a strong foundation in political science, a BS may be suitable for those interested in data-driven analysis while a BA offers a well-rounded understanding of political systems and their socio-cultural influences.

Is a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science necessary for those who aspire to run for government positions?

While a bachelor’s degree in Political Science is not an absolute requirement to run for a government position, it can offer significant advantages and enhance your qualifications as a candidate.

A Political Science degree provides valuable insights into government structures, policies, international relations, and political strategies, which can better equip you to understand and address complex issues.

It cultivates critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills essential for effective leadership and decision-making. While practical experience and other qualifications also play a role, a Political Science degree can contribute to a more well-rounded and informed approach to running for a government position.

Summary Points


Additional Information: