Top 30 Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Political Science

The online political science bachelor of arts program offered by UCF Online is a high-quality program that prepares students to take the next step in their career. Students study areas like international relations, political theory, and politics in a flexible online format. This 120 credit hour program includes limited internship opportunities for students who need real-world experience. Graduates are prepared for career opportunities that include lobbyist, intelligence officer, and paralegal.

The Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs at Florida International University offers one of the most affordable online bachelor’s degrees in political science to make our ranking. Students can learn from anywhere at any time by using a state of the art online learning platform to view lectures, get real-time feedback from their teachers, and work closely with peers on projects. Courses include:

• International Politics
• American Politics
• Political Theory

Online students are matched with a success coach to help stay on track and work through challenges. New students are admitted during the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Penn State World Campus has created a high quality online political science bachelor’s degree program that prepares students for a variety of careers in business and government. Political science students can take advantage of course offerings like:

• The Politics of Terrorism
• International Political Economy
• Politics and the Media

Students will also gain practical knowledge in areas like statistics and computer science which they can use immediately in their current role. Courses are taught by faculty from the College of Liberal Arts, world renown for their excellence in liberal arts education.

The political science major at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse is a comprehensive bachelor of science program focused on American government and politics, international relations, comparative politics, and political theory. An extensive list of courses in each of these areas of inquiry allow students to customize the program to meet their professional goals. All courses are available online through an integrated online learning platform. Full time students can complete their political science bachelor’s degree in four years.

The College of Arts and Sciences at Texas Tech University offers a top-value online bachelor’s in political science. The political science program is a great choice for students with an interest in areas like politics, journalism, and civil service. Courses include:

• International Bargaining and Security
• Environmental Politics and Policy
• Constitutional Law

Courses are taught by the same faculty who teach face-to-face courses.
Students living out of state get a rate close to the low in-state tuition rate. Online students benefit from 24/7 support with financial aid, account balances, and IT support.

Liberty University features a top affordable online bachelor’s in political science taught from a Christian worldview. Students will learn the skills needed to become a Christ-centered political leader. Courses are available entirely online and can be accessed 24/7. Professors have experience working in a variety of political roles, brining their real-world experience to the online classroom. The comprehensive curriculum includes political science courses like:

• American Political Processes
• International Relations
• American Foreign Policy

Political science courses are eight weeks long and there are eight different program start dates throughout the year. As an added bonus, electronic textbooks are provided free of charge to all undergraduate students.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa offers a best-value online political science BA that can be complete from anywhere in the world. The University of Iowa is committed to quality in online education. Courses are taught by on-campus faculty and students have access to academic advising and instructor hours through web meetings. Introductory courses are offered in areas like:

• American Foreign Policy
• Social Media and Politics
• International Relations

Graduates are prepared to work in public, private, and non-profit sectors both in the US and abroad.

The Department of Political Science at Northern Illinois University features an online BA in political science for students who have completed their associate’s degree or general education requirements. Students can earn their degree with an emphasis in politics by completing online courses through NIU. Courses include:

• Introduction to Comparative Politics
• Introduction to International Relations
• Introduction to Public Policy

Two advisors work with students to to ensure successful completion of the program. Graduates are successful in a variety of careers in areas like insurance, government, and corporate public relations.

With a flexible online curriculum and four start terms per year, Oregon State University is a great choice for a top online bachelor’s in political science. Students will study the current political climate and learn to think critically about issues like international terrorism, campaign finance, and censorship. All courses are developed by the world renown faculty at OSU. Online students have access to resources like online coaching, tutoring, and career guidance…all designed with student success in mind.

Central Michigan University Global Campus features a high-quality online bachelor of science with a major in political science. The comprehensive curriculum covers politics on a local, national, and international level. Students can complete a certificate in Citizen Engagement or Political Advocacy and Elections while earning their degree. Flexible course selections allow students to customize their degree to achieve their career goals. There are no on-campus residency requirements and most students can complete their degree in four years.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater can help you open doors by unlocking your potential with their bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees in political science. Students can learn at their own pace, on their own schedule. Online assignments and discussion boards allow students to build connections with faculty and peers. Both full and part-time students are welcome into the program and there are no on-campus residency requirements. Required courses include:

• American Government and Politics
• Political Science Research Methods
• Introduction to Political Science

The Global Campus at Washington State University offers a 100% online cost-effective political science bachelor’s degree program. Students can begin the program during the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Online students can gain valuable hands-on training and professional development through a variety of internship opportunities. Required courses include:

• American National Government
• International Politics
• Introduction to Comparative Politics

Courses are taught by experienced, nationally recognized faculty. Graduates are prepared to work in consulting, law enforcement, and government service.

University of Illinois Springfield features an online political science bachelor’s degree for students who want to pursue a career in politics at any level. Students are taught by the same world-class professors who teach the traditional classroom courses. Courses include:

• State of the State
• Comparative State Politics
• Statistics for Social Sciences

Online students can complete an internship in their own community. UIS also offers the opportunity for online students to earn Department Honors in Political Science.

The University of West Georgia is home to a top high-quality online bachelor’s in political science. Students can take courses in a variety of areas including policy analysis, data analytics, and law. Unique elective offerings include:

• Public Opinion
• Health Policy
• State and Local Government Finance

An optional internship is available for students who want to get hands-on experience. Out-of-state and in-state residents are charged the same low tuition rate.

UMass Dartmouth offers a fully online bachelor’s in political science that includes an optional pre-law concentration. Students will gain critical skills that enable them to formulate and analyze arguments. They will also gain knowledge and understanding of critical concepts in political science. There are no on-campus residency requirements. The flexible schedule allows students to work full-time while earning their degree.

The School of Government and International Affairs at Kennesaw State University features a top affordable bachelor of science in political science. Courses include:

• Campaigns and Elections
• American Foreign Policy
• American Political Thought

Graduates are well prepared to attend law school, graduate school, or begin a career in an areas like business, journalism, or campaign management.

The University of Memphis Global features a flexible online bachelor of political science focused on political institutions and processes in the US and abroad. Students can complete the program fully online or through a mix of online and seated courses. Courses fall into four different subfields including:

• American Government and Politics
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations
• Political Theory

Online students can apply for admission into the Honors Program where they can complete an optional Senior Thesis in political science. Students planning to attend law school can take advantage of pre-law advising.

The bachelor of political science online from Southern Utah University is a comprehensive program that prepares students for law school, graduate school, or a successful career in political science. This 100% online program requires no on-campus residencies. Online courses include:

• State and Local Government
• Introduction to Political Thought
• American Legislative Process and Behavior

Students can complete an internship and all students complete a capstone seminar in political science, focusing on a contemporary issue in political science.

The online political science program from Old Dominion University is taught by internationally recognized staff. Courses include:

• Introduction to American Politics
• Introduction to Public Law
• Introduction to International Politics

Students can earn internship and practicum credit during their junior year, gaining valuable professional experience. Graduates are prepared for admission to law or graduate school or to take on a variety of roles in politics.

The top online bachelor’s in political science from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a great choice for individuals looking for balance in their schedule. Courses follow a semester schedule and most have traditional weekly deadlines. Elective course offerings include:

• Party Politics in America
• Administrative Law
• Politics and the Bureaucracy

UWM faculty teach both online and traditional students. Online students can complete a Law Studies Option, earn Honors or High Honors in political science, and join Pi Sigma Alpha.

The online affordable political science BMS program at the University of Nebraska Omaha is a fully online program focused on political systems and public policy. Students can tailor the program to meet their professional goals. Transfer credits and non-traditional credit from specific training experiences can save students time and money. Courses include:

• State Government and Politics
• Contemporary Political Theory
• Introduction to Political Inquiry

Courses are primarily asynchronous, allowing students to work while earning their degree. Graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths including politics, nonprofit administration, government, and public relations.

UMaineOnline features a 120 credit hour online bachelor’s degree in political science taught by professors engaged in cutting edge research. In addition to online classes, students and faculty come together to discuss politics, watch debates, and talk about political films.
Political science courses cover four key areas including:

• American Politics
• International Relations
• Comparative Politics
• Political Theory

Students participate in activities like internships, policy research, and community activism.

Are you looking for an online political science bachelor’s degree completion program with no on-campus residency requirements, Indiana University East is worth a look. This 60 credit hour program can be completed in two calendar years of full-time study. Courses include:

• American Politics
• Comparative Politics/International Relations
• Political Theory

Elective course offerings allow students to tailor the program to meet their personal and professional goals. Political science graduates are successful in social activism, community organization, and even non-profit administration.

The University of North Alabama offers an innovative online undergraduate political science program with minors available in international political studies, legal studies, and public administration. The major is comprised of six required courses that include:

• United States Government and Politics
• Public Policy and Administration
• Comparative Politics

Students can choose from a variety of elective course offerings that fit their interests and professional goals. Graduates are successful working in various levels of government and in the non-profit and private sectors.

For those passionate about current events, world affairs, or elections, the online bachelor’s in political science from Troy University may be the right choice. Students can choose from two different concentrations including international politics and American politics and public administration. The Ambassador-in Residence program allows students to spend a week with a retired American diplomat, gaining valuable real-world knowledge and experience. Students planning to attend law school can apply to the accelerated law program offered in conjunction with Thomas Goode Jones and Cumberland law schools. This exclusive program is an option for students in their junior year to complete their bachelor’s and JD degrees in just six years.

Fort Hays State University offers an online bachelor of arts in political science with built in hands-on learning opportunities. Students can choose a concentration in pre-law or public administration. Core courses include:

• Political Philosophy
• Introduction to International Relations
• American Government

Students benefit from hands-on experience through an internship in political science and a senior capstone project. Online students can participate in the online political science group called the Onliners. Study abroad abroad opportunities and field trips are also available to students.

The political science bachelor’s degree online from EKU Online is a 120 credit hour program that provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in a variety of political and government roles. There are three areas of emphasis for students to choose from including:

• Public Administration/Public Policy
• International Relations and Comparative Politics
• American Institutions/Law

Courses are offered in accelerated eight-week terms and new courses begin six times a year. There are no campus visits required. Online students benefit from free online tutoring and career services assistance.

Southern New Hampshire University is well known for offering quality and affordable online degree programs and their online bachelor’s in political science is one of the best. Courses are taught by experienced faculty who bring their relevant insights to the online classroom. There’s no application fee or SAT/ACT scores required for admission. Courses cover areas like:

• International Relations
• The Legal System in America
• Analysis and Research in Political Science

Students can save time and money by earning up to 12 math credits through Pathways to Math Success assessments. Online students also gain access to cloud based virtual environments to access field related technology that they may encounter in the workplace.

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin offers an exciting online political science bachelor of arts that prepares students for graduate study, law school, or leadership roles. Students can transfer in up to 90 credit hours toward their degree. Upper level course options include:

• Presidential Politics
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations

There are no on-campus residence requirements, making this a great choice for working students. Six convenient start dates give students additional flexibility. The accelerated option allows students to take more courses and finish their degree quickly to get out into the workforce or into graduate school.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University Skysong features an online bachelor’s in political science with multiple start dates throughout the year. Courses include:

• Comparative Government
• Global Politics
• Political Ideologies

Courses are taught by renowned faculty who help students develop their analytical thinking abilities and persuasive communication skills. Graduates of the program have found success working in areas like politics, education, and journalism. Graduates are also prepared to apply to top law schools like Harvard and Columbia.