Find the best masters in political science online from our list of accredited schools ranked by the number of political science master鈥檚 graduates, demonstrating where students in this field are most successful.
Key Takeaways:
- Johns Hopkins University ranks #1 for online political science graduates, with 724 program completers in the most recent year. It also boasts a 98% retention rate among first-year students, which shows exceptional student commitment and follow-through.
- Liberty University offers unmatched online scale with 48,000+ online learners.
- The University of Nebraska at Omaha posts a 96% recommendation rate based on ~150 student reviews we've collected. And on our list of 15 schools, eight have recommendation rates in the 90s, showing a high level of trustworthiness.
You can review our methodology to learn how we rank the best online programs using program graduate counts.
Best Master's in Political Science Online 2026
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University | 724 | $42,300 | $126,228 | 92% | |
| The George Washington University | 157 | 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $33,840 | $106,800 | 87% | |
| Liberty University | 130 | $10,170 | N/A | 75% | |
| University of Illinois at Springfield | 33 | $7,315 | N/A | 95% | |
| American Public University System | 31 | $8,190 | $82,713 | 79% | |
| Georgia State University | 26 | $31,726 | N/A | 87% | |
| Arizona State University, Online | 24 | $18,654 | N/A | 93% | |
| Sam Houston State University | 18 | $10,953 | N/A | 94% | |
| Regent University Online | 16 | $17,828 | $51,084 | 83% | |
| Eastern Illinois University | 15 | $14,289 | N/A | 87% | |
| University of Nebraska at Omaha | 14 | $12,720 | $69,790 | 96% | |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | 10 | 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $28,263 | N/A | 94% | |
| Texas Woman's University | 5 | $21,690 | N/A | 94% | |
| The University of West Florida | 3 | $17,229 | N/A | 85% | |
| University of Kansas | 2 | 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $8,925 | N/A | 94% |
Best Master's in Political Science Online 2026 - Program Details
- Graduates: 724
- Annual Tuition: $42,300
- Median Salary: $126,228
- Recommendation: 92%
Why we like them: JHU鈥檚 MA in Government produced 724 graduates, which tells you the market trusts this program. Plus, the median earnings of $126,228 put JHU master's in government graduates among the top 3% of programs nationally, a sign that you can translate the credential into high-value roles. Choose between Political Communication, Security Studies, and Democracy Studies & Governance concentrations.
- Graduates: 157
- Annual Tuition: 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $33,840
- Median Salary: $106,800
- Recommendation: 87%
Why we like them: GW allows for term-by-term modality switching, letting you alternate among on-campus, online, or hybrid formats without derailing progress. We also appreciate the practitioner-led model, where recognized strategists, advocacy leaders, and former members of Congress teach courses. This way, you learn the exact tactics used to win elections and move legislation.
- Graduates: 130
- Annual Tuition: $10,170
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 75%
Why we like them: Liberty explicitly integrates biblical foundations into graduate political study, preparing you for statesmanship guided by Christian principles. The Helms School of Government threads economic analysis of public policy and markets/market failure through core work in political philosophy, American government, comparative politics, and international relations.
- Graduates: 33
- Annual Tuition: $7,315
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 95%
Why we like them: You can benefit from UIS鈥檚 location in Illinois鈥� state capital, which gives you proximity to legislative expertise, policy practitioners, and real-world projects even as an online learner through faculty connections and capital-focused coursework. You can specialize in niche areas, such as U.S. Supreme Court and Judicial Politics, Constitutional Theory, and State and Local Government.
- Graduates: 31
- Annual Tuition: $8,190
- Median Salary: $82,713
- Recommendation: 79%
Why we like them: APUS situates political science within its School of Security & Global Studies, giving you distinctive access to defense- and intelligence-focused coursework, including Regional Security Cooperation, International Terrorism, Politics and War, and region-specific offerings like Government and Security in Korea.
Analyzing Our Top Master's Degrees in Political Science and What Makes Them the Best
A master鈥檚 degree in political science typically asks students to move from the kinds of undergraduate survey courses they did as undergraduates and into the applied and research-driven work that shapes real political systems.
Across the online master's programs on this list, the goal of political science students is to refine expertise in areas such as legislative strategy, political communication, security studies, biopolitics, judicial politics, and comparative or international systems. Many programs embed advanced methodological training (e.g., in experimental design, data analytics, or applied statistics), while others emphasize leadership development (e.g., ethics, pedagogy, or campaign strategy).
For professionals already working in politics, education, or public service, these degrees serve as either an expansion of skill sets or as a direct bridge into new sectors such as intelligence, public affairs, or nonprofit leadership.
Among the 15 master's in political science programs we analyzed, ten cost under roughly $20,000 and the median sits close to $17,000. We also have another list that's just dedicated to affordable political science master's programs, if this is your top concern. This ranking is, instead, a data-driven look at where students are actually completing degrees, how those programs perform in the real world, and what graduates do afterward.
Firsthand Experience: What Do Students Think?
One of the strongest signals of program quality comes from student feedback (i.e., on-the-ground, firsthand experience), and our data draws on more than 90,000 reviews.
The truth is, all of the recommendation rates on this list are extraordinarily high, indicating high quality schools across the board.
The University of Nebraska at Omaha stands out with a 96% recommendation rate, while Sam Houston State, Texas Woman鈥檚 University, and University of Illinois at Springfield also reach 95%. Virginia Tech and Kansas follow closely at 94%, and both Johns Hopkins and Arizona State University Online earn 93%. Even programs with recommendation rates in the low-to-mid 80s 鈥� GW, Regent, UWF, APUS 鈥� are still receiving strong endorsements from a clear majority of their students.
High recommendation rates tend to reflect consistent themes:
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Students describe online systems that function smoothly.
-
Instruction quality tends to align with student expectations.
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Students say that they would choose the same program all over again, which is a powerful marker of overall value.
When comparing programs that appear similar on paper, a school's recommendation rate can become the tie-breaker. It's a deeply trustworthy metric that answers the question of whether graduates would tell a colleague or friend that it's worth it.
How Program-Specific Earnings in Political Science Master's Programs Compare to National Benchmarks
Program-specific earnings illustrate how graduates from these exact political science master鈥檚 degrees fare in the market, but the picture becomes even more meaningful when placed alongside national salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics ().
The BLS does not report a single unified figure for 鈥減olitical science master鈥檚 graduates,鈥� so the most accurate comparison comes from occupations that political science alumni commonly pursue, such as policy analysis, government research, teaching, survey research, political consulting adjacent roles, and other analytical or administrative pathways. These roles span a wide salary range nationally, from the low $60,000s into six figures, depending on specialization and sector.
Johns Hopkins graduates report median earnings of $126,228 among political master's graduates after four years.
The strongest performers in this ranking clearly exceed several BLS benchmarks. Johns Hopkins graduates report median earnings of $126,228 among political master's graduates after four years. This salary surpasses the 2024 median salary for economists ($115,440) and sociologists ($101,690), two of the highest-paying social science occupations.
George Washington follows with $106,800, landing above the medians for BLS benchmarks on sociologists ($101,690), postsecondary teachers ($83,980), historians ($74,050), survey researchers ($63,380), and market research analysts ($76,950).
The midrange earners on this list align more closely with national patterns. APUS graduates report $82,713, almost exactly in line with the median for postsecondary teachers and urban planners and comfortably above fields like anthropology or survey research in the low-to-mid $60,000s. UNO鈥檚 $69,790 median is slightly below historian-level earnings but above anthropologists and survey researchers.
At the lower end of reported earnings, Regent graduates show a median of $51,084, a figure that trails many related occupations. However, the discrepancy aligns with the program鈥檚 mission, as graduates frequently pursue nonprofit leadership, faith-based advocacy, and community organizing. These roles are often motivated by passion over salary outcomes.
In political science 鈥� perhaps more than in many other fields 鈥� earnings tell a story not only about program strength, but about the values and pathways graduates choose to pursue.
FAQs About an Online Political Science Degree
What is a Master鈥檚 in Political Science?
A master's in political science online explores complex political systems, theories, and policies through engaging, interactive formats. These online programs accommodate working professionals, balancing career demands with education and preparing graduates for government, NGO, and academia roles. Coursework emphasizes practical skills for real-world political challenges.
A bachelor鈥檚 degree is typically required to apply for a master鈥檚 program. Students must also meet GPA and ACT or SAT score requirements. As with most master鈥檚 programs, prospective students can expect to spend at least two years in a full-time program to obtain a political science master鈥檚 degree.
Can You Get a Political Science Master鈥檚 Degree Online?
Yes, you can obtain a political science master鈥檚 degree online, although it鈥檚 essential to attend an accredited school.
An accredited school indicates that an institution meets or exceeds the minimum quality standards in delivering postsecondary education programs. Our list provides you with the best online political science degrees from accredited institutions.
An online master鈥檚 degree in political science can be a stepping stone into the world of politics. However, if you鈥檙e not looking to become a politician, there are many other career opportunities: economist, urban and regional planner, and postsecondary teacher, to name a few.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Master鈥檚 in Political Science?
An online master鈥檚 degree curriculum in political science provides the foundation for students to excel in the field. Alongside courses, prospective students can expect to complete a thesis 鈥� non-thesis tracks are available at some universities 鈥� and a capstone course, if applicable.
Below are some of the most typical core courses you can expect in a master's program online or otherwise:
- Political Philosophy: This course introduces students to the history of political psychology. With a mixture of political and psychological components, the course explores the association between human behavior and politics, using social and cognitive behavioral theories.
- Urban Politics: This introductory course discusses the politics and governance surrounding U.S. cities. Students can expect to learn about urban community issues, such as housing and development, environmental justice, finances, and poverty. The goal is for students to understand better how the government affects the character and development of American cities.
- International Law: This is a popular core course for an online master鈥檚 degree in political science, as it provides a general introduction to international law and its role in the modern world. Students can expect to gain a deeper understanding of international laws and regulations across the globe. Limitations of liability, charter parties, and treaties are a few topics covered in the course.
- International Relations: This course explores the fundamental theories, principles, and concepts of international relations. Some potential topics that the course may cover include imperialism, nationalism, developing nations, and ideology. In addition, case studies across various governments may be examined during the course.
What Can You Do With a Political Science Master鈥檚 Degree?
With an online master's in political science, you have a variety of career directions that you can take. While many assume a political science degree is solely to obtain a career in law or the government, graduates have a variety of industries they can work in. Education, government, law, and business, are a few examples of industries where graduates with an online political science master鈥檚 degree may find employment.
- For those who enjoy conducting research in the political realm, a career as a may be the best fit. Political scientists study political systems by examining their origin, development, and operation. They typically work in an office, which can vary depending on each company鈥檚 work environment.
- For an , a typical workday involves analyzing and interpreting data to solve economic issues that may affect a country鈥檚 resources. In addition, they鈥檙e responsible for drafting and preparing tables, charts, and reports on socioeconomic data to forecast potential problems that may arise in the future. Economists work in an office setting and may collaborate with biostatisticians to complete projects.
- help plan, design, and develop residential and commercial facilities. These professionals aim to revitalize urban communities by building additional housing and community buildings within a specific neighborhood or city. Urban and regional planners often have a full schedule and may occasionally work weekends to finish projects and attend community events.
- For those who have a passion for educating others on political science, a career as a may fulfill their need. This teaching profession is at the collegiate level. Professors may find work at local community colleges and four-year institutions.
Is There Money in Political Science?
Yes, though it depends on which career path master's graduates take. For example, a career as a political scientist can bring in over six figures for graduates with a master鈥檚 degree. As exemplified above, the (BLS) states that political scientists earned a median salary of $139,380 as of the most recent federal data, and this position is projected to actually decrease by 3% over the next decade rather than grow. Even the other political science jobs listed above have annual salaries and job outlooks well above the U.S. average across all jobs.
In addition, many graduates use a master鈥檚 degree in political science as a stepping stone to becoming a politician or lawyer, which are positions that also may lead to annual salaries between six to seven figures.
Do You Need a License or Certification for Political Science Careers?
While certification and licensure are not required to have a career in political science, they can help those who want to amp up their resume with a public policy and analysis certification.
The offers certificates to become certified in political science and political legal analysis. Applicants must have a degree in politics and 18 credit hours of relevant coursework from a graduate program
Is a Master鈥檚 Degree in Political Science Worth It?
Before applying to one of the best online political science degree programs above, it鈥檚 essential to weigh the pros and cons of this specialty:
Potential Benefits
- Many political scientists have a high earning potential. As mentioned earlier, careers as political scientists or economists often lead to six-figure salaries for graduates with a master鈥檚 degree in political science.
- A master鈥檚 degree in political science is a great stepping stone toward law school. While a degree in political science is not required to apply for law school, it provides the foundation of political theory and ideologies that can benefit future lawyers.
- Career opportunities are abundant in this field. Graduates gain writing, research, and analysis skills throughout the program that can be applied to many careers beyond working in government and law.
Potential Cons
- Some graduates may experience a poor work-life balance. Depending on which career path a graduate from a master in political science online degree takes, they may have . As with most careers in politics, professionals can endure a lot of high-pressure situations. In addition, many jobs in political science require working overtime and weekends to meet deadlines.
- An online degree can delay the development of strong interpersonal skills. With an online degree program, making personal connections with your virtual peers is harder. Strong communication skills, such as public speaking, are a significant aspect of many political science careers. Thus, those with an online master's degree in political science may face more difficulties with this skill set after graduation.
- Master鈥檚 graduates compete with PhD alumni for certain professions. In political science, it鈥檚 much easier to move up the ladder with a doctorate. Many graduates with an online master鈥檚 degree in political science may be overlooked for specific roles, such as a college professor. For those interested in a teaching career, particularly at the collegiate level, a PhD may be the best route.
In conclusion, a master's degree in political science is tailored for students seeking to broaden their knowledge in politics, economics, human behavior, and related fields. An online master's degree in political science is a stepping stone toward fulfilling careers in politics, law, development, or economics, offering numerous job opportunities in these specialized domains. Moreover, it establishes a robust foundation for those considering future endeavors, such as applying to law school.
Student Reviews of Online Political Science Programs
I am in the online M.S. Political Science program. The courses so far are not very challenging but some of that could be due to my undergrad degree also being in political science. Much of the material is stuff I have covered in undergrad at another school, just with more depth and critical thinking. You are a bit 'on your own' as far as figuring stuff out. Administration and instructors are not the most responsive. I have been seeking questions about beginning my master's thesis work and haven't... Read More
Review Date: 12/19/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I'm very satisfied with my program at Liberty University. The students and teachers are truly engaging, even in an online environment. The teachers are very positive, and they will analyze your work fairly and thoroughly. Be prepared for open and honest feedback, as this will help you grow and succeed. Don't be afraid to reach out with questions or clarification on anything, as everyone is willing to help. The courses teach the subject area which you've chosen, and occasionally will merge scripture... Read More
Review Date: 11/10/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I'm currently enrolled in the Master's of Arts in Global Affairs program through the College of International Studies at OU. It is a perfect program for someone looking to further their education online in a field that is usually only available to study in person. With this program, you get all the convenience of getting a degree online while also getting all the credibility of a real university on your resume. The quality of education is superb while the classes are flexible and can easily fit into... Read More
Review Date: 3/16/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I was one of the students within the first wave of students accepted into the rigorous and selective newly established Global Security MA program at Arizona State University. This program, which is comprosmised of mostly career established men, challenges the governmental and militarial division and national security threats that face America. I hope to use this degree to bridge the gap between the military and government sector, as well as influence more women of all backgrounds to explore career... Read More
Review Date: 10/3/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I earned my Master of Liberal Studies in Global Affairs through the University of Denver online program. Each of the courses offered my valuable information that was applicable to not only my professional career, but also my daily life. The flexibility of the online setting meant that I could work around my schedule and still engage in the rigorous assignments. The increased autonomy of online classes mean that the student must take care to set their own routine and stick to it. Overall, I would... Read More
Review Date: 3/31/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
There are not many schools that offer a Master's degree in Fire and Emergency Management like mine. It is a unique and high quality program that will provide me with many opportunities in the field of fire and emergency management. The courses can be taken online or on campus, so it is very flexible.
Review Date: 12/20/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I'll speak for this program. The professors are great, except for the guy who taught Research Methods in 2017. I reached out to all my colleagues, and they didn't get the professor's direction either. He should have provided examples of what he was looking for. Otherwise, all the other professors are great. Dr. T. is most helpful in guiding you through to the end. Dr. B. is tough, but he will prep you well for good research and preparing your bibliography. These guys were my favorite. I highly recommend... Read More
Review Date: 4/7/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The University of Arizona is a great institution to enroll in either in-person or online courses. My program in International Security was conducted exclusively online and charged a flat tuition rate for students regardless of residency. This gives students a high degree of flexibility regarding their living/working situations while taking classes. Also, the university continues to invest heavily in growing its online degree programs, therefore improving the overall experience for UA Online students.... Read More
Review Date: 12/11/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Please note I am an online student and most sections do not apply to me. I choose UNO for the price and do to certain personal circumstances that do not allow me to take a traditional class room setting.
Review Date: 4/23/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I loved going here. It was very straight forward. The bureaucracy of the school is made up of individuals who are not self starters. You have to stay on them (calling/emailing over and over). Outside of that aspect, it was a really great school. Cheap classes ($1000 a class for masters whereas my undergraduate was $2000 a class). The grading was fair, etc. I learned a lot. The classes are very cookie cuter. You have to understand that the rules of the assignment dictate at least 30% of your grade.... Read More
Review Date: 6/29/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My overall experience in the MDY program was rewarding. The program itself is not easy, you will definitely need to be able to adequately manage your time. However, I found the program to be completely doable. For the most part the courses were relevant and the members of the cohort were able to change dynamics in the course given their unique experiences. I wish there were more focus on career and professional development. In fields like International Relations it is hard to make a career jump and... Read More
Review Date: 11/18/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I was an online student only. The 8-week courses and the fact you could start at the beginning of each month made this a very good program. The online classroom environment was a little hard to get used to. The interaction with the other students and instructors was top-notch. There are some very experienced, knowledgeable people taking the online courses at APUS. I learned a great deal from classmates who were active duty military members, many stationed around the world. Another positive aspect... Read More
Review Date: 6/16/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This degree program---American Military University, which functions through American Public University System---worked for me because I was able to work as active duty military (US Air Force) and get my degree online with other active duty personnel. My classmates were all extremely educated, because they were all active duty, doing hands-on work with the subjects we addressed in class; for example, in my Central Asia class, I had a Tech Sergeant actually stationed in Kyrgyzstan, who I was able to... Read More
Review Date: 8/29/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Executive MA for International Relations Topics and discussion are excellent, with more than plenty of relevant and current information to use and topics to discuss Discrepancies between Lead Professors who draft the course and the Professors that teach the course - It seems that some of these PhDs figure out some of the particulars of assignments out as they go Noticeable disorganization within some of the weekly assignments and Term assignments; the info is spread between the syllabus and the Reading... Read More
Review Date: 3/8/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I would recommend Harvard Extension School to those looking at continuing their education at their own pace. It was nice having flexibility of how many classes I took and if they were online, on campus, or both. I ended up doing half of my classes on campus and about half online. They offer both programs for undergraduates and graduates. In terms of financial aid, I was able to receive grants from the program, which covered a nice portion of my tuition. My professors were very knowledgeable and helpful.... Read More
Review Date: 3/12/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Texas state masters program in international studies is easily accessible for those students who are working full time and don't have enough hours in the day to go to class everyday. The professors to select from to join your committee are highly interested in your education and want you to get the most out of it
Review Date: 8/9/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The Fire and Emergency Management Master's Level degree is great. The networking alone makes it worth it. The classes are very costly if you are from out of state, but the instructors are very well versed in many aspects of the field.
Review Date: 9/11/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
JHU/School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) Pros: -name recognition -professors are knowledgeable (for the most part - there are duds wherever you go) -the workload is manageable -lots of events/speakers on-campus -students can take classes at other JHU divisions -Dupont Circle location -students can take advantage of all Washington, DC has to offer in terms of events, think tanks, organizations, World Bank, etc. Cons: -Career Services is a joke -SAIS is not part of the Consortium -the alumni... Read More
Review Date: 9/14/2013
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Unfortunately, Brooklyn college is a total disappointment for me. There is a lack of classes to choose from, morning and day classes were not available for my major, the conditions of the classrooms are terrible, some professors exercise ideologies that must not be tolerated in the academia, I am not excited about some of my classes' discussions in which I couldn't express my opinion because it contradicts professor's views.... (However, there are a few brilliant professors who did their job excellent).... Read More
Review Date: 8/22/2023
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
The education provided me with proper training theoretically and for praxis. Method and data analysis skills were specifically useful for me as they equipped me with quantitative skills. Their requirements on writing assignments were also useful in practice
Review Date: 12/9/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes