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An online political science degree offers a flexible education in government, policy analysis, and international relations. You will hone your critical thinking skills and deepen your understanding of political systems, preparing you for public service, law, journalism, and beyond careers. 

Political science is the study of political systems and behaviors. During the degree program, students spend four years studying subjects that include macroeconomics, microeconomics, American history, American government, comparative politics, foreign policy, legal writing, and more. Online degrees in political science are available at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and certificate levels. 

A bachelor's in political science is generally an entry-level requirement for many careers in this field.

In order to be accepted into a program in political science, students must typically have obtained a high school diploma. Some schools may also require entrance exams, like the SAT or ACT. A degree in political science can be expensive, but scholarships may be available for exceptional students.

It’s possible to get an online degree in political science, but you should make sure to obtain a degree from an accredited university. Students can check the accreditation status of the schools they are considering through the maintained by the U.S. Department of Education.

All of the degrees we recommend are accredited.

Accreditation is a designation awarded to a school on the condition that the school meets certain academic and proprietary standards. This process holds schools accountable. Accredited schools undergo regular auditing processes that are designed to protect students from fraud or substandard education. Only accredited schools may offer federal financial aid, which helps many students with educational costs.

Courses in political science are designed to educate students about government structures, the history of different political systems, and more. Courses offered by political science departments may also overlap with other subjects including history, sociology, philosophy, economics, and psychology. 

Below are some examples of the kinds of political science courses you might come across when you're choosing the best program fit: 

• American Government and Politics: This foundational course exposes students to the history and structure of U.S. government and political systems. This may include the constitution and constitutional law, the role of different branches of government, and the history and development of American government institutions and political parties. Students will gain a better understanding of how politics operates in North America.
• Political Philosophy: This class exposes students to the theoretical underpinnings of political concepts. Students will learn about the philosophical analysis of cities, states, democracies, and other forms of government. They may be exposed to authors throughout the Western philosophical canon, including Plato, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and more. Studying the philosophical basis for various political ideologies can help students to gain a better understanding of why and how varied political systems work.
• Media, Opinion, and Voting: The intent of coursework is to help students examine the intersection between mass media, public opinion, and U.S. voting behavior. This includes the responsibility politicians, journalists, and citizens should assume to improve voter turnout and engagement with electoral politics.
• International Relations: Students who take an International Relations course will learn about politics on a global scale. Some topics in international relations may include economics, culture, global security, human rights, and more. Students may be exposed to current events and analyses of different geopolitical forces.
• Religion and World Politics: This course explores the relationship between religion and politics across the world. Students learn about how religion and politics have influenced one another throughout different historical time periods and in different countries, and will gain exposure to major world religions and political systems.
• State of the World: Discussions help students establish an understanding of contemporary global issues including, but not limited to, human rights, environmental protection, poverty and underdevelopment, and war and peace. A global perspective on world affairs is emphasized.

While many people who pursue a degree in political science go on to pursue careers in politics, this is far from the only career path available to those who study political science. Students studying this major learn important skills when it comes to written and verbal communication, critical thinking skills, and analysis. Graduates are well-suited to a wide variety of career paths, including work with political campaigns and government agencies as well as nonprofits and businesses in the private sector.

Below are a few typical career paths that graduates of political science degrees pursue:

• study the origin and development of political systems. They also look for solutions to contemporary problems in politics. Many political scientists are employed by institutions of higher education, and may also be asked to consult for political campaigns or organizations.
• A degree in political science is one way that individuals can prepare for a career as a . In addition to a bachelor’s degree in political science or another similar field, students will also have to obtain a law degree from an accredited institution.
• Political science majors are well-equipped to pursue careers as , especially if they’re interested in covering politics or current events. Career tracks include print journalism, broadcast journalism, digital media, and more.
• The studies of political science and economics have a good degree of overlap, which makes an undergraduate degree in political science good preparation for pursuing a career as an . Economists study, analyze, and predict economic trends and issues.
• If you’re interested in the practical application of political goals and ideas, a career in might be worth considering. Urban and regional planners help to plan and revitalize communities and structures. In order to secure a position as an urban planner, you may need to obtain a master’s degree.

For students setting their sights on a career in politics, a degree in political science is one way to prepare for work in this field. However, a political science degree can also prepare individuals for careers in various disciplines, including business, sales, marketing, and more. Political science graduates may pursue employment as policy analysts, research assistants, or administrators, and they often work in government agencies and political campaigns. 

Depending on what career you plan to pursue, a degree in political science could help you achieve your goals. Studying political science is excellent preparation for careers in diverse areas, such as government agencies, nonprofits, business, and more.

However, a degree in political science may not be strictly necessary. While studying political science provides students with valuable practical and theoretical knowledge, students who know exactly what career path they plan on taking may benefit from a more targeted and applied course of study. Degrees in political science can also be expensive, and may not benefit your long-term financial situation.

Consider the following pros and cons of an online political science degree:

Potential Advantages

• Versatile, in-demand skill set: Like other liberal arts degrees, political science teaches multi-purpose skills, like written and verbal communication, analysis, and critical thinking. Students can apply these skills broadly in fields like sales, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Students also gain a broad understanding of political history and current events, which can be useful in careers like journalism, law, and more.
• Broadens your understanding of the world: The study of political science is especially well-suited to students who want to learn more about how societies function and why. From current events to age-old questions about human behavior, political science can expose students to a wide variety of concepts and ideas that have immediate relevance in their lives.
• High potential earnings: A degree in political science can help facilitate several well-paying careers, including political scientists, economists, and more. This can help students to pay off student loans more quickly and set themselves up for financial success.
• Stepping stone to graduate degrees: A bachelor’s degree in political science makes for an excellent stepping stone for students looking to pursue graduate studies in political science or related fields, like law, journalism, economics, or philosophy.

Potential Drawbacks

• Less hands-on learning and experience: Since political science courses are often focused on academic concepts, history, and philosophy, students may not gain as much hands-on career experience as some other majors, like business degrees or marketing degrees. Additionally, an online degree may further inhibit in-person experiences, especially networking among peers and professors.
• No clear-cut answers: Unlike some other majors, there aren’t many clear-cut answers when it comes to the field of political science. This means that students who appreciate having to think critically and make up their own minds may be well-suited for this degree, but students who prefer hard-and-fast rules may become frustrated.
• Average job growth: Most common career paths for political science majors have only average or slightly above average projected job growth over the next ten years.This isn't necessarily a con, but if you are looking for a career with an above-average, booming job outlook over the next decade, this may not be the best fit.

A degree in political science is worth pursuing if you’re interested in a political/government career or if you’re simply interested in the history of political development. Not only does studying political science provide you with experience that’s directly relevant to politics-related careers, but it also gives students valuable, versatile soft skills.

Political science overlaps with other disciplines in the liberal arts and social sciences. Explore similar programs, such as online degrees in sociology, history programs, and economics degrees.