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Online Master’s Degrees in Political Science

Discover flexible grad programs from top accredited universities and see where a master’s in political science online can take you.

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Whether your professional ambitions involve working in politics, another sector of public service, or different area entirely, the knowledge you gain in an online master’s degree in political science can be incredibly valuable. It’s also the perfect stepping stone for even more advanced studies at the PhD level.

The ability to understand the inner workings of government systems around the world and convey those facts and theories to others continue to be desirable (and in demand) traits in many career fields. And the flexibility offered by online learning makes earning a master’s degree in political science easier and more affordable than ever. This guide shares the key information you should know about online master’s degrees in political science, from a list of top accredited schools to details about the curriculum and a look at career opportunities after graduation.

2024’s Best Online Master’s Degrees in Political Science

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. That said, 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, and online program availability.

About the ranking

College Ranking Methodology

Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs

To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

  • Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
  • Career placement and academic counseling services.

Assign Weightings

After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).

Online Learning

  • Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Percentage of graduate students at the school taking at least one class online.

Affordability

  • Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for graduate students per academic year.

Academic Quality

  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Schools with lower ratios ranked higher.
  • Percentage of students admitted. More selective schools ranked higher.

About Our Data

All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023

Accreditation Glossary

ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation

ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission

HLC: Higher Learning Commission

MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education

NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission

WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

1

Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Liberty Unviersity's Master of Science in Political Science is designed for aspiring political scientists who plan to work in the private or public sectors. The curriculum covers both international and domestic political structures and processes. It prepares students whose ultimate goal is to earn a doctor of philosophy degree. The program is 100% online, with no campus visits needed. Most classes last eight weeks, making it easier for students to arrange their coursework around their work and personal lives. Due to the largely self-paced curriculum, most students graduate in about 18 months, though they can choose to take their time and graduate in two years instead. Prospective students who have already completed some graduate school can potentially graduate in less than 18 months given Liberty University's generous transfer credit policies, as up to 50% of the required credits can come from another accredited program.

Program Highlights:

Master of Science in Political Science -- General

  • Credits: 36
  • Length: About 18 months
  • Cost: $545/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 97%

2

Indiana University-Southeast

New Albany, Indiana

At Indiana University Southeast, students seeking to push their careers into politics and related areas will appreciate the flexible learning offered with the Master of Political Science program. The curriculum takes a deep dive into the political processes and structures in the United States and offers the skills and analysis methods helpful for explaining and understanding political behavior.

Because this is a fully online program, no campus visits or other in-person requirements exist, and students can choose to progress as quickly or as slowly as they like. Even with part-time enrollment, students can easily graduate in two years. Despite being online, students will still receive many of the same support services their on-campus peers enjoy, such as orientation, mentoring, coaching, career services, and technical support.

Program Highlights:

Political Science - Master of Arts

  • Credits: 30
  • Length: 24-30 months
  • Cost: $332.44/credit (resident); $786.98/credit (non-resident)
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: HLC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 54%

3

Indiana University-South Bend

South Bend, Indiana

The College of Liberal Arts and Science at Indiana University South Bend offers more than 10 graduate programs, including a Master of Arts in Political Science. Despite having a 100% online curriculum, students still enjoy a full array of support services. These include 24/7 student support, online access to all library resources, success coaching, math and writing mentoring, and new student orientation. One of the notable features of the political science master's program at Indiana University South Bend is that political science students can choose from between an American Politics and World Politics track. Of the required 30 credits needed for graduation, 12 of these credits will in the student's chosen track. Regardless of which track they choose, students will need to complete a capstone project toward the end of the program.

Program Highlights:

Master of Arts in Political Science

  • Credits: 30
  • Length: About 2 years
  • Cost: $332.44/credit (resident); $786.98/credit (non-resident)
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: HLC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 51%

4

University of Illinois Springfield

Springfield, Illinois

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 89%

5

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, Texas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 20:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 68%

6

Indiana University-Kokomo

Kokomo, Indiana

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 48%

7

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 87%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 63%

9

Indiana University-Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 44%

10

Georgia State University

Atlanta, Georgia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 27:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 49%

Curriculum Overview for the Master’s in Political Science Online

Depending on the program, an online master’s degree in political science will require completion of 30 to 40 credits. Roughly half of this coursework will cover core topics, such as contemporary political theory, research, and public policy. The other half of the curriculum will be in an area of concentration, whether formally chosen or informally created through electives. Common specializations include international relations and American politics.

Most online political science master’s programs provide a choice between a thesis and non-thesis track. The thesis is a comprehensive and original research project within the political science realm. If a student chooses not to complete a thesis, some programs may require a capstone project instead.

Common Classes in Online Political Science Master’s Programs

While each program sets its curriculum, there are some similarities among programs, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

5 Ways to Specialize Your Master’s in Political Science Online

Political science is a fairly specific area of study, but there are still further areas of specialization available, particularly at the master’s level. In fact, the opportunity to focus on a specific concentration 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:

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

Reviewing Accreditation for Online Master’s Degrees in Political Science

Accreditation is the process in which an independent organization reviews a school or academic program to confirm that the education provided meets basic standards in quality. 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 should be available on the school’s website but can also be found at the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

FAQs About Getting Your Political Science Master’s Online

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?

When it comes to earning an online graduate degree, the master’s degree in political science is one of the more affordable ones. However, it still requires a notable financial and time commitment, so looking at a program’s bottom line is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a school. The table below provides an overview of what to expect.

School Name No. of Credits Cost/Credit Total Tuition Cost
Liberty University 36 $565 $20,340
American Public University 36 $370 $13,320
Sam Houston State University 30-36 $387 $11,610 – $13,932

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 schools do expect to see GRE scores, the majority of online master’s programs in political science will not require the GRE as a part of an admissions application. 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?

Earning an online master’s degree in political science can certainly be worth it for those who wish to make a difference in terms of public policy, government, and research. 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. The following career section will go into further detail about the rewarding professional opportunities available with a master’s degree in political science.

What Can You Do with a Master’s in Political Science?

Earning a master’s in political science online can open numerous doors, from teaching to politics to private research. However, most professionals with a political science graduate degree will find themselves working for the government or an employer that works closely with topics relating to government.

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. Let’s look at some options.

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.

Median Annual Earnings (2019)

$122,220

Job Growth (2019-2029)

6%

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 people. 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.

Median Annual Earnings (2019)

$59,170

Job Growth (2019-2029)

-4%

Generally speaking, historians research and interpret past events. They may acquire their information from a variety of sources, such as public documents, books, artifacts, and other forms of media. A historian’s findings and conclusions can be helpful to businesses, governments, and historical institutions in carrying out their mission or making a proper record of a recent notable event.

Median Annual Earnings (2019)

$63,680

Job Growth (2019-2029)

3%

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.

Median Annual Earnings (2019)

$116,180

Job Growth (2019-2029)

9%

At a minimum, high school teachers need a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s degree is becoming more common at the secondary teaching level. A master’s degree in political science is ideal for high school teachers who want to enhance their instruction in certain subjects, such as history, government, and economics.

Median Annual Earnings (2019)

$61,660

Job Growth (2019-2029)

4%