Online Political Science Degrees

Our guide covers frequently asked questions about a bachelor's degree in political science, career outlooks for political science jobs, and available scholarships.

Updated August 24, 2023

check mark Reviewed by

Our Integrity Network

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

  • Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
  • Provide specific, corrective feedback.
  • Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for AffordableCollegesOnline.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

Online Political Science Degrees

AffordableCollegesOnline.org 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.

Are you ready to find your fit?

Over the past few years, politics has remained at the forefront of public attention and experienced many big events. Individuals with a deeper interest in the events, such as forming personal poll projections, might enjoy a career in political science.

Aspiring political scientists currently enjoy good job prospects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), political scientists earn a median annual salary of $125,350. Additionally, the BLS projects the need for political science jobs to increase by 6% between 2019-2029.

Keep reading to learn more about the best programs for an online political science degree. Our guide covers frequently asked questions about a bachelor's degree in political science, career outlooks for political science jobs, and available scholarships.

Political Science Questions


Is a bachelor's degree in political science worth it?

Individuals who enjoy researching politics and analyzing data often enjoy political science jobs. Many find the rewarding pay makes earning the degree worthwhile.

What can I do with a bachelor's in political science?

Political science degree-holders work on political campaigns or as political scientists. Some political science majors choose to run for a local or federal office position.

What is the difference between political science and law?

A political science degree prepares learners to enter politics, while a law degree best suits individuals aspiring to become lawyers.

What is the highest paying job in political science?

Political scientists make the highest salary in this field, earning a median $125,350 salary annually.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org 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.

Featured Online Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Why Get a Degree in Political Science?

Choosing a major aligned with personal interests positions graduates to earn satisfying jobs. Individuals who enjoy learning about politics, making predictions, interpreting data, and testing theories may benefit from earning a political science degree.

Aspiring political scientists who crave flexibility and possess self-discipline might consider pursuing an online political science degree. Online students typically save money on room and board, relocation costs, and commuting expenses. Some schools offer the same reduced in-state tuition rate to online learners. Since online political science degree-seekers do not attend class on campus, they usually do not pay campus maintenance fees.

How Much Does a Political Science Degree Cost?

While contacting a prospective school provides the most accurate degree cost estimate, degree-seekers should compare it to a baseline. National Center for Education Statistics data reveal that bachelor's students spent $28,775 on average for tuition, fees, room, and board in 2019-20. Learners at public institutions spent an average of $21,035 on these same expenses that year.

When budgeting for college, individuals need to factor in living expenses. Pursuing an online political science degree may help individuals save on room and board, as well as commuting costs.

Filling out the FAFSA may lower out-of-pocket expenses. The government uses this information to offer grants and subsidized loans. Learners should also apply for scholarships to reduce the overall cost. We highlight some example scholarships in a further section.

Break down your current financial situation, and receive a college tuition estimate you can afford to pay.

How Much Do Political Science Majors Make?

The BLS offers useful data on the political science profession, including details on salaries for different political science jobs. Political scientists earn a median salary of $125,350. Earners in the lowest 10% make under $62,840 and professionals in the top 10% benefit from a $170,800 salary.

Several factors impact income, including employer type and location. Self-employed political scientists in large cities may earn more than political scientists working for rural local governments. Professionals with more years of experience typically make more than entry-level workers.

Individuals wanting to earn more money may decide to extend their education past a bachelor's degree in political science. Political scientists may also increase their pay by earning certifications, which we discuss in a later section.

Courses in Political Science

Through their studies, political science students learn about policies, political forecasting, and political theories. Many of this major's courses encourage classroom discussions and critical thinking.

A bachelor's degree in political science requires class participation, multiple-choice exams, essays, and presentations. Learners practice presenting research findings, submit articles for publication, and closely monitor current political events. Some programs may require an internship for class credit, but many internships offer a wage in addition to the credit.

In this section, we outline three common political science courses. While not every program offers these exact courses, this list represents a possible curriculum.

Certifications and Licensure for Political Science

While political scientists do not need a certification or license to practice, earning certifications allows professionals to demonstrate their expertise. Most certifications require on-the-job experience and a multiple-choice exam. In this section, we list three standard political science designations.

Political science professionals may demonstrate their commitment to supporting laws benefitting all citizens by earning a diversity certification. This credential requires individuals to complete training modules covering unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, and cultural competence. This certification requires a $5,550 class participation fee. Political scientists may get involved in the community and protect voter rights by becoming state registered election officials. These individuals possess the knowledge needed to conduct fair, honest elections. The certification requires eight courses focusing on ballot preparation and design, laws on voter registration, and voting equipment maintenance. Some political science majors decide to enter the teaching profession. Individuals do not need to major in education to pursue this career. Many states allow individuals to teach at public schools with a teaching certification. The American Board oversees teaching credentials for most states.

Scholarships for Political Science

Learners save money on their online political science degree by applying for scholarships. These awards typically require essays, official transcripts, and multiple reference letters, so students should budget enough time to gather materials. Below, see two scholarships reserved exclusively for political science degree-seekers.

Scholarships
Scholarship Amount Who Can Apply

Dr. Aura-Lee A. and James Hobbs Pittenger American History Scholarship

$2,000 Students who earn at least 24 credits in American history or the American government may qualify for the Daughters of the American Revolution award. The scholarship requires a minimum 3.25 GPA.

Enid Hall Griswold Memorial Scholarship

$5,000 College juniors or seniors pursuing a bachelor's degree in political science should consider applying for the scholarship. The one-time award benefits students attending an accredited school. The Daughters of the American Revolution oversees the scholarship.

Online Bachelor's in Political Science Programs

#1 Online Political Science Degrees

Copiah-Lincoln Community College

  • Wesson, MS
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

An associate degree from Copiah-Lincoln Community College prepares graduates for new career opportunities and advancement. The online political science program allows students to take courses in a flexible learning environment.

Copiah-Lincoln Community College by the Numbers:

Undergrad Tuition: $2,800/year in-state; $4,800/year out-of-state

Average Annual Price: $5,273

Students Awarded Financial Aid: 90%

Percentage of Learners Receiving Student Loans: 15%

Working professionals can choose from multiple start terms. The school's admission process requires school transcripts. Degree-seekers can use test scores to bolster their application. Copiah-Lincoln Community College has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,800
Out-of-state
$4,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
3,113
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
60% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Online Political Science Degrees

Barton County Community College

  • Great Bend, KS
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Barton County Community College educates degree-seekers through 119 in-person and online programs. In the associate in political science program, distance learners complete coursework in a flexible learning environment. Students take core political science courses and get specialized training.

The school’s generous transfer policy facilitates faster degree completion. Learners pay the in-state tuition rate of $2,368 for associate degrees. Enrollees complete associate programs in about two years. Enrollees pay for tuition with an average aid package of $5,707.

In addition to coursework, learners can receive credit for completing service-learning experiences. Students can transfer credits to finish degrees faster. Barton County Community College has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,368
Out-of-state
$3,008
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
64%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
4,300
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Online Political Science Degrees

South Texas College

  • McAllen, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in McAllen, South Texas College enrolls students in many online programs, including its online political science program. At the public institution, students choose from in-person and online courses. The associate of arts in political science prepares graduates for careers in political science.

The distance learning format benefits working professionals and other busy students. The program's major courses and general education requirements strengthen analytical and critical thinking skills. Students individualize their degree through electives and minors. Academic advising, experiential learning opportunities, and career services support help distance learners reach their academic goals.

Online students can also use scholarships, grants, and loans to pay for school.

South Texas College Facts:

Online Student Enrollment: 8,436

Online Bachelor's Programs: 3

Graduation Rate: 23%

Transfer Credits Accepted: No

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,610
Out-of-state
$6,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
64%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
33,054
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
26% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Online Political Science Degrees

Allen County Community College

  • Iola, KS
  • 2 years
  • Online

Located in Kansas, Allen County Community College is one of the best schools for online degrees. The associate in political science program's curriculum covers core topics and features specialized training.

Students can transfer credits to earn their associate degree more quickly. Undergraduates pay $1,800 for in-state tuition. Learners complete online associate degrees in two years on average. The school awards an average aid package of $4,378. Many students receive scholarships to help pay for their education.

Admission requires school transcripts. The school provides student support services, such as tutoring and career counseling, for online and on-campus learners. The school’s website provides details about how to earn credit for experiential learning. The institution has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$1,800
Out-of-state
$1,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
62%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,407
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
73% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Online Political Science Degrees

Georgia Military College

  • Milledgeville, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The undergraduate programs at Georgia Military College help professionals move into new careers or advance in their current field. Students complete online political science coursework in a flexible learning environment. Learners in the associate in political science program take core political science courses and receive specialized training.

Students can complete an associate degree in two years. Online learners pay $6,165 for in-state tuition. The average aid package of $5,742 helps students pay for tuition. Nontraditional learners can also use private and institutional scholarships to help pay for their education.

Students can choose from multiple start terms. The school requires previous transcripts for admission. Prospective students can use college admissions tests to strengthen their application. Georgia Military College has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an independent accrediting agency.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,165
Out-of-state
$6,165
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
8,766
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
45% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Related articles that may interest you

AffordableCollegesOnline.org 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.

Do this for you

Explore your possibilities- find schools with programs you’re interested in and clear a path for your future.