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.
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Online Bachelor's in Political Science Programs
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.
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.
American Foreign Policy
Students learn how the U.S. government interacts with other governments worldwide. Learners examine past and current political events that demonstrate policy in action. Most of the course covers American foreign policy post-9/11. Participants evaluate U.S. and foreign government actions and discuss the common theories behind them.State and Community Politics
Political science majors learn about local governments through a state and community politics course. Enrollees discover how local campaigns vary from national ones and examine case studies on past political events. The course sometimes focuses on one state's policies. For example, a state politics course at a Californian school might focus on California state law.Political Parties in the United States
A political parties course focuses primarily on the similarities and differences between the U.S. Republican and Democratic Parties. Students learn how these two parties evolved over time and about popular leaders from each. The course also examines third parties, like the Libertarian Party and the Green Party.
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.
DiversityFIRST™ Certification Program
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.State Registered Election Official
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.Teaching Certification
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.
| 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. |
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.
