33 Cheapest Online Political Science Degrees from $41.67 per credit
Acquiring an online political science degree will help launch graduates across various fields including politics, education, non-profit, journalism and more. A typical coursework entails understanding political ideologies, institutions, policies, law, political ideas and the systems in a government.
After completing the degree, graduates will have the opportunity to further pursue higher levels of education or join the workforce after a bachelor’s degree.
What is political science?
Political science is a branch of social sciences that analyzes and studies the system of governance and the implementation of powers. A political science degree will help students to understand the theory and nature of politics, political systems and the people that work within political systems.
A political science degree also dives into the formation and exercise of power and its distribution at various levels. A good example on how the power dynamic works in a nation is determining the type of government it has. Around the world, we have governmental systems that are distinguished into categories – democratic, monarchical, republican and more. All these types of government have a certain way of exercising power and distributing it.
Can I get a political science degree online?
A political science degree can be acquired entirely online or in hybrid format at the liberty of your time and space. Individuals will receive the equivalent level of education that they would normally get in a traditional in-person program.
Acquiring a political science degree online may also be ideal for adults that are working a full-time job and want to further pursue their passion in the political arena. Additionally, it is also suitable for individuals with geographic constraints, busy parents, or lifelong learners.
What is the difference between political science and public policy?
| Field of Study | Political Science | Public Policy |
| Parameters | It is the analysis and study of governmental systems and how it exercises its responsibilities and powers. | It is the study pertaining primarily to a system of laws, guidelines and regulations that are implemented by the government. |
| Scope | The scope of the program is to guide students to understand how a certain type of government works, how laws and exercise affects the society. | The scope of public policy is to analyze and research the pros and cons of government policies, the process involved in framing it, and the impact it has on the society. |
How long does it take to get a political science degree?
The time taken to complete a political science program may vary based the level of degree that individuals are pursuing. An associate’s degree roughly takes up to two years, a bachelor’s degree up to four years and a master’s degree up to two years. This applies for both online and the traditional in-person degree.
Have a look at the general requirement details on credit and admissions below:
| Degree | Credit (may vary) | Duration | General Admission Requirements (may vary by college) |
| Associate’s Degree | 60 credits | 2 years | GED/Meet GPA Requirements |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years | HSE/Official High School Transcripts/Minimum Required GPA |
| Master’s Degree | 30 credits | 1-2 years | A Bachelor’s degree in a related field. |
8 Online Associate’s Degree in Political Science
An associate’s degree builds the foundation on which students can build their knowledge and skills on. Getting an online associate’s degree in political science will help students to learn and understand about the basics of governance systems and power implementation through fundamental coursework.
Have a look at the eight online associate’s degree in political science.
1. College of Western Idaho
Program: AA – Political Science
Tuition: $139/credit hour (resident); $306/credit hour (non-resident)
Accreditation: the college is accredited by the NWCCU.
Ranking: the college is ranked #4 in Best Community Colleges in Idaho.
Financial aid: available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid.
The objective of the political science degree is to familiarize students with the aspects, functions and process of politics in a society. Its coursework also includes study on political practices in a democratic government.
2. Barton County Community College
Program: AA – Political Science
Tuition: $155/credit hour
Accreditation: the college is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the college is ranked #19 in Best Community Colleges in Kansas.
Financial aid: available, with 86% of students receiving financial aid.
Barton’s associate degree in political science is a study of political systems, governments and also the legal system. The program prepares students to be able to think and research critically.
3. South Texas College
Program: AA – Political Science
Tuition: $160/credit hour (resident); $250/credit hour (non-resident)
Accreditation: the college is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the college is ranked #47 in Colleges with the Best Professors in Texas.
Financial aid: available, with 99% of students receiving financial aid.
The program is designed to prepare students for a bachelor’s degree in political science through its fundamental coursework in politics, public administration and affairs.
4. Georgia Military College
Program: AA – Political Science
Tuition: $168/credit hour
Accreditation: the college is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Financial aid: available, with 99% of students receiving financial aid.
The associate degree in political science at the GMC will introduce students to the various fields of political science along with public administration and internationals relations.
5. Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Program: Social Science – Associate’s degree(concentration in Political Science)
Tuition: $175/credit hour
Accreditation: the college is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the college is ranked #137 in Best Community Colleges in America.
Financial aid: available, with 93% of students receiving financial aid.
The social science program with an optional concentration in political science covers a wide range of topics including social work to criminal justice. The dynamic coursework provides students with a broad outlook at political science.
6. Scottsdale Community College
Program: AA – Political Science
Tuition: $253/credit hour
Accreditation: the college is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the college is ranked #6 in Best Community Colleges in Arizona.
Financial aid: available, with 97% of students receiving financial aid.
SCC’s associate in arts degree emphasizes in political science with coursework designed to prepare students for a future in careers such as – public relations, political scientists, political science professors and more.
7. Rio Salado College
Program: AA – Political Science
Tuition: $253 per credit hour (lower division); $379.50 per credit hour (upper division)
Accreditation: the college is accredited by the HLC.
Financial aid: available, with 96% of students receiving financial aid.
After completing an associate’s degree, students will be able to understand political concepts, theories and systems while developing the knowledge base to critique on it.
8. Liberty University
Program: AA – Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Tuition: $390/credit hour
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #168 in Best Colleges for Political Science in America.
Financial aid: available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid.
Students will learn and build a strong foundation on economy, politics and philosophical ideas through the online program at Liberty University.
16 Online Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science
An online bachelor’s degree in political science is the next step to further advance your knowledge and skills in regard to the study of politics. A bachelor’s level of degree in political science can also help individuals to advance in their career with the introduction of more advanced coursework.
Have a look at the 16 online bachelor’s degree.
1. Fayetteville State University
Program: BA – Political Science
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #12 in Colleges with the Best Professors in North Carolina.
Financial aid: available, with 91% of students receiving financial aid.
A political science online bachelor’s degree at FSU includes more advanced coursework designed to help students to better comprehend the dynamics of a government and its roles.
2. University of Central Florida
Program: BA – Political Science
Tuition: $179.19/credit hour (in-state); $715/credit hour (out-of-state)
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #6 in Best Colleges for Political Science in Florida.
Financial aid: available, with 96% of students receiving financial aid.
Earning a political science online degree at the UCF will guide graduates to become ready for the workforce or to pursue further education in a related program.
3. Fort Hays State University
Program: BA – Political Science (concentration in Public Administration)
Tuition: $226.88/credit hour
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #36 in Best Online Colleges in America.
Financial aid: available, with 96% of students receiving financial aid.
Getting an online degree in the program will prepare students for a career in both public administration and political science.
4. Arkansas State University
Program: Bachelor of Arts – Political Science
Tuition: $269/credit hour
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #2 in Top Public Universities in Arkansas.
Financial aid: available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
The online political science program focuses on aspects of the US constitution, contemporary issues in the nation, economic inequalities, and policies that affect the society.
5. Nicholls State University
Program: BA – Political Science
Tuition: $275/credit hour
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #8 in Best Value Colleges in Louisiana.
Financial aid: available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
The political science degree has been crafted to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the crucial aspects of politics, ideologies and political ideas.
6. American Public University System
Program: BA – Political Science
Tuition: $325/credit hour
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #55 in Best Online Colleges in America.
Financial aid: available, with 88% of students receiving financial aid.
The political science coursework explores and examines on topics of civil society, government and economics.
7. University of Massachusetts
Program: BA – Political Science
Tuition: $332/credit hour
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the NEASC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #116 in Best Colleges for Political Science in America.
Financial aid: available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid.
The program helps prepare individuals to enhance their critical thinking and develop an articulate outlook on matters of politics and public affairs.
8. Oregon State University
Program: BA/BS – Political Science
Tuition: $350/credit hour
Accreditation: the university accredited by the NWCCU.
Ranking: the university is ranked #1 in Best Online Colleges in America.
Financial aid: available, with 91% of students receiving financial aid.
A political science degree at the university will engage students with contemporary policies and issues allowing them to develop their own perspective on the political systems.
9. University of Baltimore
Program: BA – Policy, Politics and International Affairs
Tuition: $379/credit hour (in-state); $1138/credit hour (out-of-state)
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the MSCHE.
Ranking: the university is ranked #116 in Top Public Universities in America.
Financial aid: available, with 90% of students receiving financial aid.
The program coursework combines courses in political theory, public administration, comparative government, public policy and international relations.
10. The University of Maine
Program: BA – Political Science
Tuition: $388/credit hour (resident); $485/credit hour (non-resident)
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the NECHE.
Ranking: the university is ranked #4 in Colleges with the Best Professors in Maine.
Financial aid: available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid.
The 120-credit program analyses the scope and nature of politics from multiple perspectives in order for the student to broaden their knowledge on political systems.
11. Troy University
Program: Political Science – Bachelor’s degree (option in International Politics)
Tuition: $388/credit hour
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #52 in Best Online Colleges in America.
Financial aid: available, with 96% of students receiving financial aid.
This program not only includes topics on both national and international politics to get a better overview on how governmental systems differ around the world.
12. The University of Memphis
Program: BA – Political Science
Tuition: $431/credit hour
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #23 in Best Online Colleges in America.
Financial aid: available, with 99% of students receiving financial aid.
The political science program is made flexible for students that are engaged with other responsibilities in life through their online offering.
13. University of Missouri
Program: BA – Political Science
Tuition: $475.75/credit hour
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #5 in Best Colleges for Political Science in Missouri.
Financial aid: available, with 91% of students receiving financial aid.
The bachelor’s degree in political science at University of Missouri introduces students to both national and international politics and theories.
14. University of Missouri St. Louis
Program: BA – Political Science
Tuition: $480/credit hour (resident); $1,194/credit hour (non-resident)
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #129 in Top Public Universities in America.
Financial aid: available, with 97% of students receiving financial aid.
The program will help prepare students for a career as political leaders, analysts and political scientists to name a few.
15. Grand Canyon University
Program: BA – Government
Tuition: $485/credit hour
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #16 in Best Online Colleges in America.
Financial aid: available, with 99% of students receiving financial aid.
Students on taking up a political science program at the GCU will come to learn and examine how politics and political leaders influence change in the society.
16. The University of Arizona
Program: BA – Political Science
Tuition: $500/credit hour
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #154 in Best Colleges for Political Science in America.
Financial aid: available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid.
The program will help graduates to build an independent outlook on politics and the role it influences in society.
9 Online Master’s Degree in Political Science
Earning an online master’s degree in political science is generally designed to help individuals to advance in their career through rigorous coursework that explores further into the nature of political systems, ideas, and theories.
Have a look at the nine online master’s degree.
1. Fort Hays State University
Program: MLS – concentration in Political Science
Tuition: $298.55/credit hour
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #36 in Best Online Colleges in America.
Financial aid: available, with 96% of students receiving financial aid.
The master’s program primarily focuses on liberal studies with a concentration in political science that explores more advanced topics on the political aspects of a nation.
2. Sam Houston State University
Program: MA – Political Science
Tuition: $320.25/credit hour (resident); $728.25/credit hour (non-resident)
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #15 in Colleges with the Best Professors in Texas.
Financial aid: available, with 87% of students receiving financial aid.
The master of arts in political science at SHSU is designed for individuals that have recently graduated or are seeking to advance their career.
3. University of West Florida
Program: MA – Political Science
Tuition: $384.60/credit hour (in-state); $1,044.24/credit hour (out-of-state)
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #9 in Top Public Universities in Florida.
Financial aid: available, with 90% of students receiving financial aid.
The master’s program in political science will guide students on building analytical and critical skills as they examine governments and societies.
4. American Public University System
Program: MA – Political Science
Tuition: $425/credit hour
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #55 in Best Online Colleges in America.
Financial aid: available, with 88% of students receiving financial aid.
Through this program, students will get to interact with concepts of the government, governance, civil society and political systems.
5. Troy University
Program: Social Science – Master’s degree (option in Political Science)
Tuition: $475/credit hour
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #52 in Best Online Colleges in America.
Financial aid: available, with 96% of students receiving financial aid.
The master’s program in social science at Troy University allows for students to take up an optional concentration in political science that systematically studies about political institutions and behavior.
6. Grand Canyon University
Program: MPA – Government and Policy
Tuition: $485/credit hour
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #16 in Best Online Colleges in America.
Financial aid: available, with 99% of students receiving financial aid.
The program coursework involves analyzing modern issues by identifying and addressing the issues in regard to governance and policies.
7. Liberty University
Program: MS – Political Science
Tuition: $565/credit hour (full-time); $615/credit hour (part-time)
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #168 in Best Colleges for Political Science in America.
Financial aid: available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid.
Liberty University’s online master’s program in political science guides students with a comprehensive and rigorous coursework that will help them to view outside the preconceived notions of politics.
8. Virginia Tech
Program: MA – Political Science
Tuition: $893/credit hour (resident); $1740.50/credit hour (non-resident)
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #135 in Best Colleges for Political Science in America.
Financial aid: available, with 71% of students receiving financial aid.
Virginia Tech’s online master’s in political science provides the same level of education that their traditional program offers. It is designed for individuals that are unable to begin a residential degree program.
9. University of Illinois Springfield
Program: MA – Political Science
Tuition: $5852/semester
Accreditation: the university is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #5 in Top Public Universities in Illinois.
Financial aid: available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid.
The online political science program is tailored to meet the needs of individuals that come from various academics backgrounds that are aspiring to learn or advance in their professional career.
Why major in political science?
Students that are majoring in political science get to learn about politics and the impact it has on society. The coursework in a political science program presents policies and issues where students will get to critically examine the causes and possible solutions going forward.
Acquiring a degree in political science opens up various opportunities for students to participate in nation building, tackling contemporary issues and analyze existing policies of the government.
Is political science a difficult major?
Political science is both a rigorous and interesting program of study. There is no doubt that the field of political science is highly competitive and requires students to be open to learn from new perspectives and have a critical outlook on issues and government policies.
However, it can be an interesting program of study for individuals that are passionate about learning:
The origins of power and governance,
The dynamic structure of a political system,
The process of developing government policies and
The interaction of different governments at international levels
What are the best jobs after B.A. Political Science?
Political science graduates have the liberty to choose from a variety of career options including policy analysts, political scientists, lobbyist, political science professors and more. The option
According to the data given by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate of political scientists is projected to grow by 6 percent through 2021 to 2031.
Have a look at the percent change visual data given below:
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Also have a look at the top professional career options for political science graduates:
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
| Professor | $124,189 |
| Lawyer | $92,127 |
| Senior Policy Analyst | $83,278 |
| Lobbyist | $85,226 |
| Legislative Assistant | $43,593 |
Is a political science degree worth it?
Yes, pursuing a degree in political science is well worth it if you are someone whose aspirations align with understanding the political system. Furthermore, the program will help individuals to pursue professional careers in politics, government agencies and the educational sectors of work.
Graduates will also have the opportunity to be placed in some of the highly paid professions of work.
