Best Masters Programs For Political Science – Learn about this year’s best online master’s degrees in political science and discover how these programs can lead to careers in fields ranging from politics to business and communications.
Earning a master’s degree in political science online can lead to many exciting job opportunities within and outside of politics. Many online masters in political science programs teach not only politics and public policy, but also legal systems, international relations, history and communications. Some online political science master’s programs also allow you to set your own schedule. You gain the same knowledge as face-to-face students at the same time as you can work full-time and take care of family and personal obligations.
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But how do you know which program best meets your needs? To get you started on your search, we’ve ranked this year’s best online political science master’s programs based on key criteria like affordability, online education options, and student support. See which programs came out the best, and read on in the guide to learn more about earning your master’s degree in political science online.
Data Science Track
To qualify for this ranking, colleges had to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible colleges, OMD’s data science team assigned weights and ranked colleges based on a combination of affordability, availability of online learning and student support performance metrics.
All sites on OMD use the latest data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which colleges and universities across the country self-report through surveys from the US Department of Education.
Sul Ross State University’s Master of Arts in Political Science degree program is designed for students interested in advancing their careers in political science. They will be prepared for teaching and research at university level, teaching in secondary education, in political or administrative careers or preparation for continued graduate studies. Students will study topics such as voter turnout, the impact of term limits, social behavior and political affiliation, policy analysis, institutional authority, and more. There are many opportunities to conduct research in political theory, public administration, public policy, and institutional authority within local, state, national, and international associations. Students can complete the program entirely online, allowing them to balance their other personal and professional responsibilities. There is an option of thesis and non-thesis.
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Indiana University Bloomington’s Political Science MA is a fully online program for students interested in studying the methods and approaches political scientists use to analyze and explain political institutions and behavior. They will study the role of politics in society, apply knowledge in political society, carry out research and important schools of political thought. Graduates will be prepared for careers in education, policy analysis, lobbying, national security, public service, and more. Students choose between two tracks: world politics or American politics. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, official transcripts, and a 250-word personal statement explaining the background and reasons for participating in the program.
The University of Nebraska Omaha’s online master’s degree in political science offers students a flexible, fully online program with the opportunity to complete interdisciplinary studies. All students will study a broad foundation of political science in subjects such as research, government and politics, international relations, constitutional law, foreign policy, leadership and political theory. They also have the opportunity to incorporate other disciplines, including criminal justice, geography, history, communication, etc. Graduates will be prepared for a wide range of careers in a variety of fields. The program offers majors and non-majors options. All students start in the non-thesis option, but can apply for the thesis option after 15 credits. Students will create a program of study with electives and by choosing between two concentrations: American Government and Politics or International Affairs. Entry requirements include a statement of purpose, writing test, CV and letters of recommendation.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University’s online Master of Arts in Political Science degree is completely online and provides students with a solid background in the discipline of political science and a foundation in social science research methods. The department is relatively small, which allows for close interaction between students and faculty. Students complete coursework online through graduate courses completed asynchronously. Graduates will be prepared for careers in careers in academia and government or prepared to pursue a doctorate. Admission requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE score and TOEFL / IELTS score if applicable.
The University of Illinois Springfield’s master’s degree in political science can be completed entirely online, allowing for professional and personal flexibility. Graduates will gain expertise in US and international politics, policy, political campaigns, and research. Students choose an area of emphasis in American national and state politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, or public law. In close collaboration with the faculty, they can adapt their degree to their interests and choose electives within their field of study. There are also opportunities for research, internships and PhD stays. To complete the degree, students will choose from a comprehensive survey, thesis or participant/observer case study. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, application, transcripts, writing test, test scores, and application fee.
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Although the online political science master’s programs listed below did not make our best list for 2023, they are still worth considering. Check out our detailed recipes below to see if they have what you’re looking for.
The 100% online master’s degree in political science from the American Public University System explores topics such as American government theory, foreign and domestic policy, and political philosophy. It prepares graduates for careers in government and the military, as well as for politics, nonprofit administration, and any career that requires strong interpersonal and communication skills.
For this two-year, 36-credit program, students choose from one of four concentrations: American politics and government, comparative government and development, international relations, and public policy. Graduates analyze basic theories of government and apply them to current political systems, evaluate different political systems, and assess the people and processes involved in policy making. Tuition is $370 per credit hour, but active duty military students pay only $250 per credit hour.
The University of Illinois Springfield’s online master’s degree in political science is designed for professionals hoping to begin a career in politics or education. This customizable program consists mostly of electives. Courses include comparative political cultures, introduction to the American legal system, litigation advocacy, legislative politics, environmental law, US foreign policy, Russian politics and poverty, law and justice. Students must also complete a final exercise in the form of a thesis, a comprehensive final exam or a case study.
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The political science department is also home to the award-winning Model UN and Model Illinois government groups. In addition, students may choose from one of four concentrations: American State and Public Policy, Comparative Politics/International Relations, Political Theory, and Public Law.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA and a solid foundation in political science, social science, or history. All online students pay the same tuition rates.
Earning a master’s degree in political science provides a strong foundation in debate, analysis, research and writing. These skills can lead to success in the political world and beyond, as graduates take on leadership roles in private companies and public offices.
With a master’s degree in political science, you open yourself up to new employment opportunities that may be out of reach with just a bachelor’s degree. According to Northeastern University, advanced degree holders actually earn 35 percent more on average than those with only bachelor’s degrees.
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An online master’s degree in political science also offers flexibility not typically found in traditional programs. Many students seeking this degree are already in the workforce and cannot attend face-to-face classes. Online learning allows you to go at your own pace by watching lectures according to your schedule.
Online masters in political science programs cover a variety of topics within concentrations such as government, international relations, and public policy. They offer courses on data science and research methods. In many cases, students complete a capstone project to graduate. Some sample courses are described below to give an idea of what most online political science master’s programs entail.
Because political science is a broad field, many political science master’s programs allow you to focus on one concentration and specialize in a way that better prepares you for your dream career. For example, political science students interested in diplomacy may specialize in international relations, while those wishing to teach political science may focus on political theory.
One of the main considerations for an online master’s degree in political science is accreditation. An accredited program has met standards set by an educational oversight body, either at a national or regional level.
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In most cases, a school receives regional accreditation from an organization such as the Higher Learning Commission or the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. According to the US Department of State, no organization provides programmatic accreditation for political science programs, so make sure any school you are considering is accredited by the US Department of Education.
While many people with a master’s degree in political science work in the federal government,
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