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Online Bachelor's Degree: Political Science

Political Science
Bachelor of Science
DEGREE AT A GLANCE
  • 120 credits
  • Transfer up to 90 credits
  • All courses available online
  • Select hybrid courses available
TUITION RATES
  • $324 per credit (in-state)
  • $499 per credit (out-of-state)
  • $250 per credit (military)
  • Other fees may apply
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Gain career-relevant skills in research, writing, and analysis with an online bachelor’s in political science from University of Maryland Global Campus. Increase your understanding of complex political issues and current events in both the United States and the rest of the world. Grow your knowledge base by studying under experienced faculty members who bring their practical expertise with them to the classroom. Plus, with UMGC’s convenient online courses and generous transfer credit policy, it has never been easier to further your education and advance your career. Ready to make a change? Apply today!

Develop Your Critical Thinking, Analytical, & Research Skills

In this program, you’ll develop an understanding of both American politics and global politics by analyzing the political theories and structures that underpin our modern world. Our comprehensive curriculum may help equip you with vital skills in research, writing, data collection, and structural analysis. As you grapple with current events and their applications in the public and private sectors, you’ll also complete course projects that may help build your understanding in public policy, international relations, diversity initiatives, and political economy.

Here are a few benefits of this online program:

  • The writing, research, and analytical skills you’ll pick up in this program are relevant to almost any career and are good preparation for graduate school.
  • We offer courses annually in the spring, summer, and fall terms.
  • Eligible political science majors are invited to join Pi Gamma Mu, which recognizes outstanding scholarship in the social sciences.

See Courses & Program Info

View a complete list of courses, program-specific requirements, and more.

Search Course Catalog

These requirements are for students who enroll in the 2024–2025 academic year. For prior year requirements, visit our catalog archive.

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

In addition to the specific course requirements outlined on each bachelor’s degree webpage, UMGC maintains certain requirements for all bachelor’s degrees.

Develop Universal Career Skills

As the world grows more connected, many major companies are expected to continue conducting their business on a global scale. That’s why employers are looking for working professionals who can think globally, analyze critically, and write convincingly. An understanding of both domestic and global political issues can help you increase your marketability Graduates of our political science program may be able to develop universal and career-relevant skills in communication, data analysis, policy development, risk management, and strategic planning. Our program directors refresh and update the curriculum regularly, with a focus on helping students achieve the following:

Unlock Your Career Potential

This online political science program may help prepare you for a variety of careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Potential job titles in these areas include political scientist, information analyst, intelligence analyst, research scientist, lobbyist, or community outreach specialist.

Please note: Higher advancement in political science careers may require further education, such as a master's degree.

No. 2
Social Services Job
U.S. News & World Report has ranked political scientist as the second-best social service job in the United States.
Source: U.S. News & World Report | “Best Social Services Jobs” | Last Reviewed: April 15, 2024
7%
Job Growth
Employment of political scientists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | “Occupational Outlook Handbook” | Last Reviewed: April 15, 2024

Practice Real-World Skills in Your Political Science Courses

Throughout your curriculum, your instructors will assign coursework that may help you prioritize real-world skills and experience. In past courses, students have been able to complete the following course projects:

  • Write a four-page analytical paper about a current event or public policy issue that impacts the American political system.
  • Draft a position paper on an issue of your choice that a hypothetical congressional candidate will use to prepare for an upcoming debate.
  • Write an essay concerning the relationship between the public policy-making process and the impact of bureaucracies. This paper will be included as part of a hypothetical press packet given to the media to provide them with background information.

Explore UMGC Insights

Gain insight from our faculty and staff and delve deeper into a range of topics, including a complete overview of UMGC’s political science program.

 

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Current Program
Political Science
Bachelor of Science

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