Best Online Master’s in Political Science

Best Online Master's in Political Science

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Change the world and earn a robust salary in the process with an online master’s in political Science!

Best Online Master's in Political Science

You may think that a political science degree is only useful for those that want to become senators or members of congress, but this degree teaches students skills that can be utilized in a wide variety of careers. A political science degree will teach you the skills to critically evaluate what is occurring and provide you with the knowledge of how to implement positive change. If this is something you can get behind, keep reading to learn more!

Online Schools Report 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.

What Is an Online Master’s in Political Science? 

An online master’s in political science will hone your public speaking and communication skills while teaching you in-depth knowledge of the government. Throughout the program, you’ll learn how and why certain policies are formed, as well as how to influence these processes for the better. 

Part of mastering the political science field is learning how to conduct research to truly understand complex issues, which is why research classes are a significant part of these online degrees. 

How Much Can You Earn With an Online Master’s in Political Science?

If you’re considering pursuing a master’s in political science, then you likely already have an idea of what you want to do after graduation. Those who wish to attend a doctorate in political science program may want to consider becoming a political scientist. Political scientists can earn a robust salary of $117,570 per year. 

Those not wanting to pursue a doctorate degree may want to consider a career as a public relations specialist or a public relations and fundraising manager. Public relations specialists can expect to earn around $60,000 annually, while public relations and fundraising managers will take home a median annual salary of $114,800

What Is Required to Attend an Online Master’s in Political Science? 

While applying to grad schools can seem like a daunting task, the good news is that many schools with master’s programs in political science usually request similar, if not the same, admission materials.

Most of the online programs are going to require that you submit your official undergraduate transcripts for any colleges you attended. Many master’s degree programs want to make sure that you’re a good candidate for their program, which is why they sometimes ask for a short essay and references in the admission packet. Expect to pay a small admission packet processing fee when you submit your completed packet. 

What Are the Most Affordable Online Colleges?

OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program-specific. For school-wide, OSR uses student satisfaction, admission rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the median debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.

The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other U.S. institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the U.S. Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.

Let’s take a look at the 5 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Political Science! 

American Public University System

American Public University System

Quick Facts

  • 36-credit hour program
  • $370 per credit hour
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Programs Offered Online

45

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

4%

100%OSR Score

The Master of Arts in Political Science from American Public University Systems will teach you the research and analytical skills necessary to genuinely evaluate what is occurring in government. Students are able to select between four concentrations in political science, and classes are held in eight-week blocks with classes starting monthly. To complete this degree program, students have to complete a portfolio or take a comprehensive examination, which doesn’t require on-campus attendance to complete.

The University of West Florida

The University of West Florida

Quick Facts

  • 33-credit hour program
  • Required live-lecture online course attendance
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

50%

Programs Offered Online

8

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

8%

96%OSR Score

Those who truly desire a conventional college experience with live lectures, but are still looking for an online program, might want to check out the Master of Arts in Political Science from UWF. The program has a thesis and a non-thesis option for students. Students in this program are allowed to choose between a concentration in Political Science or Security and Diplomacy. 

Eastern Illinois University

Quick Facts

  • 32-credit hour program
  • Internships available
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

52%

Programs Offered Online

6

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

7%

89%OSR Score

If you’re looking for a degree that will prepare you for a career in government or non-profit organizations then look no further than the Master of Arts in Political Science from Eastern Illinois University. This program has an emphasis in Public Administration and Public Policy, which means it’s a versatile degree for your future. Students can complete this program in as little as one year, or two semesters and a summer of full-time study. 

University of Illinois at Springfield

University of Illinois- Springfield

Quick Facts

  • 40-credit hour program
  • Thesis and non-thesis options available
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Acceptance Rate

52%

Programs Offered Online

11

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

5%

86%OSR Score

The Master of Art in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Springfield allows students to tailor the degree requirements around their interests. Students can choose to concentrate in one of four areas, including American National and State Politics, Comparative Politics / International Relations, Political Theory, and Public Law. Students are able to complete an internship that can count for up to eight credit hours.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Quick Facts

  • 30-credit hour program
  • Graduate certificates available
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

70%

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

8%

86%OSR Score

The Master of Arts in Political Science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is the ideal degree for those who want to pursue a doctorate program after graduation. The program places a significant emphasis on students’ research and thesis presentation, which will hone the skills needed for higher education. Students who wish to complete this program on a full-time basis can expect the program to take four semesters.

Online Schools Report 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.