Best Online Master’s in Political Science Programs
Many career possibilities open up with a master’s in political science. Explore job options, salaries, and the best online programs.
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Got a passion for politics, law, and governmental institutions? Think about an online master’s in political science program. You’ll learn how political activity influences the social sciences, gaining skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and political systems.
A master’s in political science can lead to rewarding careers in government, public policy, education, and even the nonprofit world. In addition to opening the door for a variety of different career opportunities, the degree makes you eligible to pursue a doctoral degree if you’re interested in further academic advancement.
Read on to learn about potential career paths, salaries, job outlook, and program expectations.
Popular Online Master’s in Political Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master’s in Political Science Programs
How We Rank Schools
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Blacksburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Virginia Tech offers an online master's in political science that emphasizes social science research methodologies and prepares students for careers in government, public policy, and academia.
Students begin the program with core classes focused on research methodologies and contemporary political theory. They may then choose from electives in subjects, such as the branches of U.S. government, public policy analysis, international politics, human rights, and global conflicts.
One popular course on electronic governance examines how governments apply information technology. Students consider technology's effects on citizens in terms of security, privacy, and gaps in access to digital resources.
Online students complete all coursework virtually through an asynchronous format. All students complete a research project and dissertation that they present to faculty and peers before graduation.
55%
$14,521
91%
$29,267
- Acceptance Rate
- 57%
- Students Enrolled
- 38,170
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Illinois Springfield
- Springfield, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Students in the UIS's online master's in political science program can tailor their studies to their interests, background, and career goals. The program prepares students for careers in politics, public policy, academia, and law.
The 40-credit curriculum features elective courses in areas like political philosophy, LGBTQ+ law and politics, the American legal system, and international relations. A course on political psychology explores how the media, stereotypes, social identity, and other factors influence individuals' political decisions.
At the end of the program, students may choose to complete a comprehensive exam, a thesis, or a participant/observer case study.
Online students learn from the same tenure-track faculty members as their on-campus counterparts. They take all classes virtually and learn through an asynchronous model. Online students also benefit from a reduced e-tuition rate.
83%
$ 8,858
76%
$16,408
- Acceptance Rate
- 82%
- Students Enrolled
- 4,198
- Institution Type
- Public
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
UWF's online master's in political science program focuses on analyzing current events, international governments, and public policy. These experiences prepare students to serve as policy analysts, policy researchers, strategic advisors, nonprofit organizers, and government officials.
Students may choose from a thesis or non-thesis track. The thesis option includes nine credits of electives and a faculty-advised thesis paper. The non-thesis option features 15 elective credits.
All students take several required courses on comparative politics, American politics, research methods, and political theory.
Non-Florida residents may seek a waiver of up to 90% of out-of-state tuition, making their tuition only slightly higher than the in-state rate. Applicants do not need to submit GRE scores.
79%
$ 7,088
85%
$22,166
- Acceptance Rate
- 48%
- Students Enrolled
- 13,521
- Institution Type
- Public
Sam Houston State University
- Huntsville, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Featuring small class sizes and access to highly qualified instructors, SHSU's master's in political science prepares students for careers in politics, public policy, education, and the nonprofit sector.
Students may choose from a 30-credit thesis option or a 36-credit non-thesis option. Elective courses cover topics, such as women in politics, the U.S. presidency, and political attitudes and behavior. One class explores the formation and evolution of today's Democratic and Republican parties in the U.S., along with former major parties that once dominated American politics.
While students can take all their required courses online, they may also opt for some in-person experiences at the school's campuses in Huntsville or The Woodlands, Texas. Students may begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer.
67%
$ 5,765
74%
$13,109
- Acceptance Rate
- 85%
- Students Enrolled
- 21,480
- Institution Type
- Public
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
- Charleston, SC
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
The Citadel's master's degree in international politics and military affairs prepares students for careers in the U.S. military, government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, large corporations, and various other sectors.
The program takes a comprehensive view on economic, political, and social issues that affect nation-states across the globe. At the same time, students build their communication, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Students in this master's in political science program can choose from various electives, including South Asian affairs, U.S. foreign policy, conflict studies, and international law. A class on international political economy looks at how economic issues influence countries' political behaviors and vice versa.
Before graduating, students must complete either a guided internship or a thesis paper. All students pay the same tuition regardless of residency.
33%
$10,740
84%
$18,390
- Acceptance Rate
- 99%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,721
- Institution Type
- Public
Eastern Illinois University
- Charleston, IL
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
EIU offers an online master's in political science that gives students the option to focus on public administration or public policy. The program prepares students for careers in state, local, and regional government agencies; public policy research; government relations; nonprofit management; and human resource management.
Although students may take all courses online, those who live close to the EIU campus in Charleston, Illinois, may opt for some in-person classes.
In one course on environmental politics and policy, students take a political science-based approach to examining energy, sustainability, and ecological issues. Another class looks at urban and city policy from the perspective of the U.S. federal government.
At the end of the program, students submit a capstone project that represents a culmination of everything they learned through their studies.
43%
$ 7,691
71%
$18,458
- Acceptance Rate
- 68%
- Students Enrolled
- 7,308
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Nebraska at Omaha
- Omaha, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
UNO's students can enroll in an online master's in political science program that features ample opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and collaboration. Students may choose from concentrations in international affairs and American government and politics.
Students take classes on political theory, comparative politics, international leadership, and public opinion and polling. A course on LGBTQ+ politics focuses on how members of these communities have operationalized political power to achieve civil rights victories over the years.
The program serves many mid-career professionals looking to take the next step in their political, public policy, education, or public service careers. It also prepares students looking to seek a Ph.D. after graduation.
Applicants do not need to submit GRE scores.
76%
$ 6,138
74%
$14,760
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Students Enrolled
- 15,058
- Institution Type
- Public
Sul Ross State University
- Alpine, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Located in Alpine, Texas, Sul Ross offers an online master's in political science designed to help students interested in careers in academia, politics, government service, and postsecondary teaching.
The program features classes in public administration, comparative politics, intergovernmental relations, public management, and public budgeting and finance. A course on local government administration gives students an in-depth understanding of how small cities, counties, school systems, metro areas, and other public entities operate, particularly in Texas.
Before they graduate, all students must pass a comprehensive oral exam. They must also take 9-18 credits of additional graduate coursework to supplement their studies in political science.
Students may also engage in an internship for credit.
76%
$ 4,316
49%
$11,660
- Acceptance Rate
- 97%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,987
- Institution Type
- Public
What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in Political Science?
Earning a master’s degree in political science allows you to work in nonprofit, law, government, education, or consulting. You may find a position as a campaign manager, legislative assistant, or political reporter, where you’d apply your political savvy, critical thinking, and research skills to address pressing issues.
Jobs for political scientists, who help shape public policy, are projected to grow by 3% from 2023 to 2033, as fast as average for all professions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Other roles include public relations specialists, for which jobs are projected to grow by 6%, according to the BLS. Urban and regional planning jobs are projected to grow by 4%. Roles such as regulatory affairs specialist and compliance manager let you ensure organizations meet legal and regulatory requirements.
After you graduate, you may be able to earn anywhere from $50,000 a year as a policy analyst to $90,000 a year as a lobbyist.
| Job | Job Description | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Campaign Manager | Oversees the operations of a political campaign | $69,510 |
| Compliance Manager | Makes sure a company operates in alignment with current laws and regulations | $87,020 |
| Policy Analyst | Assesses policies to address social problems | $64,690 |
| Political Scientist | Researches political topics and analyzes the behavior of political institutions as well as political and economic trends | $58,350 |
| Regulatory Affairs Manager/Specialist | Makes sure employers follow regulations and help companies make strategic decisions aligning with relevant laws | $74,480 |
| Public Relations Specialist | Creates and maintains positive public images for their clients | $55,430 |
| Legislative Assistant | Helps lawmakers with a variety of legal and administrative tasks, such as editing legal documents, conducting legal research, and coordinating meetings | $46,290 |
| Urban and Regional Planner | Develops plans that determine how cities, counties, and other jurisdictions will us the land | $62,690 |
| Lobbyist | Influences lawmakers as representatives of various organizations, such as nonprofits, trade and government associations, and insurance companies | $89,970 |
| Political Reporter | Writes factual political stories for publication in newspapers, radio, or television broadcasts | $50,310 |
Where Do Master’s in Political Science Majors Work?
Law
An online master’s degree in political science will give you a deep understanding of legal concepts and government systems, preparing you for a career as a policy analyst, lobbyist, or legislative assistant.
If, after your online master’s in political science degree, you want to pursue a law degree, you will have the critical thinking skills and subject matter expertise to enroll in law school, pass the bar, and become a successful lawyer.
- Possible Jobs: Legislative assistant, policy analyst, lobbyist
- Skills Used: Political systems knowledge, critical thinking, communication
Government
With your knowledge of political systems and government functions and skills in policy analysis, you’ll be prepared to work in government agencies. Relevant roles you might pursue include government researcher, campaign staff, legislative aid, and policy analyst.
An online master’s degree in political science will give you the skills to contribute to policymaking, so you can work in policy development, draft legislation, and advise elected officials.
- Possible Jobs: Campaign staff, policy analyst, government researcher
- Skills Used: Policy analysis, political systems knowledge, research
Public Sector
Your online master’s in political science program will give you skills in policy understanding, research, critical thinking, and communication.
With advanced skills in policy analysis, you can work as a legislative aid, public relations specialist, policy analyst, or program evaluator. You could even work in public affairs within federal, state, or local government.
- Possible Jobs: Public relations specialist, policy analyst, program evaluator
- Skills Used: Critical thinking, research, policy analysis
Media
If you want to work as a political journalist, commentator, news editor, or political analyst, you’ll be well-equipped with the skills you gained from your online master’s in political science program.
You’ll have the research, analysis, and critical thinking skills to apply your deep understanding of politics while reporting on political news for public audiences.
- Possible Jobs: Political journalist, commentator, news editor
- Skills Used: Research, analysis, political understanding
Politics
Your online master’s in political science program can further develop your communication, research, and analytical skills as well as impart a deep understanding of political systems.
These skills will serve you well in politics, where you can contribute to government operations and policy development at any governmental level. You could work as a legislative aide, campaign manager, lobbyist, or public opinion researcher.
- Possible Jobs: Legislative aide, campaign manager, political consultant
- Skills Used: Political systems, communication, research
Education
With an online master’s in political science degree, you can pursue a teaching career at the middle school or high school level. You’ll draw from the skills analysis and research skills you learned from your master’s program.
You’ll also have a foundation in political theory, which you can use to teach social studies courses. If you pursue a doctoral degree, you’ll be eligible to work in higher education, teaching political science courses at a college or university.
- Possible Jobs: Teacher, administration, curriculum developer
- Skills Used: Analysis, research, communication
Nonprofit
Skills in research, policy understanding, communication, and advocacy, are valuable for working with nonprofit organizations. This includes non-governmental organizations (NGOs), foundations, and advocacy groups.
In the nonprofit world, you can influence public policy and work on policy analysis, program development, campaign management, and related projects.
- Possible Jobs: Environmental advocate, community organizer, program officer
- Skills Used: Policy understanding, advocacy, communication
What to Expect From an Online Master’s in Political Science
Your master’s in political science program will provide you with advanced critical thinking, analytical, and research skills. You’ll also gain a deep understanding of political systems in and outside the U.S.
As you explore online master’s in political science programs, you’ll notice that these programs tend to require students to complete between 30 and 36 credits at a rate of $384 to $565 per credit. As for length, these programs range from two to four years. You can potentially save money on tuition by applying to schools in your state. Otherwise, you might have to pay extra as an out-of-state student.
Courses you may encounter include the following:
- Political philosophy
- Comparative politics
- Political psychology
- Urban public policy
Master’s in Political Science Specializations
- Political theory focuses on the study of politics and political concepts. You’ll learn to analyze and evaluate political values and policies, covering democratic theory, political theory, and influential political theorists, plus other topics.
- Comparative politics compares political systems in various countries to learn how political systems differ and change across time and place.
- American politics examines judicial politics, gender and politics, legislative policies, race and ethnicity, and other concepts to understand American political institutions and their connection to the American public.
- International relations teaches you how to examine the interactions between nations and states. You’ll study a range of topics that include foreign policy, globalization, and international law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s in Political Science Programs
After a master’s in political science, the most relevant degree to pursue is a doctorate in political science, the highest degree in the field. As a doctoral student, you’ll investigate political science theory and advanced research methodologies, building on your master’s coursework. Your doctoral degree will end with you writing a dissertation.
Once you earn your doctorate, you can teach or conduct research in universities or work for the government or think tanks.
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