Best Online Master’s in Political Science Programs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.