Page Content
Masters in Political Science Online
Today’s politics are increasingly becoming divisive. But this kind of division is not new. Political Science professionals will tell you that such divisions in our politics have been there for centuries. That is not the only thing that Political Science professionals do; they also provide expert-level commentary on public policy, wealth distribution, international affairs, how governments run, how political parties organize and face elections, and many more. If all these topics interest you and you want to become a Political Science professional, you can sign up for a master’s in political science. Political science is a branch of social science that teaches students about politics, the history of politics, public administration, global perspective, wealth & its impact on politics, and much more. The best way to become a Political Science professional is by enrolling in a master’s in political science online program. Irrespective of how these affairs interest you, students are curious career prospects for Political Science professionals. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a projected job growth for Political Science professionals of six percent (2019 to 2029). This guide will walk you through all aspects of a master’s in political science online programs.
Featured Online Programs
Best Political Science Masters Programs
A political science major at a bachelor’s level might get you a job in the field of political science. But to become a Political Science professional, you will need to get a master’s in political science. While you are contemplating the best political science master’s programs, we have created a list of the best programs based on alumni review, return on investment, program quality and flexibility, and many more factors that students are looking for. Here is a list of the best political science master’s programs:
Link to this page| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 210 Burruss Hall, 800 Drillfield Dr., Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 | $13,701 | 86% |
| #2 Northeastern University 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 02115 | $24,793 | 89% |
| #3 East Carolina University East 5th Street, Greenville, North Carolina 27858 | $4,749 | 66% |
| #4 Norwich University 158 Harmon Drive, Northfield, Vermont 05663-1035 | $17,904 | 61% |
| #5 Georgia State University 33 gilmer st, Atlanta, Georgia 30303 | $7,164 | 55% |
| #6 Sam Houston State University 1806 Ave J, Huntsville, Texas 77340 | $5,765 | 54% |
| #7 University of Illinois Springfield One University Plaza, Springfield, Illinois 62703 | $8,270 | 54% |
| #8 Eastern Illinois University 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, Illinois 61920 | $7,356 | 53% |
| #9 University of Nebraska at Omaha 6001 Dodge St, Omaha, Nebraska 68182 | $5,558 | 50% |
| #10 Liberty University 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515 | $7,980 | 47% |
| #11 University of West Florida 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, Florida 32514 | $7,088 | 46% |
| #12 American Public University 111 W Congress St, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414 | $6,615 | 40% |
| #13 Southern New Hampshire University 2500 North River Road, Manchester, New Hampshire 03106 | $18,810 | 44% |
| #14 Western New Mexico University 1000 W. College Ave, Silver City, New Mexico 88061 | $3,356 | 34% |
| #15 Bellevue University 1000 Galvin Rd S, Bellevue, Nebraska 68005-3098 | $10,530 | 24% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Most Affordable Online Masters in Political Science Programs
While many students are interested in American Politics and International affairs, it might not be practical to afford the program. We at Online Masters Colleges know that the cost of education is skyrocketing, and graduate programs are even more expensive. Luckily, many universities started rolling out affordable online masters in political science. In your pursuit for a master’s degree, we ensured that the right information is shared, and for the same, here is a list of the most affordable online masters in political science.
Link to this page| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Western New Mexico University 1000 W. College Ave, Silver City, New Mexico 88061 | $3,356 | 34% |
| #2 Fort Hays State University 600 Park St, Hays, Kansas 67601 | $3,582 | 43% |
| #3 Sul Ross State University HWY 90 East, Alpine, Texas 79832 | $3,900 | 25% |
| #4 Northeastern State University 600 N Grand, Tahlequah, Oklahoma 74464 | $4,500 | 33% |
| #5 University of Nebraska at Omaha 6001 Dodge St, Omaha, Nebraska 68182 | $5,558 | 50% |
| #6 Sam Houston State University 1806 Ave J, Huntsville, Texas 77340 | $5,765 | 54% |
| #7 American Public University System 111 W Congress St, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414 | $6,615 | 40% |
| #8 Texas A&M University JKW Administration Building, Suite 200, College Station, Texas 77843 | $6,677 | 82% |
| #9 The University of West Florida 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, Florida 32514 | $7,088 | 46% |
| #10 Eastern Illinois University 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, Illinois 61920 | $7,356 | 53% |
| #11 Liberty University 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515 | $7,980 | 47% |
| #12 University of Illinois at Springfield One University Plaza, Springfield, Illinois 62703 | $8,270 | 54% |
| #13 University of Southern Mississippi 118 College Drive # 0001, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406 | $8,786 | 49% |
| #14 Bellevue University 1000 Galvin Rd S, Bellevue, Nebraska 68005-3098 | $10,530 | 24% |
| #15 Regent University 1000 Regent University Dr, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464 | $15,552 | 57% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Understanding Masters in Political Science Programs
A Masters’s in political science helps you acquire knowledge about all government branches such as legislative, executive, and judicial. It introduces you to connecting politics with public policy and the complex world of public administration and different government systems. A master’s in political science helps you do that and explore everything about domestic and international affairs. As part of the study, you will learn about all aspects of political behavior, policy issues, different government structures across the globe, and much more. These programs also help you improve your writing skills, communication, analysis, and data skills. And the web-based on master’s degrees are becoming increasingly popular even for political science. But before you apply for an online master’s in political science programs, let us dig deep and understand all aspects of these programs.
Online Masters in Political Science Degree Types
Gaining knowledge about political science gives you a better understanding of political situations and political life in your country, neighborhood, and global level. This subject’s study can be attained through two main degree types – MA Political Science, also known as Master of Arts in Political Science, and MS Political Science, known as Master of Science in Political Science. Selecting either of the degrees gives you better outreach in the job market.
MA Political Science
Obtaining a master’s degree in Political science leverages your position in the job market. A Master of Arts in Political Science helps you pursue a wide range of opportunities and further studies related to law, Ph.D., or any other advanced degree from political science specializations.
MS Political Science
Master of Science in Political Science concentrates on researching, analyzing, and evaluating different governments, economic crises, international trade, and other national and international governments’ concepts.
Specializations in Masters in Political Science Programs
The majority of the master’s programs have specializations or concentrations that help you learn and understand the subject better. These specializations are available on various topics, and according to your interest, you can add them to your master’s in political science. The following are some of the specializations you can pick while pursuing your master’s program.
| Specialization | Description |
|---|---|
| International Relations | This specialization gives you a better understanding of global interaction in the past and present. Online Master’s in International relations enables you to explore international law, global security issues, and many other international related topics. |
| Comparative Politics | Comparative Politics is an interdisciplinary subject that deals with the political configurations around the world. It gives you an insight into how critically you can analyze contemporary democracies and the problems they face. |
| Geopolitics | Master in Geopolitics online concentrates on ideological, economic, socio-cultural, and demographic changes that affect politics across geography. |
| Political theory | Political theory concentration gives you a scope to explore, interpret, critique, and constructive analysis on varied topics like politics, law, policymaking, liberty, and many other political intricacies. |
| Public Policy | A more comprehensive understanding of economic, political, and social factors through qualitative analysis is part of the Master of Public Policy specialization. |
| Development Studies | Development Studies helps you better understand the evolution of the developing world and the factors like cultural, political, geographical, and others that influenced the current political landscape. |
Curriculum and Skills Gained in Masters in Political Science Programs
Apart from gaining, applying the knowledge in real-life scenarios is taught across all the universities. It is the same for political science courses online as well, where you are given a platform to develop skills such as:
- Planning and development skills
- Research and quantitative skills
- Analytical skills
- Effective communication skills and more
A Major in political science encompasses the learnings in different subjects. The curriculum for these programs may vary between various universities that offer them. However, here a few are courses that you will come across in masters in political science programs:
| Subjects | Description |
|---|---|
| Microeconomics | This subject’s study gives you insight into decision-making, overall economic functionality, an understanding of economics and politics, monetary systems, trade, and various concepts. |
| Modern Political Theory | The evolution of influential political theories through the years is part of the Modern Political theory subject. It explains to you an analysis of both historical and contemporary political concepts and understandings of authority, legitimacy, liberty, and a few other key terms. |
| American Government and Politics | American Government and Politics is a new addition to the Political Science major. It includes a critical understanding of key issues, identities, and debates of contemporary American government. |
| Women and American Politics | This subject concentrates on the evolution of American women’s roles in the political scenarios, right from voters to candidates and leaders of parties. |
| Law, Politics, and Justice | For righteous government actions, the law is a must. To get a better understanding of politics, strong knowledge of knowledge, politics, and justice is mandatory. This subject concentrates on how law and politics are intertwined. |
Accreditation for Online Masters in Political Science Programs
An accredited school or university goes through an evaluation process, proving that they meet the laid quality standards, and this process is called Accreditation. An accredited program offered by a university assures that you are given a quality education, financial aid eligibility, and employers value the degree. There are two types of accreditation process: regional and national. Learn more about the accreditation process and understand why it is important.
While all the programs have their specific accrediting agencies, Political Science major programs do not have any accrediting organization. When you opt for a master’s in political science online, ensure that regional or national accrediting organizations accredit the programs. You can also check if the Database of Education or CHEA accredits the political science program.
Timeline for graduation from Masters in Political Science Programs
To pursue a Master’s in Political science, you need to complete 34-45 credits. Usually, the timeline for earning a master’s degree differs from program to program. However, any master’s program for a full-time, on average, takes about two years for completion. At the same time, a part-time graduation seeker would take a minimum of three to four years.
You can also opt for universities that offer fast-track programs that allow you to finish the masters’ in political science online in shorter periods.
Online Masters in Political Science Programs Admission Requirements
It is a must step to know the admission requirement before applying for any master’s program. While these admission requirements might be different across various universities, there are certain common ones. Here are the typical admission requirements for masters in political science online programs:
- Transcripts of all graduate and undergraduate courses
- Application form and fees
- GRE scores
- Transcripts form undergraduate degrees
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Minimum GPA score of 3.0 in an undergraduate degree
Online Masters in Political Science No GRE Programs
GRE scores are considered a mandatory admission requirement for a long by many universities. A few universities are welcoming students without GRE scores and are offering political science graduate programs that do not require GRE scores. If you want to pursue a Political Science program without GRE scores, then applying to the following universities will be the right choice. Here are a few online masters in political science no GRE programs:
One Year Political Science Masters Programs Online
Most students that pursue online master’s programs are individuals that already have a job and want to enhance their careers or change track. This is true for online master’s in political science students too. And time is of the essence for such students. Some universities offer accelerated online masters in political science programs. Here are some of the universities that offer 1-year political science masters programs:
Free Political Science Courses Online
Many students want to test political science’s waters before leaping into online master’s in political science programs. Many free online political science courses offer a preview of how the field of political science looks like. While there are no free accredited online master’s programs in political science, there are many free that give you access to major universities’ materials or courseware, helping you acquire knowledge, skills and apply them in your career. Here are some of the free online courses for your immediate access:
- US Political Institutions: Congress, Presidency, Courts, and Bureaucracy: This free online political course by Harvard University about the different aspects of US Political institutions, constituencies, influence of Politics on the Supreme court, and more.
- American Political Thought: MITOpenCourseware comprises American Political thought from the colonial era to the present time.
- American Foreign Policy – Theory and Method: This course is offered by MITOpen Courseware, concentrating on American foreign policy’s causes and consequences since 1898.
- US Social Policy: Historical development and contemporary politics of US Social Policy examined in MIT’s courseware.
How to Pay for Online Master’s in Political Science Programs
Master’s in political science online program helps you throve in political science and enhances your careers. But funding an online master’s in political science is always a challenge, just like any other higher educational degree. This section will walk through various ways to pay for your online master’s in political science. Here are some ways you can fund your higher education:
Scholarships
Scholarships are funds that you are not required to pay back. You can apply for a scholarship provided you meet the eligibility requirements laid by the universities. There are different kinds of scholarships provided by the universities to help you pursue your master’s degree. There are Scholarships for women, Scholarships for single parents, Scholarships for online students, and more. In the below section, we are listing a few scholarships.
FAFSA
FAFSA stands for Federal Agency’s Financial Assistance for Students. To apply for any financial aid, you must first apply through the FAFSA form and be automatically eligible for financial help. Many funding opportunities require a FAFSA application.
Student Loans
Another way of paying your program fee is applying for student loans. These loans will initially help you pay your program fee, but you have to clear the loan after graduation.
Employer tuition reimbursements
Many employers have tuition reimbursement programs for their employees who want to enhance their education. Typically, such reimbursements are provided for full-time employees pursuing a higher education degree from an accredited institution. Check with your employer and find out if any such programs exist. Even if such a program does not exist in your workplace, managers have discretionary budgets for their employees.
Learn and understand more about financial aid on the best financial aid guide.
Scholarships for Masters in Political Science Students
Here are a few scholarships for political science students:
Ashbrook Scholar ProgramThis scholarship is awarded to merit students interested in studying politics and history.
Amount – $2,000
GwCF National Scholarship CompetitionThis scholarship competition is open to students like you interested in pursuing a service career in the US.
Amount – $5,000
Political Leadership ScholarshipPolitical Leadership scholarship is granted mainly for students belonging to the LGBTQ students of the color group and low income and first-generation college students.
Amount – $12,000
Kalous Opportunity ScholarshipStudents who display academic achievement and require financial aid are offered this scholarship.
Amount – $3,000
FAQs about Political Science Masters Programs
While opting for the political science master’s programs, you might have several questions. Keeping that in mind, we have collected some of the common questions asked by many students: Here are some FAQs from Political Science students:
| Q: What to do with a Master’s in Political Science? |
| A: Master’s in Political Science programs can be a good stepping stone for a career in government, public policy, administrations, and operations. |
| Q: Is a Master in political science worth it? |
| A: A master’s in political science is worth it. Enrolling for a master’s and specialization will increase your chances of acquiring a job across the globe. |
| Q: What can I do after an MA in Political Science? |
| A: Besides qualifying for many civil servant roles, MA in Political science gets you ready for many job titles in public policy, public administration, city manager, diplomats, and many other high wage jobs. |
Careers and Salary Outlook for Political Science Masters Graduates
Political Science is all about analyzing political behavior, governance, administration, civil service, and running public policy that affects millions of people. But political science professionals also study history, economic policies, and other concepts like how government operates, how the laws are created, and much more. This knowledge acquired while going through an online master’s in political science helps you apply for various career roles and titles. Master’s in political science online can be your stepping stone toward starting a thriving career, something like a political scientist. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a political scientist’s median annual salary is $122,220. According to PayScale, the following is a list of jobs, descriptions, and other details for students that graduate with a masters in political science:
| Job positions | Job Description | Annual median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Policy Analyst | As a Political Analyst, you must analyze the existing policies and understand their implications and effects on the citizens. This role involves applying the concepts that students learn in school, using previous experience, and guiding administrators and political leaders in implementing public policy. | $79,982 |
| Legislative Assistant | A Legislative Assistant’s position can be secured in the public sector. As part of the responsibility, you will assist the elected officials in coordinating and communicating with the constituents, passing legislative bills, and managing operations. | $37,833 |
| Lobbyist | Roles of a Lobbyist involve negotiations between the clients and the government officials and advocating clients’ special interests with the policymakers. | $66,429 |
| Diplomat | All the diplomats have a shared mission of representing the US’s interests and policies in the world. As part of their responsibility, they negotiate treaties, coordinate activities of Foreign Service officers, and act as a representative of the US. | $88,337 |
Certifications and Licensing for Political Science Masters Graduates
While students can enhance their careers by graduating from online master’s in political science programs, getting certifications and necessary licensures can make them stand above the competition. Certifications programs also provide advantages such as providing much needed theoretical and practical experience. Employers look for individuals who possess certifications and qualified candidates that already possess licenses. While there is no specific license to work in the political science field, the licenses depend more on the position you choose to pursue, like a lawyer or political science teacher. Below are some of the certifications you can add to your resume.
Additional Resources for Political Science Professionals
Getting an online master’s degree in political science is a great way to provide upward mobility for your career. But you would need to stay in contact with the political science filed by networking with your peers and associate yourself with professional associations and organizations in this field. This will help you network with this industry, and it will help you with the latest events and open career options. Associations, organizations, networking, and exhibitions allow you to meet people from the same subject and experience, helping you better understand and better networking. Here are some of the resources that would help you:
- Pi Sigma Alpha: This is a society for Political science graduates and enthusiasts looking for a career in the Politics and administration fields.
- American Political Science Association: APSA is the leading professional organization for studying political science and serves more than 11,000 members in more than 100 countries.
- International Political Science Association: IPSA was found under the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). IPSA is an association that supports the development of political science across the globe.
- United Nations Public Administration Network: UNPAN is a global network that connects relevant international, regional, subregional, and national institutions and experts worldwide working on effective governance and public administration
- Western Political Science Association WPSA: This association has more than 1250 political scientists involved in conducting meetings, fostering research, and facilitating public affairs’ discussions.
