A political science BA or BS can put more weight on policy, political theory, international relations, or research methods. Compare the required classes first. Then make sure the courses you need are available online in the terms you plan to enroll.
Park and Fort Hays describe online and campus routes. UMGC lists selected hybrid sections alongside courses available online. Ask whether every required course for your award is offered in your preferred format and term.
Compare Five Online Political Science Programs
The schools are listed alphabetically. Each card highlights a course or format difference and links to the school’s degree page.
Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Coursework: The BA focuses on policy, public issues, and how citizens interact with government.
Format: ASU offers this BA online.
Read ASU Online’s Degree Requirements ↗Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Political Science
Coursework: Coursework includes public law, public administration, policy, theory, and international politics.
Format: Fort Hays lists both online and campus routes for the BA/BS.
Read Fort Hays State University’s Degree Requirements ↗Political Science, B.A.
Coursework: The major covers American and comparative politics, international relations, theory, and law.
Format: Park lists online and on-campus study with online courses; confirm the schedule for your degree plan.
Read Park University’s Degree Requirements ↗Political Science, Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Coursework: The BA includes applied research methods and statistical analysis.
Format: SNHU offers this BA online.
Read Southern New Hampshire University’s Degree Requirements ↗Political Science, Bachelor of Science
Coursework: The BS examines domestic and international political systems and institutions.
Format: UMGC says all courses are available online, with selected hybrid sections.
Read University of Maryland Global Campus’s Degree Requirements ↗Confirm your course plan and format with the school before enrolling.
Compare Policy and Research Coursework
Policy and Public Work
ASU and UMGC emphasize policy, public issues, or political institutions. Fort Hays lists public administration and public law. Read the required upper-level courses to see how much applied work each program includes.
Research and Graduate Preparation
SNHU includes applied research methods and statistical analysis. If you may pursue research or graduate study, compare the methods requirements across the full course map.
Political science graduates pursue government, campaign, and research-support work. The occupation political scientist typically requires a master’s degree. Compare jobs with a political science degree to see the entry routes.
Questions About Online Political Science Degrees
Can You Earn a Political Science Degree Online?
Yes. The five university program pages compared here explicitly describe online study, though Park and Fort Hays also offer campus routes and UMGC has selected hybrid sections. Confirm the exact course schedule at the school.
What Should You Compare in Online Political Science Programs?
Compare the degree award, research-methods sequence, policy or theory emphasis, internship options, and whether the courses you need are offered in your format and term.
Does an Online Political Science BA Qualify You as a Political Scientist?
No. BLS lists a master’s degree as the typical entry credential for political scientists. An online bachelor’s can be a first step toward government, campaign, research-support, or graduate work.
Sources and Method
Course and format details come from the school pages below. See our program comparison method for how school pages and federal records are used.
- BLS Political Scientists for typical entry education.
- ASU Online Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science page.
- Fort Hays State University Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Political Science page.
- Park University Political Science, B.A. page.
- Southern New Hampshire University Political Science, Bachelor of Arts (BA) page.
- University of Maryland Global Campus Political Science, Bachelor of Science page.