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In this article, we examine 15 online political science degree programs at universities with top graduation rates.
Political science has a broader application than almost any other major, with the exception of liberal arts. Many political science majors become lawyers, analysts, teachers, economists, and these are just a few of the careers open to students of political science. Many of the online political science programs are offered by some of the most prominent schools in online education. The opportunity to earn such a degree from a high level institution is significant.
This list of the 15 online political science degree programs offered by schools with the highest six-year graduation rates is ordered by graduation rate. Ties are broken by the cost of tuition, with the school boasting the lower tuition earning the higher ranking.
#15. Adams State University: B.A. in Government
This Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in government is ideal for students seeking to complete their B.A. and either pursue graduate education, or become involved with the political system. The program features both semester based courses, and open enrollment courses. This means students in open enrollment courses have a full year to complete the class, instead of the traditional four months.
Graduation Rate: 21%
Tuition: $18,081
#14. National University: B.A. in Political Science
National University recognizes that at a time when confidence in the government is low, the study of political science is more important than ever. This program is designed to give students the tools to analyze political climates, and develop solutions to modern problems.
Graduation Rate: 24%
Tuition: $12,096
#13. Indiana University–East: B.S. in Political Science
This degree completion program is designed to allow students to complete the program with 60 credits, provided they already have 60 credits from previous study. Students will work with advisers to create the perfect individualized academic plan.
Graduation Rate: 27%
Tuition: $17,778
#12. Troy University: B.S. in Political Science
Troy University recognizes that there are several different directions a student may wish to go with a political science degree. This program is designed to provide students with a broad base of fundamental knowledge that will enable them to pursue any number of the various careers open to them.
Graduation Rate: 34%
Tuition: $13,612
#11. Fort Hays University: B.A. in Political Science
Fort Hays University has designed their program to provide students with a balance between the study of political philosophy (theory) and the application of their knowledge through the execution of research (practice). The program provides students with the fundamental knowledge necessary for success, but does not eschew the importance of specialization in this broadly applicable field.
Graduation Rate: 42%
Tuition: $12,812
#10. Columbia College: B.A. in Political Science
Columbia College is the least expensive online political science program on this list, and consequently, one of the cheapest political science programs in the United States. This shouldn’t be taken to mean the college is of low quality, however. The school’s online programs are recognized as being among the best nationwide. The political science program is designed to enable students to either pursue a graduate or professional program, or to jump right in to their political area of interest.
Graduation Rate: 43%
Tuition: $7,115
#9. University of Massachusetts: Bachelor of Political Science
UMass offers one of the most comprehensive selections of online programs among universities in the United States. The school has fully embraced online education, and is constantly adding new undergraduate and graduate programs. The online political science program is designed to train students in the fundamental concepts and theories of political science, and develop the skills necessary for effective critical analysis of major issues in the political landscape.
Graduation Rate: 50%
Tuition: $13,680
#8. Pennsylvania State University–World Campus: B.A. in Political Science
Penn State University has been offering distance education to students since the late 19th century. The school was one of the first to offer online programs, as these were seen as a natural step in distance education by the university. The online political science program is designed to allow students to maximize their career potential by preparing them to fill a variety of roles straight out of the undergraduate program, or pursue graduate or professional programs.
Graduation Rate: 50%
Tuition: $13,202
#7. Oral Roberts University: B.A. in Government
Graduation Rate: 51%
Tuition: $22,508
The political science program at Oral Roberts strives to prepare students for a wide range of careers. Students study a broad curriculum through which they will gain a fundamental understanding of the workings of government and its roles on the national level. Students then study political science on a global level as they learn about world affairs and how governments relate to each other in the global context.
#6. Oregon State University: B.A. or B.S. in Political Science
The online political science courses at OSU are taught by the same world renowned faculty as the traditional programs. The program is designed to help students develop the skills necessary to be effective in local, state, and federal governments, and jobs involving international affairs, political consulting, or non-profits.
Graduation Rate: 61%
Tuition: $23,514
#5. University of Central Florida: B.A. in Political Science
The online political science program at the University of Central Florida is designed prepare students for careers in foreign and domestic public service, or the private sector. The program also develops research and teaching skills well suited to academic careers or graduate study in the field.
Graduation Rate: 65%
Tuition: $22,416
#4. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater: B.A. or B.S. in Political Science
The University of Wisconsin offers online programs through the collective participation of multiple schools in its university systems. The Whitewater political science program equips students for success in the modern political landscape by instilling in them a strong understanding of political history, and the roots of modern political issues and thought.
Graduation Rate: 58%
Tuition: $15,151
#3. Central Michigan University–Global Campus: B.S. in Political Science
The homepage of the political science program offered by CMU lists 19 possible professions for political science major, and those are just some of the most common roles political scientists play in our society. The students are trained for success in careers that will affect the future of politics on both a national and international scale.
Graduation Rate: 57%
Tuition: $23,670
#2. Arizona State University: B.A. in Political Science
Arizona State University is the flagship of the highly respected Arizona State University System. The online program in political science trains students to see the relationship between political theory and modern political issues and ideas. The program provides students with the fundamental knowledge necessary to succeed in any of the wide range of careers open to students of political science.
Graduation Rate: 57%
Tuition: $23,654
#1. Northeastern University: B.S. in Political Science
Northeastern University is one of the top private research universities in the United States. The school’s world renowned faculty teaches both the traditional and online programs offered by the university. Northeastern is one of the biggest names in private higher education to begin embracing online education. The political science program is designed to train students that will be a part of the next generation of leaders.
Graduation Rate: 79%
Tuition: $41,686