Online Political Science Degree Programs

What does an online political science degree entail?

Online political science cover topics in economics, history of government, philosophy, economics, government law, international affairs, international relations etc. Graduate level programs go into details about topics in regulatory policy, nonprofit law and management. Political science is the study of political ideologies, philosophies, governmental processes, and political behavior. This involves studying world political systems, local and global politics, political theory, human rights, international relations, and related subjects. Political scientists use various tools to analyze the structure and operations of political entities and governments. This can be done at different levels including local, state, and federal governments. The tools include: ideology, political decision making, public opinion, and public policy. Data and information is gathered through conducting public-opinion surveys, interviewing public officials, analyzing elections, etc.

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Selected Online Political Science Degree Programs

Walden University

• Master of Public Administration - Local Government Management

Norwich University

• Master of Arts in Diplomacy

Political Science Education and Training

In online masters in political science degree programs and online political science PhD programs, students investigate the history and development of government, and they compare and contrast the types of political organizations throughout history in order to integrate the best practices into new ideas, actions, and proposals. This prepares graduates for careers in public policy, labor law and management, nonprofit organizations, public policy and public administration.

You can choose to focus on comparative politics or American politics, and explore areas such as environmental politics. Skills and knowledge can be applied in a wide range of careers including local, state, and federal government, law, nonprofit organizations, political campaigning, and public administration. Students often concentrate on a specific area of politics, like international relations or local government.

Political Science Careers

Careers in political science are varied, and include working in conflict resolution and diplomacy. Political science graduates work in careers in government or public service, as elected politicians, support staffers, or consulting analysts. Others choose to work as college professors.

For a successful career in political science, advanced degrees (i.e. master's or PhD). Some careers with an online political science degree include working in:

• Business
• Campaign management
• Polling
• Journalism
• Electoral politics
• Federal, state, and local governments
• International organizations
• Grassroots organizations and community-level organizations
• Law
• Nonprofit agencies and non-governmental organizations
• Research

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

With a campus or online political science degree, you can expected to earn. The job growth rate for political scientists is expected to grow by 5% over the next several years. Many of the political science jobs are base in Washington D.C., New York, Maryland, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Some students enter the field as administrative assistants and paralegals working in law firms, public services offices, and government agencies, where they earn about $30,000 annually. However, many choose to pursue graduate degrees after a few years' work experience. The median annual income for political scientists is over $90,000, but many government officials and lawyers earn much higher income levels.