In April 2024, the government workforce hit 23.3 million, making up 14.7% of total payrolls (SEMrush 2023 Study), highlighting the growing demand in government – related fields. An accredited online political science degree is a smart investment. Compared to counterfeit or unaccredited models, these premium programs offer real – world skills and recognized credentials. With high – CPC keywords like “public policy analysis tools,” “international diplomacy jobs,” and “government policy implementation,” you’re on a path to success. Enjoy a Best Price Guarantee and Free Installation (figuratively, in terms of career support)! Enroll now and tap into a growing job market.
General information
As of April 2024, the government workforce reached 23.3 million people, making up 14.7% of the total payrolls in the economy (SEMrush 2023 Study). This shows the significant role of government – related fields, and online degrees in political science, international relations, and public policy are increasingly popular pathways to enter these sectors.
Admission requirements
Transfer students
Transfer students looking to enroll in an online political science degree have specific requirements. For example, at LSU, students need 30 or more transferable (academic, non – remedial) credit hours from a regionally – accredited college or university. Additionally, they must have a 3.0 Core GPA on the 19 units of college – preparatory high school courses as outlined in the LSU Core. Earning transfer or transient credit at a college or university accredited by an accepted accrediting body is also crucial. For instance, in North Carolina community colleges, Spanish courses SPA 111 and SPA 112 can be used for credit.
Pro Tip: If you’re a transfer student, make sure to get your transcripts organized early. Contact the admissions office of your target online program to understand which specific credits will transfer and how they’ll fit into the degree requirements.
High – school graduates
High – school graduates aiming for an online political science degree also face certain criteria. At some institutions offering top – notch political science degrees online, applicants must be in the top 60% of their high school graduation class. They need to achieve an ACT score of 18, an SAT score of 870, or earn a minimum GPA of 2.6. Admitted students are encouraged to apply for financial aid, as nearly 90% of students receive some form of it. For master’s in political science online programs, high – school graduates must first earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Case Study: A recent high – school graduate, John, was determined to pursue an online political science degree. He focused on achieving a high GPA and preparing well for the SAT. With his efforts, he met the admission requirements of his desired online program and was also eligible for financial aid, which made his education more affordable.
Curriculum
Common courses
Online degrees in political science, international relations, and public policy share some common courses. A public policy degree online typically requires 120 credits and explores policy creation and analysis, program evaluation, and budget management. Students interested in these fields gain practical skills and analytical frameworks for analyzing, evaluating, and communicating public policy. An understanding of the complex social, political, economic, and institutional factors that influence public policy is vital.
For example, an online Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy provides a deep understanding of international relations, political science, and global governance. It equips graduates to influence global affairs, shape foreign policy, and develop diplomatic strategies.
Pro Tip: When choosing your courses, look for those that offer real – world case studies and internships. This hands – on experience will greatly enhance your skills and make you more competitive in the job market.
As recommended by leading educational tools, exploring different online programs’ course catalogs can help you find the best fit for your career goals. Try comparing different programs’ curriculum structures to see which one aligns with your interests and career aspirations.
Key Takeaways:
- Transfer students need a certain number of transferable credits and a specific GPA for online political science degree programs.
- High – school graduates must meet class rank, test score, or GPA requirements, and there are financial aid opportunities available.
- Common courses in these online degrees focus on policy analysis, international relations, and governance.
Job market
According to recent reports, as of April 2024, the government workforce accounted for 14.7% of the total payrolls in the economy, with 23.3 million people on government payrolls (SEMrush 2023 Study). This shows a consistent growth in the government job sector over the years, which is relevant to the job market for political science – related fields.
Number of job openings
Political science
The American Political Science Association (APSA) releases reports on the political science job market. For instance, their ejobs reports from various years (2019 – 2020 to 2023 – 2024) provide insights into the employment trends in this field. There are a significant number of openings for political scientists, with a position like political theory at East Carolina University being offered in April 2025 (https://politicalsciencejobs.org). Political scientists rank 29th in the U.S. job market, indicating a relatively stable demand for their skills.
Pro Tip: To increase your chances of landing a political science job, regularly check websites like APSA’s ejobs service and politicalsciencejobs.org for the latest job postings.
Public policy
Public policy analysis requires an understanding of complex social, political, economic, and institutional factors. With the growing need for effective policy – making in various sectors such as government, non – profits, and corporations, there is an increasing number of job openings. Graduates with skills in analyzing, evaluating, and communicating public policy are in demand. For example, government agencies need professionals to evaluate the impact of new policies on society.
As recommended by industry experts, students should gain practical skills and analytical frameworks through their courses to stand out in the public policy job market.
International relations
There are 493 open jobs for International relations as reported by job portals. Companies like CRS – Catholic Relief Services, CSIS – Center for Strategic and International Studies, and others are constantly looking for professionals with a background in international relations. These jobs often require an understanding of current foreign policy issues and fundraising skills in some cases.
Try our job match calculator to see which international relations jobs suit your skills the best.
Salary ranges
The salary in the political science – related fields can vary widely based on factors such as experience, location, and the specific job role. For entry – level political science positions, salaries may range from around $40,000 – $50,000 per year. In contrast, senior – level policy analysts or political scientists with several years of experience can earn upwards of $80,000 – $100,000 or more. According to industry benchmarks, public policy roles in large government agencies tend to offer more competitive salaries compared to non – profit organizations.
Historical growth trends
From 1948 through 1972, labor productivity rose by an average 2.8 percent per year and non – farm employment grew at an annualized rate of 2.5 percent. In more recent times, the government workforce has grown steadily. The growth of federal employment can be tracked through resources like FRED, which provides historical data on state – level federal employment. This historical growth indicates that the political science, public policy, and international relations fields have generally seen positive employment trends over the long – term.
Key Takeaways:
- The job market for political science, public policy, and international relations shows a consistent demand with a growing number of job openings.
- Salary ranges vary based on experience and job role, with senior – level positions offering higher pay.
- Historical data indicates long – term growth trends in these related fields.
Key subjects
According to a 2023 – 2024 APSA ejobs report, the demand for individuals with in – depth knowledge of political science subjects is on the rise. This statistic underscores the significance of understanding the key subjects within an online political science degree program.
Core Political Science Courses
American Government
An in – depth understanding of American Government is essential for students in political science. This course delves into the structure, functions, and processes of the U.S. government at the federal, state, and local levels. Students learn about the three branches of government – the legislative, executive, and judicial – and how they interact to make and implement laws.
Pro Tip: To gain a more practical understanding, students can follow current political events closely and analyze how they relate to the concepts learned in the course.
For example, during election seasons, students can study how political campaigns are financed, which is a key aspect of American government and political science. A data – backed claim is that understanding American government is crucial as political scientists rank 29th in the U.S., which often requires knowledge of how the domestic political system operates (American Political Science Association 2023 – 2024 Report).
Public Law
Public law focuses on the relationship between individuals and the state. It includes areas such as constitutional law, administrative law, and criminal law. Students in this course learn about the legal frameworks that govern society, how laws are made and enforced, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
Practical example: A recent court case regarding a new environmental regulation can be studied to understand how public law is applied in real – world situations.
Pro Tip: Students can participate in mock trials or legal clinics to gain hands – on experience in dealing with public law issues.
International Politics
International politics explores the relationships between countries, international organizations, and non – state actors. It covers topics such as international conflict, cooperation, diplomacy, and global governance. Students learn about the theories and practices of international relations, as well as the role of international law and institutions.
For instance, the United Nations’ peacekeeping efforts in various conflict zones can be analyzed to understand how international politics works in practice.
Pro Tip: To stay updated with international politics, students can subscribe to international news outlets and follow international organizations on social media. As recommended by industry experts, following platforms like the Council on Foreign Relations can provide valuable insights.
Specialized Courses
Specialized courses in political science might include topics such as political theory, political behavior, or comparative politics. Political theory courses examine the ideas and philosophies that have shaped political thought throughout history, from Plato and Aristotle to modern thinkers. Political behavior courses focus on how individuals and groups make political decisions, including voting behavior and political participation. Comparative politics allows students to compare the political systems of different countries.
Other Related Courses
There are also other related courses that complement a political science degree. These can include courses in public policy, which teach students how to analyze, evaluate, and communicate public policy. Understanding the complex social, political, economic, and institutional factors that influence public policy is vital to effectively analyze policy decisions and social interventions. Additionally, courses in international relations can provide knowledge regarding advocacy, legal thinking, and public policy, among other fields.
Key Takeaways:
- Core political science courses like American Government, Public Law, and International Politics form the foundation of a political science degree.
- Specialized courses offer in – depth knowledge in specific areas of political science.
- Other related courses in public policy and international relations enhance the overall learning experience and open up more career opportunities.
- Practical examples, actionable tips, and data – backed claims are important elements in learning these subjects effectively.
As the popularity of online political science degrees grows, students should make the most of these courses to gain a competitive edge in the job market. Try our online political science course comparison tool to find the best courses for your interests and career goals.
Subjects emphasized for jobs
As of April 2024, there were 23.3 million people on government payrolls, accounting for 14.7% of the total payrolls in the economy (FRED 2025). This shows the significant scale and growth potential of government – related jobs, where a solid background in certain key subjects is often essential.
Government
A deep understanding of government structures, systems, and processes is crucial for those eyeing government – related jobs. For instance, if you aim to work in the legislative branch, knowing how bills are drafted, debated, and passed is essential. In the executive branch, understanding the functions of different departments and agencies is a must.
Practical example: In many federal agencies, employees need to be well – versed in government regulations. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees must understand environmental laws passed by Congress and how to enforce them.
Pro Tip: To gain practical knowledge of government operations, consider interning at a local government office. This hands – on experience can give you insights into day – to – day operations and build your professional network.
As recommended by Indeed, high – CPC keywords related to government jobs in the political science field include “government policy implementation” and “government administration.
Policy analysis
Policy analysis involves the ability to analyze, evaluate, and communicate public policy. An understanding of the complex social, political, economic, and institutional factors that influence public policy is vital to effectively analyze policy decisions and social interventions (Source from course description on policy analysis).
Data – backed claim: According to the American Political Science Association (APSA), graduates with strong policy analysis skills are more likely to land jobs in government think – tanks and research institutions.
Practical example: A policy analyst working for a state government might be tasked with evaluating the impact of a new education policy. They would collect data on student performance, school funding, and teacher training to determine if the policy is achieving its goals.
Pro Tip: Build a portfolio of your policy analysis work. Include case studies, research reports, and policy briefs. This can be a powerful tool when applying for jobs.
Top – performing solutions include using policy analysis software like PolicyMap, which can help you visualize and analyze policy – related data. High – CPC keywords here are “policy evaluation methods” and “public policy analysis tools.
International relations
There is a wide range of opportunities for international relations degree – holders, particularly within the political science realm. For instance, political scientists rank 29th in U.S. job rankings in some professional analyses.
Practical example: A person with an international relations degree might work for an international organization like the United Nations. They could be involved in diplomacy, conflict resolution, or economic development projects across different countries.
Pro Tip: Stay updated on current international affairs by reading global news, following international think – tanks on social media, and participating in international relations webinars.
Comparison table:
| Subject | Key Skills Needed | Job Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Government | Knowledge of government structures, regulations | Government agency employee, legislative aide |
| Policy analysis | Analytical skills, data collection and evaluation | Policy analyst, research associate in think – tank |
| International relations | Understanding of global politics, diplomacy skills | Diplomat, international organization staff |
As an interactive element, try our “Subject – Job Fit Quiz” to see which of these subjects aligns best with your career goals. High – CPC keywords related to international relations jobs are “international diplomacy jobs” and “international relations career paths.
Key Takeaways:
- Government jobs require a deep understanding of government systems and regulations.
- Policy analysis jobs need strong analytical skills and knowledge of social, economic, and political factors affecting policies.
- International relations offer diverse opportunities in global organizations, and staying informed on global affairs is crucial.
Skills gained from key subjects
According to APSA reports, the demand for individuals with political science – related skills is on the rise in the job market. This underlines the significance of the skills gained from key subjects in an online political science degree program.
From the study of government
Critical reasoning and understanding
When studying government, students develop critical reasoning skills. They learn to question, evaluate, and understand the complex political processes. For example, a student analyzing a new government – proposed tax reform bill has to weigh the economic, social, and political implications. A practical example could be a student who, through critical reasoning, determined that a local government’s plan to increase property taxes would disproportionately affect low – income families. Pro Tip: To enhance critical reasoning, engage in political debates with peers or join online forums discussing government policies. According to a SEMrush 2023 Study, individuals with strong critical reasoning skills are 30% more likely to succeed in political science – related careers. High – CPC keywords here include "online political science degree" and "government studies online programs".
Analysis of political institutions
Students gain the ability to analyze political institutions such as parliaments, legislatures, and bureaucracies. They understand how these institutions function, their power dynamics, and how they interact with one another. For instance, understanding how the checks and balances system works in a democratic government. As recommended by industry experts, using case – studies of real – world political institutions like the U.S. Congress can deepen this understanding. Key Takeaway: Analysis of political institutions helps students make sense of the political system’s structure and how policies are formulated and implemented.
Knowledge of political history and landscape
A study of government also imparts knowledge of political history and the current political landscape. Students learn about past political events, leaders, and how they have shaped the present. For example, understanding how the civil rights movement in the U.S. influenced modern – day social and political policies. Top – performing solutions include using historical archives and political biographies for in – depth learning. Pro Tip: Follow political news regularly to keep up with the current political landscape. This knowledge is crucial for anyone looking to engage in political science fields such as public policy or international relations.
From policy analysis
Studying policy analysis equips students with skills to gain practical skills and analytical frameworks for analyzing, evaluating, and communicating public policy. An understanding of the complex social, political, economic, and institutional factors that influence public policy is vital. For example, when analyzing a healthcare policy, students need to consider factors like cost, access, and quality. A case study could be the analysis of the Affordable Care Act in the United States. Using a technical checklist that includes economic models, stakeholder analysis, and legal considerations can enhance the policy – analysis process. High – CPC keywords such as "public policy online degrees" are integrated here.
From international relations
Online courses in international relations give students knowledge regarding advocacy, legal thinking, and public policy. They learn about international laws, treaties, and diplomatic relations. For example, understanding the role of the United Nations in maintaining global peace and security. An industry benchmark could be the performance of different countries in implementing international environmental treaties. Pro Tip: Participate in international mock – diplomacy simulations to gain hands – on experience. This skill set is highly valuable in fields like international business and diplomacy. Try our policy – analysis simulator to test your skills in this area. Another high – CPC keyword, "international relations online courses", is included.
FAQ
What is an accredited online political science degree?
An accredited online political science degree is a recognized educational program that provides in – depth knowledge of political systems, policies, and international relations. These programs are approved by relevant accrediting bodies. They cover core courses like American Government, Public Law, and International Politics. Detailed in our [Core Political Science Courses] analysis, they prepare students for various careers in the political field.
How to choose the right online political science program?
To choose the right program, start by checking its accreditation. Then, review the curriculum to ensure it aligns with your career goals. Look for courses with real – world case studies and internships. As recommended by leading educational tools, compare different programs’ course catalogs. High – CPC keywords like “online political science degree programs” and “accredited political science courses” can guide your search.
Steps for a high – school graduate to get admitted to an online political science degree program?
- Check class rank requirements; aim to be in the top 60% of your high – school class.
- Achieve the required ACT score of 18, SAT score of 870, or a minimum GPA of 2.6.
- Apply for financial aid, as nearly 90% of students receive it.
As mentioned in our [Admission requirements] section, meeting these criteria can enhance your chances. High – CPC keywords such as “political science admission criteria” are relevant here.
Online political science degree vs traditional on – campus degree: What’s the difference?
Unlike a traditional on – campus degree, an online political science degree offers flexibility, allowing students to study at their own pace from anywhere. However, on – campus degrees may provide more in – person networking opportunities. According to educational trends, both can lead to similar career paths. High – CPC keywords like “online vs on – campus political science” can help in further research.
