Welcome to our ranking of the best masters in political science online degree programs.
Now more than ever, it seems as though politics are at the forefront of almost every discussion. As we move towards the future, many students want to learn how they can affect change and policy. One of the best ways to influence politics in our society is to gain an education in political science. Through a political science education, students will gain insight into how the political systems in our country and throughout the world work. They will learn how to develop policy and influence the policy of tomorrow. A steadily growing job sector, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that political scientists earn a median pay of $115,110/year.
Featured Programs
Spending the time to earn an online masters in political science typically rewards students with the ability to command higher salaries and better roles. Students who wish to pursue an online master’s in political science can view the ranking of our top programs below. These programs have been selected and ranked based upon their tuition price and the number of credits needed to complete the program.
Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit, and individual programs may have additional fees.
Ranking the Top Masters in Political Science Online
#1. Kennesaw State University
Online Master of International Policy Management
Kennesaw, Georgia
Students who are interested in pursuing an online Master’s of Political Science degree should consider enrolling in the Master of Science in International Policy Management degree at Kennesaw State University. Through this program of study, students will learn how to read and assess political risk and make informed decisions on the international stage. Kennesaw State University offers this curriculum in a cohort-based program, meaning that students will work with other students online to complete their class work and have class discussions. Using their online collaborative environment, students will be able to have an online experience that is closer to the one found on campus. To complete this program, students must finish 33 total credits. Typically this program can be completed in approximately 20 months. Kennesaw gets the #1 spot in our ranking of the best masters in political science online.
Tuition: $12,639
Score: 100
#2. University of Illinois
Online Masters Political Science
Springfield, Illinois
The online Master’s in Political Science degree at the University of Illinois Springfield has been designed from the ground up for online students. Leveraging the strengths of the University of Illinois Springfield’s online platform, students are able to take part in a complete educational experience from the comfort of their own laptop. The curriculum of the online Master’s in Political Science degree mirrors the same curriculum requirements as the on-campus version. Students in this program will be prepared to either start a career in political science or continue their education after completing this degree program. To complete this program of study, students must finish a total of 40 credit hours. Students will take courses including Comparative Political Cultures, Introduction to the American Legal System, Comparative State Politics, and much more by enrolling in this online Master’s in Political Science degree.
Tuition: $13,032
Score: 99
#3. University of Missouri
Online Master of Public Affairs
Columbia, Missouri
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the online Master’s in Public Affairs degree at the University of Missouri will provide students with the information and knowledge found in a typical Master’s of Political Science degree. To complete this program of study, students must complete a total of 33 credit hours. The University of Missouri has students study topics including ethical leadership, public policy strategy, economic analysis, and much more when pursuing this degree program. While based off of the on-campus degree program, the online Master’s in Public Affairs does not require students to visit the University of Missouri campus. According to the University of Missouri, students will be prepared for careers in public administration, social services, public health management, and more after completing this degree program.
Tuition: $14,014
Score: 98
#4. California State University
Online Master of Public Administration
Carson, California
California State University offers a Master’s in Public Administration degree for its students. Offered both on-campus and entirely online, the Master of Public Administration degree is offered in a variety of different concentrations including Criminal Justice Policy and Administration, Health Care Policy and Administration, and Nonprofit Management. These three concentrations are offered in an eight-week online format. The Public Management concentration can be completed online in twelve weeks. Completed over the course of four sessions, students are able to gain their Master’s of Public Administration degree entirely online in just two years. Students will primarily interact with one another through the Blackboard platform. Classes in this program include Public Management, Administrative Theory and Behavior, Foundations of Ethical Administration, and much more.
Tuition: $14,256
Score: 97
#5. Sam Houston State University
Online Masters Political Science
Huntsville, Texas
Requiring between 30-36 credits for completion, the Online Master of Political Science degree at Sam Houston State University is offered to students entirely online. Students can enroll in the fall, spring, and summer. Following the same curriculum as the on-campus Master of Political Science degree, Sam Houston State University does not make any distinctions between the on-campus and online degrees. Both programs are awarded the same degree. Students are also able to transfer credits into the program to add towards their completion. This program is accredited in its entirety by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. A number of scholarships are available to students to help fund their studies.
Tuition: $14,382
Score: 96
#6. Kansas State University
Online Master of Security Studies
Manhattan, Kansas
Offered in the fall, the Online Master of Security Studies degree is an online Master in Political Science degree that primarily focuses on issues of domestic and international security. Through their program, students will take courses including Fundamentals of Security, Security Studies Methodology, History and Security of Pivotal Regions, and much more. In order to complete this program of study, students must complete 30 total credit hours. Through the completion of this program of study, students will learn about social sciences and historical methodologies to better understand the ways that different cultures and political regimes interact. Most students who finish this degree go on to have careers in international affairs.
Tuition: $17,010
Score: 95
#7. Troy University
Online Master of Public Administration
Troy, Alabama
Offered both online and on-campus, the Troy University online Master of Public Administration degree is offered to students in five different concentrations: Public Management, Public Health Administration, Non-profit Management, Public Human Resource Management, and National Security Affairs. The online degree program requires students to complete twelve courses totaling up to 36 total credit hours. Through the completion of this degree program, students will be ready for a career in public services. This program is designed to be completed in its entirety in as little as fifteen months. Students who wish to earn an online master’s degree quickly should consider this online Master of Public Administration degree.
Tuition: $17,784
Score: 94
#8. Regent University
Online Master of Government
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Students who want to earn a degree that teaches them how to directly put political science ideas into practice should consider the Master of Government degree at Regent University. Offered entirely online, the Master of Government degree requires up to 33 total credit hours to complete. The program is offered in 8-week course sessions, allowing students to set up their schedules in a more flexible manner than other degree programs. Regent University offers this degree in six concentrations: American Government, Healthcare Policy & Ethics, International Relations, Law & Public Policy, National Security Studies, and Political Communication. Students who want to jumpstart their career in political science should enroll in this Online Master of Government degree as it will provide them with the necessary skills for success.
Tuition: $19,500
Score: 93
#9. Grand Canyon University
Online Master of Public Administration
Phoenix, Arizona
Grand Canyon University is currently offering students an Online Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Government and Policy. This online degree program prepares students for a career working in political science and government. Through the pursuit of this degree program, students will engage in courses including Economics for Public Administrators, Public and Nonprofit Administration, Public Budgeting and Financial Management, and much more. Students will study the way that political policy can shape and influence the behavior of different groups. To finish this program, students much complete a total of 38 credits. The different courses online take eight weeks to complete save for a select few that require a little more time. Once students have completed this program, they can decide to pursue their education beyond the degree or begin pursuing a career in local, state or federal government.
Tuition: $19,570
Score: 92
#10. University of Massachusetts Boston
Online Master of Public Policy
Boston, Massachusetts
Made available on the UMassOnline platform, the University of Massachusets Boston offers their Master of Public Policy degree program to students entirely online. Through the pursuit of this degree program, students will learn about the policy process, public management, public finance, and much more. Students are also asked to choose a concentration area to help them specialize and focus their studies on a particular topic. These topics include environmental policy, educational policy, or public management. To complete this program, students must finish a total of 36 credit hours to complete this program of study. This program is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. By earning this degree, students will be prepared to advance their careers in government or use their knowledge of public policy in the private sector.
Tuition: $19,908
Score: 91
#11. Liberty University
Online Masters Political Science
Lynchburg, Virginia
Designed to be completed in 1.5 years, the Online Master in Political Science degree at Liberty University is offered completely online. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the online Master in Political Science degree requires 36 credit hours for its completion. Twelve different classes are offered to students on eight-week schedules. Students can transfer up to 18 credits into the program to put towards its completion. This program of study includes courses that cover Economics & Public Policy, Political Philosophy, Comparative Politics, and much more. By working through this degree program, students will gain a deeper understanding of the way government and politics interact and how to navigate these two subjects.
Tuition: $20,340
Score: 90
#12. Sul Ross State University
Masters in Political Science Online
Alpine, Texas
The Online Master of Political Science degree is offered to students at Sul Ross State University. This program of study is made available to students entirely online. Using the same curriculum online as they do on-campus, Sul Ross State University’s online Master of Political Science degree is designed to prepare students for a career in political or administrative positions in government service. To complete this degree of study, students must earn 36 total credit hours. Of those credits, 18 must be related to the Master of Political Science degree plan. If students do not wish to enter into a career following completion of this degree, they can choose to continue their education in political science beyond this online Master of Political Science.
Tuition: $20,628
Score: 89
#13. Bellevue University
Online Master of Public Administration
Bellevue, Nebraska
Requiring 36 credit hours to complete, the Online Master of Public Administration degree by Bellevue University is designed from the ground up to be completed online. Students in this program of study will participate in courses like Public Administration & Democracy, Public Finance & Budgeting, Policy Development, and much more. Bellevue University has designed this program for students who want to enter into public administration leader positions in nonprofit agencies, government, or public service. Students can choose from five areas of expertise including Public Administration & Democracy, Public Finance & Budgeting, Policy Development, Non-profit Organizations, and Public Affairs. Students are able to start the program in any quarter, and the schedule is designed around most major holidays. There is a three-week break between courses.
Tuition: $20,700
Score: 88
#14. Salve Regina University
Online Master of International Relations
Newport, Rhode Island
Designed for professionals and military officers, Salve Regina University’s online Master of International Relations degree is an online Master’s of Political Science degree that primarily focuses on international politics. Students will learn about the factors that influence global politics such as comparative politics, political thought, harmony, and conflict. Students will enroll in courses that include Justice and Order in International Relations, Comparative Political Development, Just and Unjust Wars, and much more. All the courses in this program are offered entirely online and are made available in shorter formats to allow for quicker completion. Students can also specialize in a variety of additional topics including Integration and Globalization Politics, Dispute and Conflict Resolution, Terrorism and Transnational Crime, and much more.
Tuition: $21,060
Score: 87
#15. Central Michigan University
Online Master of Public Administration
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Students at Central Michigan University can choose to enroll in a Master of Public Administration degree. This online degree is designed to be completed entirely online. To complete the program of study, students must finish a total of 37 credits. Central Michigan University has designed this degree for students who are preparing to enter into a career in local government, the military, federal government, or nonprofit organizations. Courses offered in this program include Public Policy Process, Foundations of Public Administration, Public Service Competencies, Administration and Ethics in Public Service, and much more. This program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and certified by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration Board.
Tuition: $21,456
Score: 86
#16. University of Nebraska
Masters in Political Science Online
Lincoln, Nebraska
Delivered entirely online, the University of Nebraska’s Online Master of Political Science requires students to complete a total of 30 credit hours. Students will study fields related to political science, including communications, economics, geography, psychology, public administration, and much more. Through their pursuit of this degree, students will be prepared to enter into a career in government at the local, state, or federal level. Students will have also gained the necessary training to work in academia or nonprofit organizations. The University of Nebraska uses discussion forums, chat groups, and email to connect students to one another and students to teachers. There is no shortage of collaboration or discussion when choosing to take this education online.
Tuition: $21,600
Score: 85
#17. Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master of Public Administration
Manchester, New Hampshire
One of the largest providers of online degree programs, Southern New Hampshire University offers students an online Master of Public Administration degree. This program is designed to teach students how to research and implement public policy by learning the various ways that different public administration careers and roles integrate into government. By completing this program, students will be prepared for careers as development managers, nonprofit executive directors, legislative analysts, and much more. Students in this program of study will participate in classes such as Strategic Management in Public Service, Intergovernmental Relations, and much more. Students must complete a total of 36 credit hours of work.
Tuition: $22,572
Score: 84
#18. University of Colorado
Online Master of Public Administration
Boulder, Colorado
Certified by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, the Online Master of Public Administration degree at the University of Colorado Boulder is designed from the ground up to be taken online. Students in this program of study can choose from six different concentrations including Disasters, Hazards, and Emergency Management; Emergency Management and Homeland Security; Environmental Policy, Management, and Law; Gender-Based Violence; Nonprofit Organizations; and State and Local Government. To complete this program of study, students must finish a total of 36 credit hours worth of course work. Students will take courses including Evidence-Based Decision Making, Introduction to Public Administration and Public Service, and much more.
Tuition: $22,716
Score: 83
#19. George Washington University
Online Master of Political Management
Washington, D.C.
Offered at George Washington University, the Online Master of Political Management degree can be completed entirely online. Designed for students who want to learn how to engage in politics both domestically and internationally, the Master of Political Management degree teaches students about policy implementation, elections, campaigns, lobbying, revolution and war, and much more. While based in political science teachings, the Online Master of Political Management is less theoretical than it is about the practical application of political science teachings. To finish this program of study, students are required to complete a total of 36 credit hours worth of classes. This degree program has been revamped with the specific aim of teaching students how to work across party lines and help overcome partisan gridlock. If you’re looking for a degree that teaches how to practically apply political science ideas, this online Master’s of Political Management may be right for you.
Tuition: $23,520
Score: 82
#20. Norwich University
Online Master of International Relations
Northfield, Vermont
The Master of International Relations degree at Norwich University is designed to be taken almost entirely online. Students at Norwich University can choose from five different concentrations for this degree: Cyber Diplomacy, International Security, Regions of the World, International Development, and National Security. Norwich University’s online degree teaches students the ways that politics, economics, and culture interact with one another to influence and change relationships between different countries and political actors. To complete this program of study, students must finish 33 credits of total course work. At the end of this program, students must attend a week residency at the Norwich University campus. In total, this program typically takes 18 months from start to finish.
Tuition: $24,783
Score: 81
#21. Northeastern University
Online Master of Public Administration
Boston, Massachusetts
Combining disciplines from the management and leadership degrees offered at Northeastern University, the Online Master of Public Administration degree prepares students for leadership roles in public service. Based on a program that has been offered for over forty years, this online Master of Public Administration degree aims to teach students how to succeed in public administration careers. Students in this program will take courses such as Principles of Public Administration, Economic Institutions and Analysis, Statistical Analysis, and much more. In order to complete this program, students must finish a total of 32 credit hours. This program is forecasted to take students 1.5 years to complete. Students are also able to partake in an optional internship.
Tuition: $25,128
Score: 80
#22. East Carolina University
Online Master of Security Studies
Greenville, North Carolina
Offered through the Political Science Department at East Carolina University, the Online Master of Security Studies degree has students study political science issues from the perspective of international and national security. Through their pursuit of this program of study, students will learn how the different politics and cultures of different nations interact to help inform the ways that international and national security efforts must be put into place. Students will also be tasked with taking courses in interdisciplinary topics like geography, religion, and much more. Students can choose to specialize in homeland security, weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, conflict and peace studies, military technology, and intelligence. A total of 36 credits are required to complete this degree program.
Tuition: $25,200
Score: 79
#23. Texas A&M University
Online Master of Public Service and Administration
College Station, Texas
Mostly offered online, the Online Executive Master of Public Service and Administration degree is offered by Texas A&M University. This program has all of its courses entirely online but requires two annual one-week campus visits. Texas A&M University offers this program on three different tracks: Homeland Security, Nonprofit Management, and Public Management. Students can transfer their own credits into the program in order to accelerate their completion of this degree. A total of twelve transfer credits are accepted towards the total of 39 credits needed to completely finish the degree. This program of study has been accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration. Public Policy Formation, Foundations of Public Service, and Economic Analysis are some of the courses offered in this online Master’s in Political Science degree.
Tuition: $30,744
Score: 78
#24. Pennsylvania State University
Online Master of Public Administration
University Park, Pennsylvania
Designed for students who want to work in leadership positions in the public sector, the Online Master of Public Administration degree at Pennslyvania State University offers students a variety of courses integral to success in public affairs. Through the study of this program, students will learn about nonprofit management, policy analysis and evaluation, human resources, public budgeting, and much more. To complete the program, students must finish a total of 36 credit hours. Courses offered in this program include Research Methods, Organizational Behavior, Governmental Fiscal Decision Making, and many more. This program of study has been accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration. Students are able to apply for online graduate certificates while pursuing this program.
Tuition: $31,896
Score: 77
#25. University of Denver
Online Master of Global Community Engagement
Denver, Colorado
Leveraging political science principles, the Online Master of Global Community Engagement degree is an adaptation of an online Master of Political Science. Offered by the University of Denver, the Online Master of Global Community Engagement was created to teach students who want to learn how to engage and connect different cultures across the globe. Students in this program are tasked with completing 48 credit hours to earn the degree. Classes in the program include Global Society: Structures and Stakeholders; Culture, Identity, Power; Globalization and Global Citizenship; and much more. Classes typically last 10 weeks. Students can finish in as little as 24 months or can choose to pursue it more slowly and take up to 36 months.
Tuition: $32,928
Score: 76
#26. University of West Florida
Online Masters in Political Science
Pensacola, Florida
This Master’s of Political Science degree offered by the University of West Florida is designed to be completed entirely online. Through this program of study, students will learn about international relations, comparative politics, and public policy. To finish this program, students will need to complete a total of 33 credit hours. The University of West Florida offers this degree online in a synchronous fashion, meaning that students are asked to tune into live lectures and participate in them in real-time. This format of delivery was selected to encourage students to engage with one another in order to enrich each other’s education. Students who complete this program will be prepared for a career working in local, state, or federal government or any other place in the public sector.
Tuition: $33,452
Score: 75
#27. St Mary’s University
Online Master of International Relations
San Antonio, Texas
Focusing on international relations, this online Master’s in Political Science degree is offered by St. Mary’s University Texas. Called the Master’s in International Relations, this degree teaches students to combine political science with other disciplines such as history, geography, sociology, and more to gain a better understanding of the ways that different nations interact with one another. Students will be tasked with exploring how different factors affect the ways that countries conduct business with one another and how policy can be crafted to shape these interactions. Courses in this program include National Security, Ethical Issues in International Relations, World Religions and International Affairs, and much more. A total of 36 hours are needed to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $33,660
Score: 74
#28. University of North Carolina
Online Master of Public Administration
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers students its Online Master of Public Administration degree in five different concentrations. Students can select from International Relations, Local Government, Nonprofit Management, Public Management, and Public Health concentrations. Students must complete over 42 credit hours of classes to complete this program. Some of the core classes required for this program of study are Public Administration Institutions and Values, Organization Theory, Professional Communication, Public Financial Management, and much more. This Online Master of Public Administration degree is designed around the University of North Carolina’s immersive online education platform that works to emulate the classroom experience as closely as possible. Many of the online courses have collaborative elements meant to increase communication between students. This program has been accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration.
Tuition: $48,630
Score: 72
#29. Virginia Tech
Online Master of Political Science
Blacksburg, Virginia
Virginia Tech offers students the opportunity to enroll in an Online Master of Political Science degree. This program of study is based on a degree that has been offered on campus at Virginia Tech since 1969. Students in this program will be assigned the exact coursework that is offered to students on campus. Through the pursuit of this program, students will gain an understanding of political science principles and the ways that social science research impacts the analysis and implementation of political policy. Virginia Tech tends to enroll between 60-75 students in its online Master of Political Science program. By keeping its classes relatively small, Virginia Tech is able to better engage with students one-on-one to ensure that every student is getting the attention that they need.
Tuition: $57,240
Score: 71
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