Most Affordable Online Master's In Political Science Degrees

Overview

American Public University is an accredited private university that operates as a for-profit institution. This school offers a range of programs that are available entirely online, and with over 36 different degrees to choose from, graduate students have plenty of choice and flexibility in designing their degrees. There are several master’s programs geared toward military-affiliated students in particular, such as National Security Studies, Criminal Justice and History, and, of course, Political Science. This degree is a great option for busy adult learners and allows students to graduate in two years or less.

Program Features

This program is unique in that students can enroll in new classes every month, allowing learners to accelerate their studies by moving quickly through required courses. In addition to a series of core courses, all graduate students must also complete a final project to encapsulate their learning. This can take the form of an internship, practicum, or thesis. Thirty-six credit hours are required and multiple concentrations are available. Required courses include:

• Research Design and Methods
• International Political Systems
• Public Policy
• Political Philosophy
• The U.S. Presidency, Congress, & Bureaucracy

Notables

Students may choose to pursue various concentration options as they complete their studies, with options including general studies, comparative government and development, public policy, American politics and government, and international relations. This degree is one of the most affordable around, with special discounts available for military-affiliated students. Tuition for all students starts at just $350 per credit hour, making this degree not only a high-quality option but also one that is affordable no matter where you might be coming from.

Overview

Located in Pensacola, FL, the University of West Florida is a public university that was founded in1967. This school offers a range of majors at its main campus and additional locations in Florida, but it also has a prominent online school. In fact, over 25% of the university’s student body in 2018 attended at least one class completely online. There are over 25 different fully online masters programs, including the exceptional online masters in political science. This 33 credit program features two popular concentrations: security and diplomacy and political science.

Program Features

In addition to choosing and completing concentration coursework, students will also cover core political science coursework like the study of politics and research methods in political science. Students will also choose to complete a thesis or a non-thesis final project, such as an oral or written exam. All courses are offered in an asynchronous manner, meaning classes are held at preset times each week and allow learners to interact in real time with faculty and other students. Required classes include:

• Seminar in Comparative Politics
• Seminar in International Relations
• The Study of Politics
• Seminar in American Politics
• Political Science Research Methods

Notables

Students have superior flexibility in this program and are allowed to choose their electives freely.  Graduate students can also work up to ten hours a week to help offset the costs of attending school. Tuition is just $4,536 per year for in-state students, and because students don’t have to foot the costs associated with on-campus attendance, such as housing, the online version of this program is even less expensive than its affordable on-campus counterpart. There is extensive financial aid available to graduate students in the form of scholarships, assistantships, tuition waivers, military benefits, and more.

Overview

The University of Nebraska at Omaha is the urban branch of the University of Nebraska System.  Despite having a vibrant campus community of over 12,000 students, the school offers an equally engaging online community to distance learners. Founded in 1908, this university has a reputation for research and is a nationally recognized Carnegie Doctoral Research University.  The online masters in political science consists of 30 credit hours and is highly interdisciplinary.

Program Features

This program allows students to take nearly half of their required credits in other fields, like social work or communications. Optional concentrations and certificates are also available in areas like global information operations and national security.  Students may choose freely between a final thesis or a capstone project to calculate their degrees. All classes are conducted asynchronously, meaning students do not have to be available at specific times to complete their course. Required and elective classes include:

• Seminar in Constitutional Law
• Seminar in Foreign Policy and National Security
• Seminar in International Relations
• Readings in Political Science
• Political Internship

Notables

Because this school is a member of the state of Nebraska university system, learners who live in-state pay lower tuition than those who reside outside of the state. That being said, this flexible program is still affordable with tuition starting at just $400 per credit hour and offers all distance learners ample access to exemplary resources like one-on-one academic advising, library services, and technical support. Transfer students can bring in up to 12 approved credits, which can reduce costs and optimize the experience even more.

Overview

Sam Houston State University is located in Huntsville, TX and is one of the oldest universities in the entire state. Founded in 1879, this school is regarded as one of the most diverse and innovative schools in the state of Texas. Originally a teacher’s training college, the school now offers over 140 different majors. As a member of the Texas State University System, this school is large, housing over 20,000 students. Many of these layers also take classes online. The online masters in political science is designed for recent college graduates as well as working professionals.

Program Features

This degree consists of 30 to 36 credit hours of study, depending on whether a thesis option is pursued. No campus visits are required, and students can fulfill many of their course requirements with free choice electives. This degree is designed for learners who want to pursue doctoral studies or law school as well as for educators seeking to improve their understanding of the discipline. Required courses include:

• American Politics
• International Relations
• Comparative Politics

Notables

This program is highly affordable and extremely flexible. Learners can begin their studies at any point throughout the year with three potential start dates. Tuition starts at just $387 per credit hour. As a result of this convenience and affordability, Sam Houston State is highly regarded by top-ranking publications such as the U.S. News & World Report and has received numerous accolades as one of the best National Universities.

Overview

The University of Illinois at Springfield is a public university that was established in 1969. The school offers a whopping number of online programs, with over 1,600 options for distance learners. The newest member of the University of Illinois University System, the school aims to provide convenient programs that do not require students to attend the main campus in Springfield. The online masters in political science can be completed both asynchronously and synchronously via Blackboard, with most lectures and other materials recorded so that students can access them at their own convenience.

Program Features

The 40-credit masters in political science can be completed entirely online or with some traditional classes at the main campus in Springfield. Online learners receive the same instruction from the exact instructors who teach on-campus, but in an asynchronous format that is conducive to a busy schedule. Students may choose to satisfy their elective requirements via an internship. Other core courses include:

Notables

This degree includes numerous course concentrations including those in comparative politics/international relations, public law, and political theory. Whichever concentration is chosen, online learners pay the same tuition of just $362 per credit hour. Each student receives access to an academic advisor as well as other vital resources like the library and career services. Most students will take only two years to complete their studies, meaning this program is not only affordable, but it’s also convenient and flexible.

Overview

Located in Alpine, TX, Sul Ross State University is a public university that was founded in 1917. The school has a small rural campus that offers on-campus and distance learners a wide variety of programs from which to choose. Students are supported by a dedicated faculty and staff along with modern laboratories, facilities, and classrooms. Sul Ross also offers one of the most affordable masters in political science entirely online. This degree is designed for learners who plan to teach political science at the high school or community college level, as well as those who intend to enter public service.

Program Features

This program includes extensive coursework in all levels of political science, including case studies in public budgeting and financing, public administration, and government. The degree also includes substantial research in public policy and comparative government. Required courses include:

• Seminar in Comparative Government and Public Policy
• Public Administration Survey
• Readings and Research in Government
• Scope and Methods in Social Science
• Internship in Public Administration

Notables

This schools ranked as one of the top Regional Universities in the west by U.S. News & World Report. With small class sizes and affordable tuition that starts at just $483 per credit hour, it would be tough to find a more well-rounded degree program. This degree can be completed entirely online or in an on-campus hybrid format. Almost all Sul Ross faculty have terminal or doctorate-level degrees in their respective fields, making this one of the best schools from which to obtain your master’s in political science.

Overview

Located in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Eastern Illinois is one of the best-ranking schools in the United States, emphasizing both research and teaching in their many programs. In addition to a general master’s program in political science, the school also has a public administration and public policy program. The school prepares students with skills that will allow them to be successful in government, politics, or nonprofit work.

Program Features

This program is taught by globally-recognized faculty members. These instructors are the same ones who teach on campus, and they make an effort to bond with online students just as they would those studying on campus. Students may pursue classes such as:

• Research Methods in Public Administration and Public Policy
• Environmental Politics and Policy
• Budgeting in Government and Nonprofit Organizations
• Human Resource Management in Public and Nonprofit Organizations
• International Policy Issues

Notables

This degree is affordable, charging just $289 per credit hour to in-state learners. Out-of-state learner’s pay slightly more, but still enjoy modest tuition rates and ample access to a myriad of financial aid resources. Most students will qualify for institutional and external scholarship opportunities along with grants, employment programs, tuition waivers, and military benefits. Students are successful at paying back their loans after graduation – the school fosters collaboration and industry partnerships, and many alumni have strong connections in the industry to help other graduates earn jobs.

Overview

A private university founded in 1636, Harvard University is one of the oldest schools in the country – and also one of the most selective. With a total undergraduate enrollment of fewer than 7,000 students, this Ivy League university is comprised of 13 schools and institutes that offer a range of graduate and undergraduate majors. The school offers a rewarding online Masters in Government. This program is prestigious and innovative, allowing learners to explore international methods in maintaining government systems.

Program Features

This degree is offered as an extension program of the university and allows students to gain vital practical insights into government. The program features both a thesis and capstone option, allowing students to choose which final project they would like to complete. Harvard’s program in political science includes 12 courses, three of which are taken on campus. Students may take classes such as:

• Race, Film, and American politics
• Justice
• International Conflict and Cooperation
• American Government – A New Perspective
• Introduction to Comparative Politics

Notables

While tuition is somewhat more expensive at this university – starting at $2,840 per course or a total of $35,000 for a graduate diploma – Harvard remains one of the premier educational institutions in the country. The school offers students a range of financial aid opportunities, including federal and institutional loans, grants, scholarships, and student employment programs. Students may add to the vitality of their degrees by choosing elective courses for certificates such as Nuclear Deterrence, Social Justice, International Relations, and American LIterature and Culture.

Overview

St. Mary’s University, known more formally as St. Mary’s State University of San Antonio, was founded in 1852 in the heart of San Antonio, TX. This small urban school has fewer than 2,500 undergraduate students and also operates a vibrant online learning community. St. Mary’s offers a dynamic Master of Arts in International Relations that is designed for students interested in the disciplines of political science, international law, geography, sociology, history, and more.

Program Features

This program comes with multiple concentration options that are available both online and on campus. Learners can choose between specializations in International Development Studies, Security Policy, and International Conflict Resolution. All require 36 credit hours of coursework. Students will receive a range of hands-on opportunities and pursue internships and study abroad experiences as they take classes such as:

• International Relations Research Methods
• Topics in International Development
• International Relations Theory
• Topics in Security Issues
• International Political Economy

Notables

This university offers online learners the perfect compromise between high-quality academics and exciting community life. The school has over 20 disciplines to choose from and regularly leads students in research projects and civic engagement experiences. The university operates unique business immersion experiences, allowing learners to network with high-level leaders and to engage in site visits to nearby facilities. As a result, this school is top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report, receiving accolades as the second Best Value School and a top Regional University in the western portions of the country.