Online Bachelor's Degree in Political Science
Earn Your Political Science Degree Online with SMSU
Online
3-4 years
37 Credit Hours (Major)
$305 per Credit
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Gain a Deep Understanding of National and Global Politics
The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree from Southwest Minnesota State University is a fully online program that gives you the opportunity to investigate political phenomena ranging from voter behavior to international relations. You can grow your understanding of both the moral and ethical implications of political action from multiple perspectives. Leverage this highly relevant, cross-discipline degree to launch a successful career or apply what you learn to pursue graduate study.
This BA in Political Science program is also offered on campus.
Program Details
- 100 percent online program
- Transfer credits accepted
- Learn from expert faculty
- 3 program starts per year
- Waivable application fee
Political Science Major Online Courses
16-Week Terms
13 Total Courses
The online political science major delivers a broad-based political science education grounded in a core focused on American government, politics, and political research methods. You will also study essential topics like public policy, international law, the judicial process, and more. Customize your program with a wide range of electives, including opportunities for internship credit and independent study.
Course Highlights
- POL 220: American National Government
- POL 252: Introduction to Comparative Politics
- POL 355: World Political Geography
- POL 455: International Law
Start Your Application Today
Start Date May 21, 2024 Summer Term 2024
Admission to the political science online degree program begins by submitting your application. Take the next step toward a rewarding career by completing your application today with support from the SMSU enrollment team.
| Online Application Form | Apply Now |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $20 waivable fee* |
| Official Transcripts | Send official high school transcripts. Transfer students must send transcripts from each institution attended |
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 minimum, 3.0 recommended |
International Students
Additional information and requirements may be necessary for international students. Please contact our enrollment team to learn more.
It’s always the right time to invest in your education with SMSU. Contact an enrollment counselor by calling 1-800-201-2944 to get started today.
Admissions DetailsHow Much Does Our Political Science Degree Cost?
Calculate your cost for attending SMSU Use our tuition calculator to help you estimate your total tuition costs.
The first step toward creating a successful future for yourself is investing in your education. Whether you’re applying for a college degree for the first time or picking back up where you left off in your education, Southwest Minnesota State University’s tuition and financial aid packages can assist you. We offer competitive tuition, scholarship options, and accept transfer credits to help ensure you earn your degree affordably.
| Cost per Credit Hour | $305 |
|---|---|
| Total Credit Hours | 120 |
| Total Estimated Cost** | $36,600 |
| Other Costs | The estimated tuition cost does not include factors such as textbooks, supplies, or additional fees and expenses |
Military Benefits
SMSU proudly welcomes active military and veteran students. We accept the GI Bill™ and VA education benefits. Learn more by contacting an enrollment counselor or by visiting our military benefits page.
Financial Aid Options & Support
Southwest Minnesota State University offers a variety of solutions to help you invest in your education. SMSU offers in-state tuition rates to all students, along with a variety of financial services, including military benefits, financial aid opportunities, and scholarships for qualifying applicants.
Take your next step in financing your education by completing your FAFSA today. Use SMSU’s school code: 002375
Tuition Details
Qualify for Careers that Make an Impact
SMSU’s online bachelor’s degree in political science provides interdisciplinary knowledge for roles in government, law, journalism, business, nonprofit work, and more. Rewarding career paths like these allow you to create positive change in your community and the world.
Whether you want to enter the workforce immediately or apply to a graduate program, this degree can help you get there. Employment of political scientists is expected to grow 7 percent through 2032, faster than the national average.1
Political Science Degree Jobs
City manager $96,426 per year2
Probation officer $59,860 per year3
Program Outcomes
The online political science degree is designed to give you a psychological view of today’s political climate. You’ll build your analytical skills while studying the moral and ethical implications of politics, graduating with a deep understanding of modern political processes and the diverse factors that impact them.
What You’ll Learn
- Have a deep understanding of political phenomena ranging from the behavior of individual voters to relations among nations
- Develop an awareness of the moral and ethical implications of political action
- Understanding of political institutions and processes from empirical and comparative perspectives
Meet Our Faculty
SMSU employs a faculty of experts who are top-skilled in their fields. Our educators are fully committed to providing each student with personalized and thoughtful instruction to help you succeed academically and professionally.
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. David Sturrock
Dr. Sturrock has vast experience as a Southwest Minnesota State University professor since 2000. He was also an associate professor of political science at SMSU from 1996 to 2000. Previously, he was an assistant professor at SUNY Brockport from 1993 to 1996.
His awards include the Outstanding Public Service Award from the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities and the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Sturrock also received a $20,000 grant from the Southwest Minnesota Foundation to fund the Southwest Minnesota Poll, an ongoing regional public opinion survey.
Dr. Sturrock’s current public service roles include Chairman of the Marshall Transportation Group and Board of Directors member for the Minnesota Transportation Alliance.
Learn Online with Southwest Minnesota State University
Whether you’re enrolling in a degree program for the first time or completing a degree you previously started, learning online with SMSU provides the flexibility you need to be successful. Our online programs offer the same rigorous curriculum delivered on campus, plus the convenience of studying on your schedule from the location of your choice.
Discover SMSU OnlineSources and Disclaimers
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Political Scientists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/political-scientists.htm (visited October 17, 2023).
- Payscale.com, Average City Manager Salary, at https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=City_Manager/Salary (visited October 17, 2023).
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Probation Officers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/probation-officers-and-correctional-treatment-specialists.htm (visited December 18, 2023).
*Contact our enrollment team for more details!
**Tuition costs and fees will vary based on semesters of enrollment and number of transfer credits accepted. Contact our enrollment team to learn more.