Political Science Degree Online

What is Political Science?

A Political Science major (also known as Government major or Political Science and Government major) studies the government. Political Science majors learn about how governments form, how they operate, and about all the problems they face. They study how and why governments rise and fall, and how governments of different countries compare. Political Science is truly the science of government, and it is a complex subject.

Is Political Science a Good Major / Degree for Me?

Have you enjoyed your high school government classes? Do you enjoy student government (or wish your student government was more involved)? Do you follow current events and politics? Do you enjoy a good debate or discussion? Are you a strong communicator? Are you a people person? If so, a Political Science degree (or Government degree) might just be for you!

High School Classes Needed for a Political Science Degree in College:

• 4 English Credits
• 3 Math Credits
• 3 Science Credits
• 3 Social Studies Credits
• 2 Foreign Language Credits
• If your high school offers any of the following courses, take advantage:
  • AP Macroeconomics
  • AP Microeconomics
  • AP Statistics
  • AP Comparative Government and Politics
  • AP U.S. History
• If your high school offers any of the following co-curricular opportunities, take advantage:
  • Team Sports
  • Student Government
  • Civil Rights Team
  • Debate Team
  • Speech Team

Common Political Science Courses in College:

• American Constitutional Law
• American Political Process
• American Presidency
• Analysis of Political Variables
• Comparative Politics
• Contemporary Political Thought
• Formal Political Analysis
• Judicial Politics
• Law and Politics
• Legislative Process
• Media and Politics
• Political Theory: Machiavelli to Rousseau
• Political Theory: Plato to Machiavelli
• Religion and Politics
• Research Methods
• State Government
• Women and Political Theory
• World Politics

Similar Degree Programs You Might Want to Explore:

• Criminal Justice: the study of society and criminal behavior
• Economics: the study of the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services
• Human Resources Management: the study of topics related to employment
• International Relations: a branch of political science that focuses on foreign affairs
• Legal Studies: the study of the law and legal issues
• Peace Studies: the study of war, conflict, peace, and nonviolent conflict resolution
• Public Administration: a course of study that prepares people to manage institutions and organizations
• Sociology: the study of societies and human social behavior

Political Science / Government Careers:

Those with Political Science degrees have many career opportunities. Political Science / Government majors have gone on to work as:

• Attorneys
• Banking Analysts
• CIA Agents
• City Planners
• Foreign Service Officers
• Journalists
• Labor Relations Specialists
• Lobbyists
• Policy Analysts
• Political Commentators
• Politicians
• Pollsters
• Teachers