What Is the Easiest Political Science Degree

Studying political science and getting a degree will allow students to understand world events and participate in government.

Students considering college often wonder what the easiest political science degree is. Completing an achievable degree can give you confidence and prepare you for a successful career.

Political science graduates can determine the easiest degree program by considering the type of degree, program structure, and online or in-person format.

Learn more about different types of political science degrees, required classes, and formats below.

Finding the Easiest Political Science Degree

Political science can be studied at different levels with various areas of concentration. Students wanting to find the easiest political science degree should explore these options.

Types of Degrees

One of the main factors that determines the difficulty of a degree program is the level of study. Traditionally, there are four levels of political science degrees, with each building on the levels before it.

An associate degree in political science is the most introductory degree a student can earn. An associate degree is usually 60 credits and takes about two years to complete.

A bachelor's degree in political science is probably the most common degree for students to pursue in this field of study. A bachelor's degree takes around four years to complete and prepares students for many entry-level jobs.

Moving up a level, students can earn a master's degree in political science to develop specialized skills and start to build a competitive advantage in the job market. Most master's degree programs take one to two years to complete.

A doctoral degree is called a terminal degree because it is the highest level of study in any field. A doctoral degree in political science may be a good choice for students who want to do research or teach at the university level.

Concentrations within Political Science

Political science is a broad topic, so there are also many different sub-fields and areas students can specialize in. Many universities will offer a concentration in one or more of these areas.

American Politics

Students looking for the easiest political science degree should consider what might be most familiar to them.

Students will likely have a strong background education on American government and politics from grade school. Deepening your knowledge of American politics can position you to be a difference-maker in American government.

Comparative Politics

Comparative politics gives students an overview of different systems of government and political structures. A class in comparative politics will help students understand history, geopolitics, and current events.

Comparative politics may be an engaging and accessible area of political science for students to study.

Political Theory

Political theory deals with the concepts and principles that underlie many strategies and events in the political arena.

Most students will take at least one class in political theory, but they can also choose it as a concentration to gain a deeper understanding of key theories.

International Relations

International relations is a fascinating branch of political science that deals with the way different nations relate to each other.

Students will learn about diplomacy, espionage, conflict resolution, intelligence, game theory, and other aspects of international policy.

Political Behavior

Political behavior is a great area of study for students who are interested in the reasons people do things. Political behavior will analyze how people engage with political systems and different motivations ranging from activism to apathy.

Political Methodology

Political methodology is a good choice for students who are interested in research, polling, and other forms of analysis. Political methodology might not be a great choice for students seeking the easiest political science degree.

Can I Earn a Political Science Degree Online?

Yes, students searching for the easiest political science degree should consider online programs.

Online degree programs offer the same education as in-person programs without the hassle of commuting to campus or relocating. Online political science degrees are designed for a wide range of students with many different financial and scheduling needs.

An online political science degree is an excellent option for busy students who want to earn a valuable qualification efficiently.

What Is the Hardest Class in a Political Science Degree?

Each student will have different perceptions of difficulty in each class. Some students find political science research methods to be difficult.

Students are also often required to complete a thesis or capstone project. Large projects can feel daunting but tend to help students grow and gain perspective on their field of study.

A political science degree should be a realistic challenge for most students who are motivated and engaged with their coursework.

What Can You Do with a Political Science Degree?

A political science degree helps students understand many important processes and gives them a wide range of marketable skills. Some common career paths for political science graduates include:

• policy analyst
• data scientist
• lobbyist
• political research analyst
• politician
• lawyer
• diplomat

Find a Political Science Degree Today

Even the easiest political science degree can set you up for an exciting career. Let Learn.org help you find a program that fits your skills and interests and get started today.