Best Online Political Science Degrees in California 2025

The best online political science degrees provide students with a thorough understanding of politics and government. Many colleges and universities across the country offer high-quality, affordable political science degrees online.

California students looking for the best online bachelor's in political science have several options. Keep reading to discover the best online political science degrees in California.

Best Online Political Science Degree Programs in California

Only two colleges in California offer online political science degrees. Luckily, they're both excellent schools. We've listed them below.

1. California State University, San Bernardino

California State University, San Bernardino is a public research institution in San Bernardino, CA. It offers an online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in social sciences with a concentration in political science.

This program is primarily tailored to those who want to teach social sciences from the middle to high school levels or those who want a unique BA that aligns with their interests and professional goals. The program is accelerated, allowing students to complete their higher education faster.

2. Columbia College

At Columbia College, students can earn a BA in political science online. This program provides students with new perspectives on the legislation, policies, trends, and political ideas that impact our daily lives.

This private school is based in Columbia, MO, but has two campuses in California. It provides online students in this program with hands-on learning experiences like internships, academic teams, and research opportunities.

Other Top Online Political Science Programs

Although there are only two schools that offer online political science degrees in California, the wonderful thing about online programs is you can learn from schools across the country. We've highlighted a few additional online political science programs below.

Arizona State University

An online BA and Bachelor of Science (BS) in political science are available through Arizona State University. ASU is a public research institution in Tempe, AZ.

Both degree options offer a strong foundation in concepts like policy, government, and citizen needs. However, the BS has a stronger focus on statistics and policy development, while the BA includes a foreign language component for those wanting to pursue careers in international relations.

ASU also offers an online Master of Arts (MA) in political psychology, which examines voter behavior and teaches how to apply this knowledge to political campaigns and communications.

Florida International University

Florida International University offers a BA in political science online. It provides an in-depth understanding of various topics within political science through the study of American government and politics, comparative politics, political theory, and international politics.

FIU, located in Miami, is a public research university. It pairs online students with a personal success coach who provides one-on-one guidance every step of the way.

Oregon State University

Oregon State University is a public research institution in Corvallis, OR. It offers an online bachelor's degree in political science.

The degree is available as a BA or a BS, and while these have different general education requirements, the core course options are the same. Coursework covers American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political philosophy.

PennState World Campus

Students at PennState World Campus can earn a BA or a BS in political science. PennState World Campus is the online branch of the public Pennsylvania State University system.

Both undergraduate degrees include a unique blend of political science coursework in social sciences, mathematics, statistics, and computer sciences. The BA is more focused on the social sciences aspect, while the BS has more of a focus on political analysis and evaluation.

Southern New Hampshire University

An online BA in political science is available through Southern New Hampshire University. This program offers a unique perspective on the relationships between the U.S. political system, public perception, and the policies that shape government.

SNHU is a private university headquartered in Manchester, NH. It helps students develop key critical thinking and communication skills as they proceed through their online program.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the programs above, our methodology focused on:

• Location: We started with programs in California before moving on to high-ranking programs across the country.
• Accreditation: All schools listed above hold regional accreditation.
• Type: We only selected schools that are four-year public or nonprofit private institutions.
• Financial Aid: All programs come from online colleges that accept FAFSA, and many offer financial aid of their own.

What To Expect from an Online Program in Political Science

In general, when applying for a bachelor's degree program in political science, there aren't any special admissions requirements. You'll just need to be admitted to the university, which requires, at a minimum, a high school diploma or equivalent.

Master's degrees usually have stricter requirements. You'll need at least a bachelor's degree; some graduate programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, personal essays, or a resume.

Bachelor's degrees usually take four years, although some schools offer accelerated online political science degrees. Graduate degrees can vary, but master's degrees average about two years.

Common Coursework in Political Science Programs

Once in your degree program, you'll focus on various aspects of political science, including:

• comparative politics
• foreign policy
• international relations
• political theory
• public administration and political institutions
• public affairs and policy
• public relations

Some programs offer specializations or concentrations so students can tailor their online courses to their career goals.

How To Choose a Good Online Political Science Degree

There are several things to consider when you're trying to choose the right online political science degree. Think about the following factors:

• Accreditation (regional accreditation is better than national accreditation)
• Pace of the program
• Specializations or concentrations
• Cost and financial aid
• Reviews from other students

Careers for Political Science Majors

Political science majors will be prepared for numerous career opportunities in settings ranging from nonprofit organizations to the federal government. Some options include:

• campaign manager
• federal strategist
• legislative assistant
• lobbyist
• political advisor
• political scientist
• public relations specialist

Note that some programs may require graduate study or a credential. Additionally, many students earn an undergraduate degree before moving on to law school.

Find an Online Bachelor's Degree Program Today

Find the perfect online political science degree for you by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.