4 Best Online Political Science Degrees in Illinois 2025

Political science is the study of public policy, government, and politics. Degree programs examine political behavior, political systems, and international politics while helping learners strengthen their communication and critical thinking skills.

Students interested in pursuing a political science degree who don't have time to attend on-campus classes might consider online learning. Numerous colleges offer accredited political science degrees online with amazing perks to help students excel.

Are you looking for great programs in Illinois? Below, we'll highlight the top online bachelor's degrees in political science. We'll also explore reputable online master's programs and showcase affordable online political science degrees.

Best Online Political Science Degree Programs in Illinois

Are you ready to pursue your online political science degree? Explore the schools below to find accredited programs in Illinois.

1. Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University (NIU) in DeKalb offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in political science with an emphasis in politics. This program consists of 100% online asynchronous courses exploring international relations, comparative politics, and public administration. Once enrolled, learners are connected with an online student success team and receive academic advising, writing help, and career guidance.

2. University of Illinois Springfield

The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) offers two political science degrees students can earn online. The BA in political science discusses policy-making processes and functions of public institutions. The Master of Arts (MA) in political science explores political behavior in the state, national, or international context. These top-ranked programs provide affordable e-Tuition and several academic support services.

3. Eastern Illinois University

At Eastern Illinois University, students can pursue an online MA in political science with an option in public administration and public policy. Courses explore ideologies of the developing world, contemporary political theory, international politics, and more. Online learners can participate in internships and are eligible for graduate assistantships if they visit the campus. The master's degree has an accelerated option for students who want to graduate in 12 months.

4. Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University students can pursue a BA in political science online or in person. Online learners can choose the general degree path or a public administration/public policy option. This program teaches Illinois and American politics, constitutional law, and more. Internships are available and students can save with university and departmental scholarships.

Other Top Online Political Science Programs

As you can see, there are plenty of great programs in Illinois. If you want more choices, explore the schools below to find online political science programs in other states.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University's BA in political science is an online program that teaches U.S. history, comparative politics, political theory, and more. This degree costs $330 per credit hour and enables students with transfer credits to save up to $30,000 in costs. Online learners receive career advising, around-the-clock tutoring, library access, and more.

Old Dominion University

Students can earn a top-ranked online BA or Bachelor of Science (BS) in political science at Old Dominion University. Both degrees explore international politics, public policy, and American government and provide full degree or degree completion options. Out-of-state learners pay $439 per credit hour and can apply for scholarships to reduce costs.

University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus offers an online BS in political science students can convert into an accelerated program by transferring up to 90 credit hours and earning credit for prior learning and military training. Online courses discuss global terrorism, political theory, and the global political economy. Out-of-state students pay an affordable tuition rate of $499 per credit.

Louisiana State University

Louisana State University's online BA in political science prepares students to take on careers in public affairs, campaign management, and government or continue to law school. The program features liberal arts and social science general education classes, American and international politics core courses, and numerous electives. Students pay $399 per credit and can use financial aid to lower costs.

Oregon State University

Oregon State University offers an online bachelor's degree in political science exploring government involvement in healthcare, censorship, international terrorism, and more. Students can earn this degree as a BA or BS. Learners pay the affordable price of $366 per credit to complete this program. They can also benefit from free online tutoring, success coaching, and career guidance.

Arizona State University

The BA in political science at Arizona State University is an online program with 39 courses students complete in two-month sessions. Coursework focuses on political ideologies, global politics, comparative government, and more. Internships are available to learners interested in gaining real-world experience. After graduating, students are ready for careers as political analysts, paralegals, and politicians.

Our Selection Criteria

Our team selected the schools in the rank list above using a rigorous vetting process. Each institution has met the following criteria for delivering high-quality education:

• Accredited: The colleges and universities received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, New England Commission of Higher Education, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, or Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, guaranteeing recognized academic standards.
• Reputable: We verified that the schools in this list are respected, considering factors such as graduation rates, student outcomes, and acceptance rates.
• Path to degree completion: These institutions offer an accelerated degree path through shorter terms, flexible online options, generous transfer credit policies, and credits for work experience and examinations.
• Affordable: Schools in this list help reduce degree costs by offering financial aid, scholarships, or lower tuition.

What Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor's in Political Science Program?

Enrollment is the first step in pursuing an online bachelor's degree in political science, which requires first gaining admission. When applying, ensure you meet admission requirements such as submitting a high school or community college transcript with a minimum GPA and ACT or SAT scores.

Once accepted, many schools connect students with an academic advisor or success coach to help navigate the online learning process. You'll enroll in your courses and log into the school's online learning platform to access live classes or pre-recorded lectures.

Schools typically have students submit assignments, take exams, and participate in discussions in one place. They also support online learners with tutoring, career services, academic advising, and financial aid guidance.

Choosing an Accredited Online Political Science Program

Picking an online political science program starts with researching accredited schools with good reputations. Next, see which schools offer programs that meet criteria such as:

• Flexibility: You can find programs with asynchronous courses or a self-paced format that lets learners navigate courses without schedules.
• Cost: Look for online colleges that accept the FAFSA or offer scholarships and lower tuition to reduce the cost of earning your degree.
• Online support: Many institutions offer library access, writing centers, tutoring, and other online support services to help students excel.
• Accelerated coursework: Some schools offer accelerated political science degrees online with five- to eight-week classes, multiple start dates, or competency-based learning options.

Political Science Career Paths

Political science majors can take numerous career paths after earning their degree. Here are a few positions to consider once you've graduated:

• political scientist
• public opinion analyst
• legislative aide
• public policy specialist
• paralegal
• high school government teacher

Graduates of public relations programs also become public relations specialists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for this role is on the rise with projections of faster-than-average growth (6%) from 2023 to 2033.

Explore Accredited Online Programs Today

Take steps toward a rewarding career in political science by exploring the accredited degree programs offered by schools on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges today to learn how they can help you reach your career goals.