Best Online Political Science Degrees in Pennsylvania 2025

Whether you want to work for the federal government, the nonprofit sector, or somewhere in between, choosing one of the top online political science degree programs is a great way to earn your degree. The best online bachelor's in political science degrees prepare students with the foundations of political science while also helping hone their critical thinking and communication skills.

Accredited and affordable online political science degrees are perfect for those who need to balance their higher education with work or family. Keep reading to discover the best online political science degrees in Pennsylvania.

Top Online Political Science Degree Programs in Pennsylvania

Only one college in Pennsylvania offers an online political science degree program, but luckily, it's one of the top-ranked programs in the country. We break it down below.

1. PennState World Campus

PennState World Campus is the online branch of the public Pennsylvania State University system. It offers both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) online.

Both programs cover the fundamentals of political science. The BA is a liberal arts degree that allows students to cultivate a deep knowledge of U.S. domestic politics, international politics, or the politics of other nations and also develop the critical thinking needed to understand relationships between governments and the populations they serve.

The BS, meanwhile, is for those more interested in political analysis and evaluation. It provides students with the tools to systematically analyze and interpret data to inform their understanding of policy and politics.

Other Top Online Political Science Programs

The flexibility of online programs means you have the freedom to attend schools out-of-state without having to relocate. We've listed a few more top online political science degree programs below.

Arizona State University

At Arizona State University, students can also earn either a BA or BS in political science online. The BA includes a foreign language component, which is especially valuable for those interested in political pursuits and international business, while the BS includes additional learning in statistics and science courses that directly apply to the developmental processes of policy.

This public research university is located in Tempe, AZ. It also offers a Master of Arts (MA) in political psychology online, which examines voter behavior and teaches how to apply this knowledge to political campaigns and communications.

Oregon State University

An online BA and BS are also available through Oregon State University. OSU is a private research institution in Corvallis, OR.

Unlike the previous two programs, both majors provide the same core courses in political science. The difference is in the general education programs; the BA has a foreign language component, while the BS includes courses in computer science and mathematics.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers a BA in political science online. Through this undergraduate degree, students gain a unique perspective on the relationship between the U.S. political system, public opinion, and the policies that shape government.

SNHU, based in Manchester, NH, is a private institution known for its online programs. Its political science curriculum takes a practical approach to politics, analyzing events in real-time and applying solutions to local, national and international scenarios.

State University of New York at Potsdam

The State University of New York (SUNY) at Potsdam is a public college in Potsdam, NY. It offers an online BA in political science.

This online degree prepares students for a broad range of career paths, including law, government, foreign service, public policy, social action, business, and non-profit management. Several joint bachelor's-to-master's options are available for students wanting to pursue graduate school.

University of Central Florida

Students at the University of Central Florida can earn a BA in political science online. They'll learn critical reasoning, analytical, and thinking skills through coursework covering government, politics, international relations, political theory, policy, and more.

UCF, located in Orlando, FL, is a public research institution. It offers a limited number of internships for students to be placed in an office of local, state, or national government, a campaign headquarters, or a law office in order to gain real-world experience.

Wilmington University

An online BS in law, policy, and political science is available through Wilmington University. The private institution is based in New Castle, DE.

Political science majors choose from one of three concentrations: legal studies, government and public policy, or political science, and a pre-law minor is also available. Each concentration includes practical coursework specific to the chosen field of study.

Our Selection Criteria

Our methodology for this list was simple. We focused on:

• Location: We started by looking at online colleges in Pennsylvania before moving on to top-ranking schools across the country.
• Accreditation: All schools listed hold regional accreditation.
• Type: We selected only four-year public and nonprofit private schools.

Choosing an Accredited Online Political Science Degree

There are several things to consider when trying to choose which accredited online political science degree is right for you. These include:

• the pace of the program
• admissions requirements
• specializations or concentrations available
• cost and financial aid � all programs listed above are from online colleges that accept FAFSA

FAQs About Online Programs in Political Science

Below, we've addressed some commonly asked questions about online political science degrees.

What Courses Are Typically in an Online Political Science Program?

The courses in an online political science program will cover various topics, such as:

• American politics
• comparative politics
• foreign policy
• international relations
• political theory
• public administration
• public policy
• public relations

It's important to note that if you're in a bachelor's program, you'll likely have general education courses in the humanities and social sciences to complete as well.

What Are the Benefits of Getting an Online Political Science Degree?

The biggest benefit to earning a political science degree online is the flexibility. Most online courses are offered asynchronously, meaning you complete your coursework on your own schedule. For many students, this works much better than meeting on campus at a specific time.

Online political science degrees will prepare you for numerous career paths, including political scientist, campaign manager, lobbyist, human rights advocate, and more.

How Long Does It Take To Complete an Online Political Science Program?

Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credit hours. This takes about four years of full-time study to complete. However, some schools offer accelerated online political science degrees, and others offer part-time options.

Master's degrees can vary between one to three years. Two years is pretty standard.

Explore Accredited Online Bachelor's Degrees Today

Start your journey toward a career in political science by exploring the online programs featured on Learn.org. Contact specific schools today to learn more about enrollment, admissions requirements, and online learning options.