Top Online Master's Programs in Political Science for 2027

American Public University

The 100% online master’s in political science degree from the American Public University System explores topics like American government theory, foreign and domestic policy, and political philosophy. It prepares graduates for careers in government and the military as well as for politics, non-profit administration, and any career requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.

For this two-year, 36-credit program, students choose from one of four concentrations: American Politics and Government, Comparative Government and Development, International Relations, and Public Policy. Graduates analyze fundamental theories of government and apply them to current political systems, evaluate different political systems, and assess the people and processes involved in policy-making. No GRE/GMAT is required, and there’s no application fee or transfer credit evaluation fee.

University of Illinois Springfield

The University of Illinois Springfield’s online political science master’s degree program is designed for professionals hoping to begin careers in politics or education. This customizable program is made up mostly of electives.

Courses include Comparative Political Cultures, Introduction to the American Legal System, Trial Advocacy, Legislative Politics, Environmental Law, American Foreign Policy, Russian Politics, and Poverty, Law and Justice. Students must also complete a closure exercise in the form of a thesis, comprehensive final exam, or case study.

The political science department is also home to award-winning Model UN and Model Illinois Government groups. Additionally, students can choose from one of four concentrations: American National and State Politics, Comparative Politics/International Relations, Political Theory, and Public Law.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a solid foundation in political, social sciences, or history. All online students pay the same tuition rates.

Introduction to Public Policy

This course looks at how public policy is designed and implemented in America. It examines the roots of historic health and welfare programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security while also covering recent policies such as the Affordable Care Act.

Statistical Analysis

A course in statistical analysis involves looking at social science quantitative techniques and how they are used by scholars and public sector analysts. Students are introduced to probability and statistical analysis, though some programs require students to take statistics before enrolling. Students also learn how to create and interpret statistical analyses.

Seminar in International Relations

This course considers approaches to research and academic literature within international relations. Students gain insight into key areas of study within international relations, including security, international organizations, regimes, globalization, and political economy.

Education Policy

This course examines how policies and politics shape the American educational system. It looks at the role of public education in American life and at legal/governmental relationships creating the political framework for schooling. Students also explore issues such as the relationship between race, poverty, and education as well as school finance and reform.

Social Science Research Methods

Many online master’s in political science programs require research courses like this one. In it, students explore various survey methods for social research and learn how to conduct field studies and surveys. They also learn how to craft interviews and questionnaires and about sampling procedures, content analysis, and experimental design.

Comparative Politics

Why do some countries choose democratic governments while others have monarchies? How do different nations approach public welfare? What’s the connection between politics and economic development? Students specializing in comparative politics put a variety of political systems under the microscope to see how they work and why some thrive while others do not.

International Relations

Students studying international relations examine topics like trade, finance, foreign investment, human rights, the environment and international law, and peace, war and diplomacy. This concentration studies the relationship between countries to determine why some nations form strong alliances while others are perpetual rivals or even enemies.

American Government

With this specialization, students examine the impact of American politics on life here at home and around the world. Many of these programs devote entire courses to the three branches of government, along with classes on civil rights, the Constitution, LGBT issues, women in politics, the different political parties, and how public opinion can influence policy.

Law

Law and politics obviously intersect, and many argue that those in politics also create, carry out, and change laws. But how do those laws come about? How do other countries run their legal systems? Political science students specializing in law focus on these questions and examine their own relationship to the law, including asking where the line exists between what is legal and what is moral.