If you are planning to take up an online master degree in Political Science, you are the right place as we are going to provide you with all the information needed to pursue an online masters degree in Political Science. Before we proceed, let’s consider what Political Science degree entails, it’s job prospects and top schools offering it.
What Is Political Science Degree?
The systematic study of government through the application of empirical and typically scientific methods of analysis is known as political science. Political science, as it is traditionally defined and studied, examines the state and its organs and institutions. The modern discipline, on the other hand, is far larger, embracing studies of all socioeconomic, cultural, and psychological elements that interact to influence government and the body politic.
Although political science draws significantly on other social sciences, it is distinguished by its emphasis on power—defined as one political actor’s ability to persuade another to do what it wants—at the international, national, and local levels. Political science is commonly referred to in the singular, while the plural (sciences politiques and ciencias polticas, respectively) is used in French and Spanish, probably reflecting the discipline’s diverse nature. Although there is some overlap between political science and political philosophy, the two subjects are separate.
Political philosophy is primarily concerned with political ideas and values such as rights, justice, freedom, and political obligation (whether or not people should obey political authority); it is normative in nature (that is, it is concerned with what should be rather than what is) and rationalistic in method. Political science, on the other hand, investigates institutions and behavior, favors descriptive over normative reasoning, and builds hypotheses or draws conclusions based on empirical data, which is expressed quantitatively whenever possible.
Read also: 8 Best Online Masters Degree In Hospitality Management
Is Political Science Degree Worth It?
Political science is a flexible degree that can be used in a variety of fields. The degree’s potential return on investment can be fairly significant, whether you choose a career in politics and policy or apply your analytical and communicative talents in the private sector.
A bachelor’s degree in political science qualifies you for a number of entry-level white-collar jobs involving administration, communication, and/or data.
Is Political Science Degree Useless?
No, pursuing a Political Science degree is not useless. There is no such thing as a useless degree; it all relies on the conditions, such as a bad leadership in one’s country, a lack of information about one’s degree, or a lack of potential to get recruited at an institution. As a result, a political science degree demonstrates that the individual can conduct research, think critically, communicate effectively, and analyze data. Do not be fooled by the word politics; it has nothing to do with politics in real life. It is up to the individual to decide whether or not to pursue a career as a politician. As a result, there are many jobs in which one can work in a variety of positions rather than a single one. In short, having a political science degree ensures versatility.
Top Political Science Careers
A political science degree is a natural choice if you want to work in politics. Careers in education, business, journalism, and law are all possible with a political science degree.
According to the American Political Science Association (APSA), those with a bachelor’s degree in political science can pursue a variety of jobs outside of politics. Five of these occupations are shown here, along with PayScale wage data based on nationwide estimates from September 2015.
Journalist
A journalist covers stories that occur in a community or topic area, such as sports or entertainment news, for a print, on-air, or online publication. To compose the piece, the journalist will interview sources, check facts, and execute other chores.
Many aspects of journalism are familiar to political science graduates. Writing and communication skills, developing sources, and taking a detailed look at a problem or scenario are all important in both fields. Of course, journalists who specialize in politics can merge the two professions directly. $38,030 is the average pay.
High School Teacher
Most states mandate that high school students take a civics or American government course. Graduates with a political science degree have a solid understanding of these fields, in addition to social studies and even history.
Graduates with the appropriate qualification might seek a teaching position where they can put their skills to use. They can also enjoy sharing their enthusiasm with the community’s future generation of leaders and voters. $45,471 is the average pay for a High School Teacher.
Career Counselor
A career counselor assists people in finding their dream job. Career counselors serve mostly in elementary and secondary schools, with some also working in colleges and junior colleges. Some focus on adults who are thinking about changing careers.
For political science graduates, this is a viable option. They can use their communication abilities to help clients achieve their objectives and be fulfilled in their jobs and communities. $41,508 is the average pay.
Cooperate Manager
Corporate managers are needed to supervise departments, hire and train personnel, and perform a variety of other tasks in the business world. They can be found in HR, marketing, and other departments, as well as in upper management roles.
It’s a field that goes hand in hand with political science research. Not only will graduates have some of the same skills — oral and written communication, research, analytical, administrative, and organizational skills — but they will also have a better knowledge of what makes a good leader. $57,175 is the average pay for a Business Manager.
Let us now consider some of the schools offering online masters degree in Political Science..
Top Schools Offering Online Masters Degree In Political Science
If you are a busy person and you want to advance your career in Political Science, you can take up an online masters degree in Political Science. The following schools offer the best online masters in Political Science programs:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
Students can get an online master’s in political science from Virginia Tech, which emphasizes social scientific research methodology and prepares students for employment in government, public policy, and academia.
Core classes on research methodology and modern political theory are required for all students to begin the program. They can next select electives from a variety of topics, such as US government branches, public policy analysis, international politics, human rights, and global conflicts.
The use of information technology by governments is the subject of one popular electronic governance course. Students think on the impact of technology on citizens in terms of security, privacy, and access to digital resources. Students who study online use an asynchronous model to finish all of their schoolwork. Before graduating, all students must complete a research project and a dissertation, which they must submit to teachers and peers.
University of Illinois at Springfield
Students enrolled in the University of Illinois’ online master’s in political science program can customize their education to fit their interests, background, and career ambitions. Students will be prepared for jobs in politics, public policy, academia, and law as a result of their participation in this program.
Political philosophy, LGBTQ+ law and politics, the American legal system, and international relations are among the elective topics offered in the 40-credit program. Political psychology is a course that looks at how the media, stereotypes, social identity, and other variables influence people’s political decisions. Students can complete a comprehensive test, a thesis, or a participant/observer case study at the conclusion of the program.
The same tenure-track faculty members teach online students as they do on campus. They take all of their classes online and learn in an asynchronous fashion. E-tuition is also offered at a lower cost to online students.
University Of West Florida
The master’s in political science program at UWF focuses on current events, foreign governments, and public policy analysis. Students will be prepared to work as policy analysts, policy researchers, strategic consultants, nonprofit organizers, and government officials after completing these experiences.
A thesis or non-thesis option is available to students. Nine credits of electives are required for the thesis option, as well as a faculty-advised thesis paper. 15 optional credits are available with the non-thesis option. Comparative politics, American politics, research methodologies, and political theory are all mandatory courses for all students.
Non-Florida residents can get up to 90% of their out-of-state tuition waived, making their tuition only slightly pricier than in-state tuition. No GRE scores are required of applicants.
Sam Houston State University
SHSU’s master of political science program prepares students for jobs in politics, public policy, education, and the nonprofit sector by providing small class sizes and access to highly skilled instructors.
A 30-credit thesis or a 36-credit non-thesis alternative are available to students. Women in politics, the US presidency, and political views and conduct are just a few of the themes covered in elective courses. One lesson looks at the origins and history of the Democratic and Republican parties in the United States, as well as previous major parties that dominated American politics.
Students can complete all of their required courses online, but they can also choose to participate in some in-person activities at the school’s Huntsville or The Woodlands, Texas campuses. In the fall, spring, or summer, students can begin the program.
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina
Students who pursue a master’s degree in international politics and military affairs at The Citadel are prepared for jobs in the United States military, government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, large enterprises, and a variety of other fields.
The show provides a broad look at the economic, political, and social challenges that influence countries around the world. Students improve their communication, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities at the same time.
South Asian affairs, US foreign policy, conflict studies, and international law are among the electives available to students in this master’s degree program in political science. A course in international political economy examines how economic issues influence political behavior in countries and vice versa.
Students must either complete a guided internship or write a thesis paper before they can graduate. Regardless of residence, all students pay the same tuition.
Students who pursue Regent’s online master’s degree in campaigns and political leadership learn how to create winning campaigns, increase voter turnout, and influence public opinion. Campaign management, finance, compliance, and administration are all approached from a Christian perspective in the 33-credit curriculum. The ideas of federalism, political parties, fundraising, and data analytics are all topics covered by students.
Students may be required to attend some in-person experiences at Regent’s Virginia Beach campus, even though they take most of their programs online. Information studies/data analytics, leadership and ethics, marketing and communication, and policy studies are some of the options available to students.
Even if they live out of state, all students pursuing an online master’s in political science pay the same tuition. Campaign managers, political consultants, nonprofit directors, and polling analysts are among the jobs that graduates of the school go on to hold.
Liberty University
Liberty’s online master’s in political science program offers students the opportunity to learn concepts and principles that they may immediately apply to their professions in politics and public policy through totally online, eight-week courses.
Students learn how a variety of elements interact to shape governance and politics in the United States and around the world. Economics, political philosophy, and public policy research are among the subjects they study. A geopolitics and international diplomacy course examines foreign policy, international relations, and America’s place on the world arena from a Judeo-Christian perspective.
It takes roughly 18 months to complete the 36-credit master’s degree in political science. Regardless of their location, all online students pay the same tuition. Students work on a thesis project with a faculty advisor at the conclusion of the program.
University Of Nabraska
Students at UNO can enroll in an online master’s in political science program with plenty of interdisciplinary learning and collaborative opportunities. International affairs and American government and politics are two concentration options for students.
Political theory, comparative politics, international leadership, and public opinion and polling are only a few of the topics covered by students. A course on LGBTQ+ politics examines how members of different groups have used political power to win civil rights gains over time.
Many mid-career professionals interested in advancing their careers in politics, public policy, education, or public service benefit from the program. It also helps those who want to pursue a Ph.D. after college. No GRE scores are required of applicants.
Conclusion
Hope you enjoyed reading this article on Top Schools Offering Online Masters Degree In Political Science. If you want study in the schools above, all you have to do is contact them through the links provided on this post and inquire more about their online masters programs.
