Online BA in Political Science Outcomes

Earning a degree in political science paves the way for graduates to pursue a variety of roles that go well beyond government and politics, while also developing critical thinking, research, writing and analytical skills. No matter what area of political science you study, the critical skills you develop in research, analysis and communications can help you succeed both inside and outside the political arena.

University of Louisville’s political science graduates have been extremely successful in earning prestigious scholarships and fellowships, including numerous Fulbright Award winners and multiple Truman Scholars. Many graduates go on to have successful careers—both in the U.S. and abroad—in the following fields:

• Local, state and federal government agencies
• Campaigns
• International affairs
• Economic development offices
• Non-governmental organizations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Regulatory agencies
• Law/legal organizations
• Public policy
• Business
• Academia
• Media

This degree is also a stepping stone for anyone looking to pursue a career as a political scientist. Political scientists can earn a median pay of $122,220, with the employment outlook project ed to grow 6% by 2029 (bls.gov).

Students who want to explore their career options with a bachelor's degree in political science can reach out to the UofL Career Development Center, which supports students from their freshman year to their senior year and beyond with career assessments, advising, job and internship postings, resume and interview help, special events and more.

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Online BA in Political Science Application Deadlines

Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete, and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.

Steps to Apply for the Online BA in Political Science

1. Start your application for undergraduate admission
2. Submit $30 non-refundable application fee
3. Complete any checklist items listed on your Application Portal*
4. Request official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: adetran@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Office of Admissions, Dept AO, Louisville, KY 40292
5. Create a financial plan

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Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Admissions Requirements and Materials

New Students and Transfer Students with less than 24 transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:

• High school diploma from an accredited institution (GED or equivalent also accepted)
• Minimum high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; AND for transfer students, a minimum college GPA of 2.0 (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
• Composite ACT* score of 21 or higher (test optional admission is granted on a case-by-case basis)

Transfer Students with 24 or more transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:

• Minimum college GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)

*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started an undergraduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.

No ACT/SAT? Test-optional admissions are granted on a case-by-case basis and require a comprehensive review of high school transcript, including grades and college-preparatory courses. A personal statement may be requested during the admissions review process.

Transfer Credit

Students may transfer up to 60 hours from a community college and up to 90 hours from an accredited 4-year college. Transfer applicants must have a minimum college GPA of 2.5 to be admitted in good standing. Complete the credit transfer pre-evaluation to get an idea of how many credits you'll be able to transfer in toward your UofL bachelor's degree, and visit our General Transfer Student page for more details.

Are you a KCTCS student? KCTCS students can transfer completed associate degrees in their entirety and begin immediately with online upper level coursework at UofL. Visit our KCTCS Transfers Page for more information.

See the UofL Transfer Credit Policy for more information.

International Online BA in Political Science Students

• If you live outside of the United States and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to view special requirements for international students.
• International applicants must take the TOEFL exam if applying from countries where English is not the native language. Applicants holding a baccalaureate or advanced degree from an accredited institution in the United States are exempt from this requirement.
• Bachelor's degrees earned internationally must be assessed to ensure that entrance requirements are met.
• International students will not be issued a U.S. visa if admitted to the online structural transportation certificate program, since there are no campus attendance requirements.

Online BA in Political Science Courses

The online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science is a 121-credit hour program, offered 100% online. Courses are delivered asynchronously, in standard term length. See below for curriculum components

• General Education (Cardinal Core) Requirements: 31 credit hours
• Arts & Sciences Requirements: 22 credit hours
• Department of Political Science Requirements: 15 credit hours
• Track Requirements: 53 credit hours

General Education Requirements

Arts & Sciences Requirements

Program/Major Requirements

No more than 6 hours of POLS 430, POLS 510, POLS 511 and/or POLS 512 may count toward the major.

* All degrees require the completion of the university-wide General Education Program. Some General Education requirements may be met in the requirements for the major or supporting coursework, in which case additional electives may be required to complete the minimum hours for the degree.

¹ Completion of the intermediate level of a single foreign language

² In addition to courses counted toward General Education; 6 hours must be at 300 level or above.

³ May be incorporated into other degree requirements.

⁴ Fulfills General Education requirement.

⁵ Substitutions may be approved by the departmental advisor.

⁶ Fulfills WR requirement.

⁷ Students who satisfy General Education Requirements by courses defined by the program will require additional electives to complete the minimum hours for the degree.

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Core Course Descriptions

Online BA in Political Science Success Team

• What can I do with this degree?

  Many graduates go on to have successful careers, both domestically and abroad, in the following fields: local, state and federal government agencies; campaigns; international affairs; economic development offices; non-governmental organizations; nonprofit organizations; regulatory agencies; law/legal organizations; public policy; business; academia; and media. Graduates have also been extremely successful in earning prestigious scholarships and fellowships, including numerous Fulbright Award winners and multiple Truman Scholars.

• How long will the program take to complete?

  The online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science is a 121-credit hour program.

• Are the courses synchronous or asynchronous?

  Courses are asynchronous.

• Will I earn my degree from UofL?

  Yes. The Bachelor of Arts in Politcal Science will be granted by the University of Louisville and represented as such on the diploma.

• Is this program accredited?

  Yes, the BA in Political Science program at UofL has the same accreditation as the university. The University of Louisville is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).

• Is this program suitable for me as an out-of-state student?

  Yes, this program is applicable to students in other states.