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.
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Cassie Thompson
Online Enrollment Counselor
Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Designed for working professionals looking to start or advance their career in political science by gaining expertise in areas related to policy, politics and governments in the United States as well as around the world.
Public policy. Political parties. Presidential campaigns. Voting behaviors. Civil rights issues. Global relations. Taxes. Diplomacy. Governance. Cultivate your understanding of these concepts, as well as key political and government principles, and more with an online bachelor’s in Political Science. Learn how these areas impact our society, government, education system, workplaces and communities—then prepare to leave your mark in the field of political science.
With an emphasis on research, data collection, critical analysis and clear communication in writing and speaking, graduates will be prepared for a variety of careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, as well as be ready to pursue advanced education. Our UofL graduates go on to challenging jobs in government, campaigns, the nonprofit sector, law, public policy, academics and business, both in the U.S. and abroad.
The online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science is offered by the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Louisville.
Academic Year Tuition
Online BA in Political Science Program Highlights
- Explore how issues related to power, conflict and justice within our political systems, policies, government and society impact future change.
- Study theories of government and the development of political systems along with the role of groups and individuals within the political process.
- Earn a highly marketable and sought-after degree in as little as 2 years with transfer credits—on your time and schedule with 100% online classes.
- Complete coursework in the four major subfields of political science (American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations and Political Theory) and take supporting courses in specific topics like campaigns and elections, the Presidency and Congress, social movements and civil rights, terrorism and war, constitutional law, environmental policy, religious politics, urban politics and international politics.
- Learn from distinguished university faculty with notable academic credentials, political science experience and a commitment to applied research.
- Build a strong foundation for pursuing advanced political science education, law degrees and more opportunities.
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.
Online BA in Political Science Application Deadlines
| Application Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| July 1 | Fall | August |
| December 1 | Spring | January |
| April 1 | Summer | May/June |
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
- Complete undergraduate application
- Submit $30 non-refundable application fee
- Request official college transcripts for transfer credits from all attended institutions
- Check for scholarships
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
We're here to help!
For more information on the admission and application process, please contact our Online Learning Enrollment Counselor at 800.871.8635 or by email at online@louisville.edu.
Online BA in Political Science Admission Requirements
- Minimum GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
Transfer Credit for Online BA in Political Science Students
If you have college credit but did not finish your bachelor’s degree, earn your degree in as little as two years through UofL’s online BA in Political Science. Transfer up to 60 hours from a community college and up to 90 hours from an accredited four-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
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| General Education Requirements* | 31 |
| The following courses are required by the program and can satisfy the respective General Education Requirement: | |
| POLS 201 Introduction to American Government and Politics or POLS 202 Introduction to Comparative Politics |
|
| Minimum Total Hours | 31 |
Arts & Sciences Requirements
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| GEN 100 Student Success Center First Year Experience OR GEN 101 Arts & Sciences First Year Experience |
1 |
| Foreign Language | 12 |
| Electives in Humanities or Natural Sciences at 300 level or above | 9 |
| WR—two approved courses at the 300 level or above3 | 3 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 22 |
Program/Major Requirements
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Department of Political Science - Required Core Courses | 15 |
| POLS 201 Introduction to American Government and Politics | |
| POLS 202 Introduction to Comparative Politics | |
| POLS 330 International Relations | |
| POLS 390 Political Science Research Methods5 | |
| POLS 495 Senior Seminar6 | |
| Track Requirements7 | |
| Tracks are available in: | |
| Applied Politics | |
| Global Politics and International Affairs | |
| No-Track Option | |
| Graduation requirement or culminating undergraduate experience (CUE) requirement that’s fulfilled by completing POLS 495 Senior Seminar | |
| Minimum Total Hours for Graduation | 121 |
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.
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Core Course Descriptions
Online BA in Political Science Success Team
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What can I do with this degree?
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How long will the program take to complete?
The online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science is a 121-credit hour program.
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Are the courses synchronous or asynchronous?
Courses are asynchronous.
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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.
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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).
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Is this program suitable for me as an out-of-state student?
Yes, this program is applicable to students in other states.