Got a passion for politics, law, and governmental institutions? Think about an online master's in political science program. You'll learn how political activity influences the social sciences, gaining skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and political systems.
A master's in political science can lead to rewarding careers in government, public policy, education, and even the nonprofit world. In addition to opening the door for a variety of different career opportunities, the degree makes you eligible to pursue a doctoral degree if you're interested in further academic advancement.
Read on to learn about potential career paths, salaries, job outlook, and program expectations.
Popular Online Master's in Political Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's in Political Science Programs
What Can I Do With an Online Master's in Political Science?
Earning a master's degree in political science allows you to work in nonprofit, law, government, education, or consulting. You may find a position as a campaign manager, legislative assistant, or political reporter, where you'd apply your political savvy, critical thinking, and research skills to address pressing issues.
Jobs for political scientists, who help shape public policy, are projected to decline by 3% from 2024 to 2034, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Other roles include public relations specialists, for which jobs are projected to grow by 5%, according to the BLS. Urban and regional planning jobs are projected to grow by 3%. Roles such as regulatory affairs specialist and compliance manager let you ensure organizations meet legal and regulatory requirements.
After you graduate, you may be able to earn anywhere from $50,000 a year as a policy analyst to $90,000 a year as a lobbyist.
| Job | Job Description | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Campaign Manager | Oversees the operations of a political campaign | $70,770 |
| Compliance Manager | Makes sure a company operates in alignment with current laws and regulations | $90,450 |
| Policy Analyst | Assesses policies to address social problems | $67,300 |
| Political Scientist | Researches political topics and analyzes the behavior of political institutions as well as political and economic trends | $59,970 |
| Regulatory Affairs Manager/Specialist | Makes sure employers follow regulations and help companies make strategic decisions aligning with relevant laws | $75,840 |
| Public Relations Specialist | Creates and maintains positive public images for their clients | $57,130 |
| Legislative Assistant | Helps lawmakers with a variety of legal and administrative tasks, such as editing legal documents, conducting legal research, and coordinating meetings | $48,720 |
| Urban and Regional Planner | Develops plans that determine how cities, counties, and other jurisdictions will us the land | $66,290 |
| Lobbyist | Influences lawmakers as representatives of various organizations, such as nonprofits, trade and government associations, and insurance companies | $87,890 |
| Political Reporter | Writes factual political stories for publication in newspapers, radio, or television broadcasts | $50,310 |
Where Do Master's in Political Science Majors Work?
Law
An online master's degree in political science will give you a deep understanding of legal concepts and government systems, preparing you for a career as a policy analyst, lobbyist, or legislative assistant.
If, after your online master's in political science degree, you want to pursue a law degree, you will have the critical thinking skills and subject matter expertise to enroll in law school, pass the bar, and become a successful lawyer.
Possible Jobs: Legislative assistant, policy analyst, lobbyist
Skills Used: Political systems knowledge, critical thinking, communication
Government
With your knowledge of political systems and government functions and skills in policy analysis, you'll be prepared to work in government agencies. Relevant roles you might pursue include government researcher, campaign staff, legislative aid, and policy analyst.
An online master's degree in political science will give you the skills to contribute to policymaking, so you can work in policy development, draft legislation, and advise elected officials.
Possible Jobs: Campaign staff, policy analyst, government researcher
Skills Used: Policy analysis, political systems knowledge, research
Public Sector
Your online master's in political science program will give you skills in policy understanding, research, critical thinking, and communication.
With advanced skills in policy analysis, you can work as a legislative aid, public relations specialist, policy analyst, or program evaluator. You could even work in public affairs within federal, state, or local government.
Possible Jobs: Public relations specialist, policy analyst, program evaluator
Skills Used: Critical thinking, research, policy analysis
Media
If you want to work as a political journalist, commentator, news editor, or political analyst, you'll be well-equipped with the skills you gained from your online master's in political science program.
You'll have the research, analysis, and critical thinking skills to apply your deep understanding of politics while reporting on political news for public audiences.
Possible Jobs: Political journalist, commentator, news editor
Skills Used: Research, analysis, political understanding
Politics
Your online master's in political science program can further develop your communication, research, and analytical skills as well as impart a deep understanding of political systems.
These skills will serve you well in politics, where you can contribute to government operations and policy development at any governmental level. You could work as a legislative aide, campaign manager, lobbyist, or public opinion researcher.
Possible Jobs: Legislative aide, campaign manager, political consultant
Skills Used: Political systems, communication, research
Education
With an online master's in political science degree, you can pursue a teaching career at the middle school or high school level. You'll draw from the skills analysis and research skills you learned from your master's program.
You'll also have a foundation in political theory, which you can use to teach social studies courses. If you pursue a doctoral degree, you'll be eligible to work in higher education, teaching political science courses at a college or university.
Possible Jobs: Teacher, administration, curriculum developer
Skills Used: Analysis, research, communication
Nonprofit
Skills in research, policy understanding, communication, and advocacy, are valuable for working with nonprofit organizations. This includes non-governmental organizations (NGOs), foundations, and advocacy groups.
In the nonprofit world, you can influence public policy and work on policy analysis, program development, campaign management, and related projects.
Possible Jobs: Environmental advocate, community organizer, program officer
Skills Used: Policy understanding, advocacy, communication
What to Expect From an Online Master's in Political Science
Your master's in political science program will provide you with advanced critical thinking, analytical, and research skills. You'll also gain a deep understanding of political systems in and outside the U.S.
As you explore online master's in political science programs, you'll notice that these programs tend to require students to complete between 30 and 36 credits at a rate of $384 to $565 per credit. As for length, these programs range from two to four years. You can potentially save money on tuition by applying to schools in your state. Otherwise, you might have to pay extra as an out-of-state student.
Courses you may encounter include the following:
Political philosophy
Comparative politics
Political psychology
Urban public policy
Master's in Political Science Specializations
Political theory focuses on the study of politics and political concepts. You'll learn to analyze and evaluate political values and policies, covering democratic theory, political theory, and influential political theorists, plus other topics.
Comparative politics compares political systems in various countries to learn how political systems differ and change across time and place.
American politics examines judicial politics, gender and politics, legislative policies, race and ethnicity, and other concepts to understand American political institutions and their connection to the American public.
International relations teaches you how to examine the interactions between nations and states. You'll study a range of topics that include foreign policy, globalization, and international law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master's in Political Science Programs
After a master's in political science, the most relevant degree to pursue is a doctorate in political science, the highest degree in the field. As a doctoral student, you'll investigate political science theory and advanced research methodologies, building on your master's coursework. Your doctoral degree will end with you writing a dissertation.
Once you earn your doctorate, you can teach or conduct research in universities or work for the government or think tanks.
