2023 Best Online Master's Degrees in Political Science

Liberty University (LU) is a private, Christian institution with a Master of Science in Political Science, requiring the completion of 36 credit hours. Typically, students graduate in one-and-a-half years while studying full time.

All online courses at LU are delivered through the Canvas learning management system (LMS). This distance learning software allows students to study 100% online and on a flexible schedule. LU's online political science degree explores a variety of political subjects — such as international relations and political processes — as well as developing fundamental political science skills. Among the major requirements are Economics and Public Policy, Political Philosophy, and Introduction to Geopolitics and International Diplomacy. Additionally, students must complete a six-credit thesis project. Upon graduation, students are often prepared to pursue roles as survey researchers, legislative assistants, and campaign managers.

Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is a private university offering a Master of Arts in Government requiring 36 credit hours. If studying full time, students can complete this program between 16 and 24 months. Students may choose from three areas of concentration: (1) Democracy Studies and Governance, (2) Security Studies, and (3) Political Communications.

At JHU, students use the Canvas LMS to access their core courses, which are taught completely online. The classes for the government master's degree are mostly delivered asynchronously; although, some may occur on a set schedule. The curriculum for this program brings together political theory with practical skills development in order to prepare students for a modern-day political workplace. In addition to several core courses dedicated to research and thesis preparation, other courses include Government and Politics, Probability and Statistics, and Fundamentals of Quantitative Methods. Graduates may earn career opportunities at Capitol Hill, government agencies, and various public and private organizations.

Arizona State University (ASU) is a public institution with a Master of Arts in Political Psychology that requires 30 credit hours. In general, the average completion time for a master's degree is around two years for full-time students.

At ASU, students use Canvas as their LMS, where courses are delivered fully online and asynchronously. The core curriculum for this program teaches students about political decision-making in voters, partisan polarization, government interactions, and campaign strategies — all within a psychological framework. Here are three examples of required courses: Fundamentals of Political Psychology, Attitudes and Persuasion, and Biopolitics. Students must also complete a capstone project to build on the theories learned in the program. Career opportunities may include media strategist, campaign manager, and political analyst.

The George Washington University (GW) is a private university that offers a Master of Professional Studies in Political Management. This degree requires 36 credit hours, which is generally completed in two years while studying with a full-time course load. There are three topical clusters to choose from for elective courses: (1) Applied Proficiencies, (2) Advocacy Politics, and (3) Electoral Politics. There's also the option of choosing a Global Politics concentration.

Blackboard is the main LMS used by GW students pursuing their online degrees. They can complete the political management program entirely online or in a hybrid format. Even when pursuing online study, however, students receive a hands-on approach to the core curriculum, including the strategies and tactics used to advance legislation and impact public opinion. For the major, students must complete classes such as Fundamentals of Political Management, Applied Political Communications, and Political Data and Analytics. A capstone seminar is also required. Graduates may explore professional roles as political analysts and campaign managers.

American Public University System (APUS) is a private set of institutions offering a Master of Arts in Political Science that requires 36 credit hours. Typically, students complete a master's program in around two years while studying full time.

At APUS, students use MyClassroom as the LMS for their remote courses, which can be completed fully online. This program is part skill development, and part theory combined with process. Students develop skills in writing, research, analytics, and communication while exploring political institutions, foreign policy, and comparative politics. Required classes include The U.S. Presidency, Congress, and Bureaucracy; Political Philosophy; and International Political Systems. A portfolio and critical reflection paper capstone is also required. Graduates may explore roles in federal and local government, military agencies, and nonprofit organizations.