Political Science, BS

Bachelor of Science

Course Delivery

100% Online
Total Credits

120
In-State Tuition Per Credit

$249.73
Out of State Tuition Per Credit

$365.31

Political Science, BS

Bachelor Of Science

US News and World Report - best bachelor's 2023

Political science is the study of governments, public policies, and political processes, systems, and political behavior. A degree in political science can lead to exciting careers in federal, state, and local governments. It can also open the doors to careers in law, business, international organizations, nonprofit organizations, campaign management and polling, journalism, education, electoral politics, and research.

The IU Online Bachelor of Science in Political Science exposes you to courses in Constitutional law, Indiana politics, urban politics, contemporary revolutions, political philosophy, judicial politics, political analysis, public opinion and political participation, and more. You develop an understanding of government and politics, the ability to write articulately, the capacity to think logically and analytically, the skill to argue persuasively, and the ability to locate and evaluate information skills that are highly valued in the workplace.

Your IU Online BS in Political Science prepares you for such careers as:

Political scientist
Legal assistant
Community organizer
Social activist
Non-profit administrator
Government executive
Legislator
News analyst
Court reporter

Degree Requirements

To graduate with the BS in Political Science, you must complete a total of 120 credit hours. A minimum of 36 credit hours must be taken at the 300 level or above, with at least 18 in the major. You may be able to transfer an associate degree or up to 64 credit hours from a regionally accredited two-year college and up to 90 credit hours from a regionally accredited four-year college or university.

Requirements are broken down as follows:

General education courses (30 credit hours)
Political science core courses (15 credit hours)
Political science advanced core courses (21 credit hours)
General elective courses (as needed to total 120 credit hours)

IU Online provides friendly services and resources to help you succeed.

Admissions

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

Admissions requirements vary.

NOTE: This program is authorized, exempt, or not subject to state regulatory compliance and may enroll students from all 50 states.

To apply to this program:

Complete application for admission.
Submit high school transcript or equivalent (applicants with fewer than 12 credit hours).
International applicants may be asked for additional materials.
Submit official transcripts to applynow@iue.edu or:

Office of Admissions
Indiana University East
Whitewater Hall, Room 151
2325 Chester Boulevard
Richmond, IN 47374-1289

Application Deadlines

Rolling admissions. Application review will begin upon receipt of all required application materials.

Courses

Core

POLS	Advanced Core -- American Politics	3 Credits
POLS	Advanced Core -- Comparative Politics/International Relations	3 Credits
POLS	Advanced Core -- Political Theory	3 Credits
POLS-Y 205	Analyzing Politics	3 Credits
POLS-Y 490	Senior Seminar	3 Credits

Find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.

Tuition & Fees

Cost for Indiana Residents

Per Credit Hour
Tuition: $249.73

3 Credit Hours
Tuition: $749.19

Note: Additional fees will apply.

Cost for Out of State Residents

Per Credit Hour
Tuition: $365.31

3 Credit Hours
Tuition: $1095.93

In accordance with Federal Financial Aid requirements, IU has calculated a “Cost of Attendance” for this program based on the most common enrollments from students who are enrolled full time for the academic year. We’re showing you the estimated cost of attendance for the full 2023–24 academic year (fall and spring semesters). Cut these numbers in half to figure out the cost of a single semester. Your actual costs for housing and food, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses will vary based on:

• The number of credit hours you take
• Whether you’re an Indiana resident
• Your personal choices
• Your travel habits

Your cost of attendance may differ from these estimates.

Full time Students

Part time Students

Direct Costs:

Tuition & Mandatory Fees

Indiana Residents

$249.73 per credit hour

Non-residents

$365.31 per credit hour

Direct Costs:

Tuition & Mandatory Fees

Indiana Residents

$249.73 per credit hour

Non-residents

$365.31 per credit hour

Indirect Costs:

Food & Housing $10,244

Books & Supplies $644

Transportation $2350

Personal Expenses $2200

Indirect Costs:

Food & Housing $10,244

Books & Supplies $276

Transportation $2350

Personal Expenses $2200

If you would like a more detailed estimate of expenses, please use IU's Tuition and Fee Calculator.

IU Tuition & Fee Calculator

What's it like to be an IU Online Student?

Earn an IU education from wherever you are

When you enroll in an IU Online program, you take IU classes, taught by the same faculty who teach on our campuses.

It's the flexible, affordable way to get the IU education you deserve without putting your life—or career—on hold.
Get the support you need to succeed

As a student in an IU Online program, you'll have the opportunity to engage with and seek help from your professors and peers, just as you would in a campus-based program.

You'll also have access to a variety of academic and other support services that you can call on when you need additional assistance. You're an important part of the IU community and we're dedicated to ensuring you have the resources you need to thrive in your online program.
Reap the rewards for decades to come

No matter what field you're in, an IU degree or certificate can improve your chances of earning a promotion or pay raise.

You'll also earn skills that will help you to achieve success for the foreseeable future, whether you're seeking to complete an advanced degree in your current field or switch career paths altogether.
Take the first step toward a more rewarding future

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