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  • 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:

  1. 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

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