Political science

B.A. or B.S.
Online You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online.*
delivery
$384 Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.†
per credit
4
start terms/year

Every society tells a story about power: who holds it, how it’s used and why it matters. In Oregon State University’s online political science bachelor’s program, you’ll explore politics not just in the halls of government, but also across cultures, institutions and global issues. And you’ll gain a deep understanding of the systems of governance, how they work together and how those relationships impact societies — economically, socially and politically.

As one of the nation’s only online political science degrees with extensive coursework in environmental policy, this program will sharpen your ability to analyze complex political arguments, think critically and communicate clearly. You’ll learn how to interpret data, evaluate competing perspectives with confidence and use that knowledge to inform policy, dialogue and action.

Skills you’ll gain in OSU’s online political science degree program

As a student in Oregon State’s online political science degree program, you’ll gain the in-demand skills you need to stand out in the job market and level up your career. You’ll learn from expert Oregon State faculty who have real-world experience in the field.

  • Constitutional law
  • Gender and law
  • Political analysis
  • Rural policies
  • Media analysis
  • Global food politics and policy
  • Data interpretation
Close-up of the United States Capitol building dome with American flag flying in foreground
Best Online Bachelor's Programs 2025 - U.S. News & World Report

Program details

Thanks to a diverse selection of courses that go beyond U.S. politics and law, this program’s online curriculum will introduce you to the politics of Western Europe, how the U.S. is viewed abroad, international relations, the politics of sports, environmental policy, campaign finance, the politics of climate change and more.

The political science program is delivered online in partnership with Oregon State’s College of Liberal Arts.

Degree requirements

A minimum of 180 quarter credits — at least 60 of which must be upper-division credits — are required to graduate with your degree in political science, including:

Two men in suits having a conversation in a brightly lit room with international flags in the foreground

Additional program features

You can elect to pursue the program's law and politics option, which examines the foundations of law and government and will prepare you for careers in law, law enforcement or social services. Analyze how courts, legal systems and government institutions influence justice and public policy while exploring constitutional principles, judicial behavior and civil rights.

Some degree requirements may be transferred from other institutions. Please note that a minimum of 45 credits of the last 75 credits in this degree program must be completed at Oregon State (online or on campus) to meet the academic residency requirement.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admittance to OSU for appropriate articulation. Additional information about transferring credits is available through OSU’s Transfer Credit Central.

As an undergraduate degree-seeking student, you can apply to earn an honors degree online in your academic major. Earning this prestigious degree gives you the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on research, complete a comprehensive thesis experience and engage in co-curricular activities.

Get a jump-start on your Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree while working toward your bachelor’s degree in political science. Through Oregon State’s Accelerated Master’s Platform, current undergraduate students can take graduate-level courses online that will be applied to their bachelor’s degree.

The credits you earn will be transferred to the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program. Students enrolled in Oregon State’s online graduate courses will pay the graduate tuition and fees rate.

You can gain highly specialized skills that are in demand by employers — and do it with less of a time and financial commitment — when you earn a certificate or microcredential online with Oregon State. Choose from a large collection of short-form offerings that can help you upskill quickly.

Political science careers

The knowledge you acquire in Oregon State’s online political science degree program will help you fill in-demand jobs in the global marketplace. As a leader in this area, you’ll have employable skills that translate directly to careers in law, policy, advocacy and public service — or will help you prepare for graduate school.

Job market outlook

Use the interactive tool on this page to discover employment trends, top occupations and salary details for professionals who have skills related to political science. Please be aware that completing a program related to the job market information shown here does not guarantee employment or a specific salary.