The best online political science master’s programs provide career versatility and keen analytical, communication and research skills. Political scientists may be found in an office setting, addressing local, national, and international policies affecting individual and corporate life, representing the perspective of public interest. This job market, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, will remain highly competitive over the next eight years, with a prospective job growth of 5 percent, and a distinguishable median salary of $117,570 as of 2018. Even so, an affordable online master’s in international relations is a smart choice for those interested in public relations, policy analysis, law, et cetera. Many programs in this field can be tailored to fit student’s career needs and interests, from bilingual journalism to pre-law, foreign relations, and other unique concentrations. In political science, the goal is representation, fact, and perspective. Enter an occupation with significant societal impact through an advanced degree from a college best suited to your aspirations.
GetEducated has surveyed 26 schools offering 19 regionally accredited online master’s political science degrees to create this “Best Buy” list. This list provides future students with the most affordable online master’s in international relations available in the US. Take time to review and compare in order to choose the best online political science master’s program suited to your academic, personal, and professional goals.
Average Cost (In-state): ~$22,500
Least Expensive: Sul Ross State University ~ $10,860.70
Most Expensive: American University ~ $59,910.00
Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings. There are no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase affordable online master’s in international relations. The best online political science master’s programs listed above the gray dividing line cost less than the national average.
11 Affordable Online Master’s in International Relations & Political Science
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sul Ross State University | (TX) | $10,860.70 $23,520.70 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Eastern Illinois University | (IL) | $11,216.00 | All Students |
3 | University of North Georgia | (GA) | $12,108.00 | All Students |
4 | University of Nebraska at Omaha | (NE) | $13,079.10 $20,129.10 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 |  American Public University System | (WV) | $13,300.00 $11,800.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
6 | University of Oklahoma | (OK) | $14,439.15 $34,595.55 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Sam Houston State University | (TX) | $15,538.50 | All Students |
8 | University of Illinois at Springfield | (IL) | $17,591.00 | All Students |
9 | Troy University | (AL) | $17,784.00 | All Students |
10 | Concordia University Irvine | (CA) | $17,850.00 | All Students |
11 |  Liberty University | (VA) | $21,236.00 $10,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Salve Regina University | (RI) | $22,270.00 | All Students | |
Regent University | (VA) | $22,450.00 | All Students | |
Citadel Military College of South Carolina | (SC) | $25,680.00 | All Students | |
Norwich University | (VT) | $26,961.00 | All Students | |
Webster University | (MO) | $28,180.00 $17,020.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Northeastern University | (MA) | $34,362.00 | All Students | |
 Johns Hopkins University | (MD) | $51,832.00 | All Students | |
American University | (DC) | $59,910.00 | All Students |
14 Options for this program have changed since publication.
Accreditation Note: To qualify for a ranking, a program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table.
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2020 review of regionally accredited and affordable online master’s in international relations. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the master's degree in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online degree including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a master’s degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
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Guide to Affordable Online Master’s in International Relations & Political Science
Political science is a career that can make a real difference. But these careers require an advanced degree, one that helps you understand the complexities of government, the impact of policy, and the relationships between the public and various government organizations.
After completing a top online master’s in political science program, you are prepared to work as a political scientist, a high-pay, high-demand career that requires skill, experience, and talent. Even if you don’t go into the political science occupation, you’ll graduate with essential skills that can be used in a wide variety of industries.
Best Online Political Science Master’s Programs: How to Choose
Students in the political science discipline learn advanced details on the political process, data collection and surveys, international politics, local organizations, and more. Each program is different, but graduates can organize and execute presentations on political issues, describe political problems and potential solutions, understand the roles of politics in society, and review political policy while analyzing results.
These programs usually require two years of academic study to complete. They often require 30 credit hours to graduate, although some may require nearly 40 hours to complete the program.
Most of these top online master’s in political science programs are a “master of arts” degree, commonly referred to as an “MA.” However, they can also be “MS” degrees, for “Master of Science.” The differences between an MA and an MS can be subtle; for the most part an MA degree is more theoretical and takes a broader look at political science, while an MS is more scientific and specific, and may include heavier elements of research and hard mathematics.
There are many concentrations within these programs. While many are straightforward “master of arts” programs with no concentrations, some allow students to select a specific topic. For example, the Master of Arts in Government from Regent University is available in six different concentrations that include American Government, Political Campaign Strategies & Management, and National Security Studies.
Typical Courses
A political science master’s degree can come in many forms, and each will have a different structure, with core courses, specialization classes, and research requirements. To better understand the potential classwork, it helps to look at a few examples…
University of Illinois at Springfield – Master of Arts in Political Science
This online degree is fairly typical for a master’s degree in political science. Core courses include “Introduction to Graduate Study of Politics,” and “Methods of Inquiry.” Students must also complete 16 hours from a list of elective courses that include various local, national, and international topics. Before graduation, students must pass a comprehensive examination, complete a thesis, or be a participant in a case study.
University of Nebraska at Omaha – Master of Science in Political Science
This degree, which is a “master of science” program, combines many elements of political science, yet can be blended with interdisciplinary courses to create a flexible, tailored program. This is a 30-credit hour program that has three concentrations: “American Government and Politics,” “International Affairs,” and “Quantitative Analysis and Data Science in Political Science.” Regardless of the concentration, students will complete classes on research methods, constitutional law, international leadership, and comparative politics.
Webster University – Master of Arts in International Relations
Some master’s of political science, including both MS and MA programs, take a brief look at international politics or have a few electives that address the subject. This program is entirely focused on international relations. The program requires students to complete 27 credit hours from the international relations curriculum and nine hours from graduate-school electives. Courses in international relations include “International Security,” “Humanitarian Issues in International Politics,” and “Food and Water Security,” among many other courses. Each course is three credit hours, so students will need to complete at least nine to complete the international relations requirement.
Are Affordable Online Master’s in International Relations Accredited?
The process known as “accreditation” is a review of higher education institutions and specific programs. Accreditation acts as a way for students to know that a degree will provide a high-quality education. Attending accredited schools is important for available funding, as federal grants and loans are only available to students attending accredited programs.
Students must make sure an online school is accredited.
All of the programs found in our database, including the cheapest online master’s in political science, come from fully-accredited institutions. The schools that offer these degrees have “institutional accreditation” from regional organizations like the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
There is also a form of review called “programmatic accreditation.” In this system, individual programs receive accreditation from subject-specific groups. For example, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) provides accreditation for degrees in athletic training. No group accredits the top online master’s in political science degrees, but the programs demonstrate a high standard of education thanks to institutional accreditation provided by regional groups.
There is an association that provides accreditation for policy and administration education. Known as the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), this group provides review and approval for degrees that focus on public policy. There is overlap, but programs accredited by this group are usually focused on public service and policy, less on international politics, the organization of government, and political or social issues. The master of arts in political science from Regent University holds accreditation from the NASPAA.
Admission Requirements
A master’s degree will have some of the tightest admission requirements possible. These degrees represent a high level of academic achievement and therefore have high standards for incoming students.
A bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field is the primary requirement. This can include political science, as well as public policy, administration, community service, and other related subjects. However, completing a bachelor’s degree may not be enough, as these programs have GPA requirements and request a multitude of documents.
Most master’s degrees require a GPA of at least 2.5 or 3.0 for enrolling students. However, they are often flexible with this requirement and don’t automatically eliminate students who are under this level. For example, students with a 3.0 can be accepted into the Master of Arts in Political Science from Sul Ross State University. However, students with a 2.5 can be accepted if they have a GRE (an admissions test) score of 850 or a GMAT score of 400. Students with scores below this level can be accepted on a probationary level.
Applicants will also need to provide a resume, official transcripts, a letter of intent (also known as a statement of purpose), and multiple letters of recommendation.
Who Offers the Most Affordable Online Master’s in International Relations & Political Science?
The average cost for the online master’s degree in political science found on our list is $22,500. At this price, and assuming two years of attendance, the average student will need $11,250 per year to complete these degrees.
Numerous options allow for a more affordable online master’s degree. The cheapest online master’s in political science program is the Master of Arts in Political Science from Sul Ross State University, which only costs $10,860.70 for in-state students. Seven programs have a total cost under $15,000, and some offer this price to all students, not just in-state residents. This makes the degree a relatively affordable option.
Some programs cost far more than $15,000. The Master of Arts in International Relations from American University is the least-affordable online master’s in political science program. This degree has a total price tag of $59,910 a year. On a two-year track, students will need almost $30,000 annually to complete this degree.
Licensing, Certification, and Associations
After graduating from the best online master’s in political science programs, students will have access to a variety of careers, including the role of a political scientist. One of the benefits of this career is that there are no licensing or certification requirements.
However, political scientists should consider participation in industry organizations and associations, which are available at both national and regional levels.
Nationally, the most common organization is the American Political Science Association (APSA). This group dates back to 1903 and has become the leading professional organization on the study and implementation of political science. It has more than 11,000 members who come from over 100 countries, making this a global community. Membership in this group promotes professional development and keeps a political scientist at the forefront of their industry.
Another national group is the American Association of Political Consultants. This group has over 1,600 members and provides networking and job opportunities for political experts.
There are also smaller regional groups located across the United States. The Northeastern Political Science Association, as an example, serves areas like New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, while the Southern Political Association is based out of Atlanta and has a footing in the southeast region of the United States.
Participation in one or more of these groups helps a political scientist stay at the forefront of the industry, connect with other professionals, and locate potential career opportunities.
Salary & Career Outlook for Political Scientists
The career of a political scientist, while challenging, brings financial rewards and a stable yet small job market.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median income for political scientists in May of 2021 was $122,510. This is over 2.5 times the median income for all occupations, which is $45,760. The best-paid political scientist typically work for the federal government; these professionals have a median income of $134,760. Overall, the top 10% in this profession, regardless of employer, earn over $172,000 annually.
While the profession is not booming, it does have steady growth. The BLS expects this profession to grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031, a rate that is just over the expected national rate of 5%. While growth is strong, the overall job pool is limited. Between 2021 and 2031, the number of political scientists will grow from 6,300 to 6,700. For perspective, in 2031 the BLS expects over 17,000 economists and 900,000 lawyers.
Next Step in the Education
Most political scientists stop their formal education with a master’s degree. However, it is possible to complete a doctorate, making you one of the most educated and knowledgeable experts in the field.
A doctorate in political science is a good choice for people who are particularly passionate about the subject and want to further understand the organization, successes, and failures of government.
Professionals with experience as political scientists can complete their doctorates and become eligible for teaching at the highest level. College professors teaching and studying political science often need a doctorate.
Doctorate degrees have tight enrollment requirements, are extremely challenging, and require vigorous academic study. However, they can open the door to deeper expertise in the fascinating discipline of political science.
Become a Political Expert with an Affordable Online Master’s in International Relations
Ready to accelerate your career in politics? Ready to make a difference in the world by studying how to enhance government and improve policy? Visit GetEducated.com today and use our resources and information to find the best online master’s in political science program for your future!