Over the past several years the political landscape in the United States has been rocky; to say the least. With politics creeping into every conversation from vaccines to women’s rights to even marriage opportunities and the second amendment – there is no way to escape it – politics are everywhere. At University of Louisville, we understand that politics play a large role within the national and global ecosystem – that’s why UofL offers a degree, 100% online. This program is ideal for students who wish to pursue their bachelor’s to help position themselves, not only for their future, but for the future of our nation and potentially the world. 

Political science is a discipline that focuses on the theory and practice of government at the local, state, national and international levels. The discipline is dedicated to understanding institutions, practices, and social bonds that constitute public life and modes of inquiry that promote global citizenship. The online BA in Political Science at the University of Louisville explores how issues related to power, conflict, and justice within our political systems, policies and government impact future change. 

Students interested in pursuing this major have the option to complete their coursework in four major subfields of political science: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations or Political Theory. While every student’s interest in pursuing a degree in political science may differ – their end goal is usually the same – earn a degree to help cultivate the future of law and policies in America and around the world. The information listed below highlights the program courses and provides an overview of career opportunities for UofL’s Political Science graduates:

Program and course overview:

The online BA in Political Science is a 121-credit hour program broken down into the following curriculum components:

• General education classes (31 credit hours)
• Arts & Sciences programmatic requirements (22 credit hours)
• Core political science courses (15 credit hours)
• Supporting Courses (53 hours)

While 121 credits are needed for degree completion, students who have some college credit from a previously attended university may be eligible to transfer up to 90 credits and complete their degree at UofL in a shorter amount of time. For a complete list of course descriptions, credits needed to graduate and credit-transfer information – click here.

Program highlights:

• Explore how issues related to power, conflict, and justice within our political systems, policies, government and society impact future change.
• Study theories of government and the development of political systems along with the role of groups and individuals within the political process.
• Earn a highly marketable and sought-after degree in as little as 2 years with transfer credits—on your time and schedule with 100% online classes.
• Learn from distinguished university faculty with notable academic credentials, political science experience and a commitment to applied research.
• Build a strong foundation for pursuing advanced political science education, law degrees and more opportunities.

Program outcomes:

Earning a degree in political science paves the way for graduates to pursue a variety of roles that go well beyond government and politics, while also developing critical thinking, research, writing and analytical skills. No matter what area of political science you study, the critical skills you develop in research, analysis and communications can help you succeed both inside and outside the political arena. Many graduates go on to have successful careers—both in the U.S. and abroad—in the following fields:

• Local, state and federal government agencies
• Campaigns
• International affairs
• Economic development offices
• Non-governmental organizations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Regulatory agencies
• Law/legal organizations
• Public policy
• Business
• Academia
• Media

How to apply:

Students interested in pursuing their degree are encouraged to take the first step – apply. The undergraduate program in Political Science has three application deadlines throughout the year – July 1, December 1 and April 1. Students are admitted on a rolling basis, however adhering to the preferred application deadlines can ensure a streamlined start time for the Fall, Spring or Summer start dates. Students interested in starting the process are encouraged to complete the undergraduate application, submit the $25 non-refundable application fee, along with submitting any official college transcripts for transfer credits from previously attended institutions. If you have college credit but did not finish your bachelor’s degree, students are eligible to transfer up to 60 hours from a community college and up to 90 hours from an accredited 4-year college. Transfer applicants must have a minimum college GPA of 2.5 to be admitted in good standing.No matter what your reasoning is for earning your degree in Political Science, the University of Louisville affords you the opportunity to do so, 100% online, allowing you to focus on your professional and educational goals, on your own timeline. To learn more about this degree or other degrees offered 100% online, click here.