Political Science
Online BA

Earn your degree online at UMassD

Flexibly designed with part-time learners in mind, the bachelor of arts in Political Science degree provides students the opportunity to develop an understanding of political institutions and processes in a global community. This program prepares students for careers in law, business, international associations, government, and non-profit organizations.

As a political science major, you'll develop an understanding of political institutions and processes in the local, state, national, and global community. You'll be prepared to think critically and act effectively as an engaged citizen.

UMass Dartmouth's political science program examines the impact of government upon the life of the individual—and of individual citizens upon government. We use scientific, philosophical, and applied perspectives to examine politics in the U.S. and around the world.

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With our generous transfer policy, students with existing credits may transfer up to 90 credits from a regionally accredited institution.

Student success

Career Opportunities

Graduates have a solid foundation for pursuing a variety of careers or advanced degrees in fields including:

Law
Business
Government
Non-profit organizations
International associations

UMass Dartmouth Bachelor of Political Science students must complete 120 credits to graduate.

Students must complete a 3-credit internship as part of the course work. The internship institution/location may be selected by the student and must be approved by the political science department.

Political Science degree students:

Develop research skills
Access, understand and synthesize professional and popular writing on public affairs
Formulate and analyze arguments
Assess the relevance and weight of evidence
Organize their ideas into focused papers and presentations

Through this course of study, students learn to read critically, write clearly, and communicate effectively through argument, analysis, exposition, and oral presentation.

Pre-Law Concentration

We offer a concentration within our major geared towards preparing you for law school. You'll focus on courses with an emphasis on law and the courts, in both the U.S. political system and international political systems.

For the concentration, you'll complete 39 credit hours, and 120 credit hours overall.

Sample Course Offerings

Examples of Political Science degree courses offered include (course offerings subject to change):

Public Policy in America
Constitutional Law
Civil Liberties and Rights
Political Parties and Interest Groups
Women and Public Policy
Public Administration

Course descriptions, schedules and requirements

Transfer Applicants

Submit official transcripts from all accredited colleges or universities for which you enrolled in courses

Students coming directly from high school and/or with 0-11 college credits will be required to:

have high school transcript sent to UMass Dartmouth
have official SAT or ACT scores sent to UMass Dartmouth (only required for those applicants with a high school GPA under 3.0 and graduated from high school less than four years ago)

Students who complete high school through the GED/HiSET program will be required to:

submit a copy of the GED/HiSET certificate from the state
submit a copy of your GED/HiSET test record
submit an official high school transcript

Customize your education and receive the help and guidance to finish as planned:

UMassD online bachelor’s degree program ranked #7 in the nation by College Choice for most affordable online colleges
Value and affordability of a UMass education
Generous transfer policy
One-on-one personal advising from enrollment through graduation
Free online and in-person tutoring and writing center

UMass Dartmouth advanced degrees

JD
MBA
JD/MBA

Learning style: online

Online courses are taught by UMass Dartmouth faculty to provide high quality instruction and personal attention. Students have the flexibility to accommodate work and home responsibilities within the structure of defined assignment due dates. The majority of our online courses are taught asynchronously.

Frequently asked questions

Have questions about the Political Science Online BA program? Below are answers to common questions about admissions, curriculum, career outcomes, and student experience.

A Political Science degree can prepare you for careers in government, law, business, nonprofit organizations, and international affairs. You’ll develop skills in research, critical thinking, writing, communication, and analyzing evidence—skills that can be applied across a wide range of careers and industries.

Yes. The online Political Science BA is designed with part-time learners in mind. Most courses are taught asynchronously, giving you the flexibility to complete coursework around your work and personal responsibilities while still working within established assignment deadlines.

Yes. UMass Dartmouth offers a pre-law concentration within the Political Science major, with coursework focused on law, courts, and the U.S. and international political systems.

Yes. UMass Dartmouth accepts up to 90 credits from a regionally accredited institution, making the online Political Science BA an option for students who have already completed college coursework and want to finish their bachelor's degree. You’ll also have access to one-on-one advising to help you understand your transfer credits and stay on track toward graduation.

Yes. Online students may be eligible for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid to help make earning your degree more affordable. Eligibility varies by student and award, so we encourage you to explore your financial aid options and apply for scholarships as part of the enrollment process. Please visit our financial aid page to learn more about financial aid and scholarships.