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View a complete list of courses, program-specific requirements, and more.
This program requires a total of 120 credits.
- 30 Required Major Credits: Review the required major courses outlined below or view the recommended course sequence to progress through this program.
- 41 General Education Credits: Review the options available to fulfill the 41 credits of general education coursework requirements for bachelor's degrees.
- 49 Minor & Elective Credits: Review a list of available academic minors or see the course catalog or Schedule of Classes to help you select elective courses.
Required Major Courses
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Not ready to get started on a degree program in this field? You can pair a 15-credit minor in political science with another major at UMGC.
Develop Universal Career Skills
As the world grows more connected, many major companies are expected to continue conducting their business on a global scale. That’s why employers are looking for working professionals who can think globally, analyze critically, and write convincingly. An understanding of both domestic and global political issues can help you increase your marketability Graduates of our political science program may be able to develop universal and career-relevant skills in communication, data analysis, policy development, risk management, and strategic planning. Our program directors refresh and update the curriculum regularly, with a focus on helping students achieve the following:
No. 2
Social Services Job
U.S. News & World Report has ranked political scientist as the second-best social service job in the United States.
Source: U.S. News & World Report | “Best Social Services Jobs” | Last Reviewed: April 15, 2024
7%
Job Growth
Employment of political scientists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | “Occupational Outlook Handbook” | Last Reviewed: April 15, 2024
Practice Real-World Skills in Your Political Science Courses
Throughout your curriculum, your instructors will assign coursework that may help you prioritize real-world skills and experience. In past courses, students have been able to complete the following course projects:
- Write a four-page analytical paper about a current event or public policy issue that impacts the American political system.
- Draft a position paper on an issue of your choice that a hypothetical congressional candidate will use to prepare for an upcoming debate.
- Write an essay concerning the relationship between the public policy-making process and the impact of bureaucracies. This paper will be included as part of a hypothetical press packet given to the media to provide them with background information.
Explore UMGC Insights
Gain insight from our faculty and staff and delve deeper into a range of topics, including a complete overview of UMGC’s political science program.
FAQs
Get answers to questions that current and prospective students are asking about program admission, credibility, cost, student organizations, and more.
In this 120-credit degree program, you'll cover topics like American politics and its related systems; U.S. and world governments; political trends; and current world events and politics. You'll take courses in comparative politics and international relations en route to your political science degree, which may help equip you with in-depth foreign policy knowledge, hands-on experience, and problem-solving techniques and strategies. The program can help students prepare to work in a wide range of government and private campaign positions on the local, state, or federal level.
This 120-credit program offers courses year-round. The time it will take you to complete your degree will depend on several factors, including your goals, how many transfer credits you have, your course load each semester, and whether you are able to benefit from one or more of our fast paths to credit, including credit for prior learning and credit for military education and training.
Tuition rates for UMGC political science majors are very competitive and appear at the top of this page. We offer a low in-state rate for Maryland residents and a reduced tuition rate for military servicemembers and their spouses and dependent children. We also offer scholarships for those who qualify, an interest-free monthly payment plan, and no-cost digital materials in place of most textbooks to help make your degree program even more affordable.
You do not need any background or experience in political systems; public administration; or federal, state, or local government to enroll in this degree program. As long as you meet our undergraduate admission requirements, you can enroll in this program.
You do not need any certifications to enroll in or complete this program.
Pi Gamma Mu (Social Science Disciplines)
Pi Gamma Mu recognizes outstanding scholarship in the social sciences. UMGC's Maryland Theta chapter was recently added to the society’s Roll of Distinction and was also the winner of the 2020 UMGC Student Organization Awards Best in Show Activities and Events Award. It is available to undergraduate students. Membership is by invitation only. You must have completed at least 45 credits toward your degree to be eligible. If you have earned at least 20 credits in social science coursework (including at least 9 credits at UMGC) and have a GPA in the top 35 percent, you may be invited to join. For more information, please email marylandtheta@umgc.edu.