Why ODU for Political Science?

Prepare for political engagement and leadership. ODU's online political science bachelor's program is nationally and internationally recognized for student and faculty achievements.

Your coursework will examine both domestic and international topics. Study American politics, Virginia state and local politics, public law, or comparative politics and international relations.

Special topics can be explored in elective classes. Past courses have focused on:

  • Cybersecurity strategy and policy
  • Politics of the civil rights movement
  • Politics of education

You can choose to complete a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. Both degrees emphasize all types of research and solidify learning with written and applied student work.

TALK TO us

Step 1 of 2
Program Information

* Indicates a required field



Step 2 of 2
Contact Information

* Indicates a required field








If you are interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree, we can provide a free unofficial evaluation of your domestic transcript(s).





What will I learn in political science online classes?

Our political science courses include topics such as:

  • American Government and Politics
  • Public Policy
  • International Politics
  • Media and Politics
  • And more

This online program combines aspects of American government and critical thinking skills to prepare you for the real world.

Female professional smiles at the camera while holding a legal pad.
Ranked
#7

Best Online Political Science Degrees, 2025 - OnlineU.com

Program Information

Minimum
30 Credit Hours
Total
120 Credit Hours

To earn a bachelor's degree from ODU, you must complete at least 30 credit hours with us, and 120 total credit hours. Your exact course of study will depend on whether you pursue a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science.

Talk with our enrollment team to determine how your credits will transfer.

Explore Programs of Study in the Catalog

ODU has a signed military pathway agreement for this program. This agreement may grant academic credit to U.S. military service members and veterans for their experience and training.

Access course materials online from any location. Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

Minimum
30 Credit Hours
Total
120 Credit Hours

To earn a bachelor's degree from ODU, you must complete at least 30 credit hours with us, and 120 total credit hours. Your exact course of study will depend on whether you pursue a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science.

Talk with our enrollment team to determine how your credits will transfer.

Explore Programs of Study in the Catalog

ODU has a signed military pathway agreement for this program. This agreement may grant academic credit to U.S. military service members and veterans for their experience and training.

Access course materials online from any location. Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Bachelor of Arts requires foreign language competence at an intermediate level or higher. You may be able to complete this requirement with prior coursework in high school or college, or by demonstrating your competence.

The Bachelor of Science emphasizes quantitative research and data analysis skills. You will take at least one course in statistics.

No matter which degree you choose, you will also develop valuable research and writing skills.

ODU offers a liberal arts education, which is designed to develop graduates who can think critically and communicate clearly. The "general education" courses in our undergraduate programs will give you a broader perspective on your studies and your major.

An online bachelor's degree completion program takes into account the college credits you have earned at another college program, university, or community college. These credits can come from one academic institution or several, and they should satisfy ODU's lower division general education requirements.

ODUGlobal enrollment coordinators can provide a free unofficial transfer assessment before you apply. They will assess your credits for transferability to your ODU bachelor's degree based on several factors. These include the grade you earned in the class, the school which awarded the credits, and the program in which you intend to enroll.

Students should submit a complete set of transcripts representing all potential transfer credits. They can be unofficial transcripts, but you'll need the official versions when you apply. You'll review these credits with your enrollment coordinator, who will advise you on the remaining classes you'll need to complete your degree.

In order to earn an undergraduate degree from ODU as a transfer student, you'll need to earn at least 30 credits at Old Dominion University in a given program.

Guaranteed admissions programs can shorten the path to your bachelor's degree with ODUGlobal.

Learn More About Transferring to ODU

ODU Guaranteed Admission Agreements

What do our students say?

"When I got to ODU, there were all these systems in place to say, 'If you want to succeed, let’s figure out how to make that happen.’ ....Everyone at ODU has always been available.”

Athena Jones '24
Political Science
Read more about Athena's experience

The professors have been outstanding.... They were very interactive.

Janice Quinn '24
Political Science

Cost & Aid

Smiling woman in professional attire smiles in a casual office setting
Calculating Cost
In-state Virginia Residents
$268 per credit hour*
Out-of-State Students
$444 per credit hour

Active duty military students may qualify for a discounted undergraduate tuition rate.

These tuition rates are effective Fall 2025 and subject to change. 

Explore ODUGlobal Cost & Aid
Military Cost & Aid

* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

The newest class of graduates through ODUGlobal celebrated commencement in May 2024.
Scholarship & Aid

Scholarship Opportunities for Online Students

At ODUGlobal, we offer a variety of scholarships to support and empower you in achieving your academic and career goals, making quality education accessible wherever you are. 

Learn more about our scholarships

Careers

Our graduates find careers in:

  • Politics and government
  • International organizations
  • Law
  • Media
  • Academia
  • The Armed Forces
  • Non-governmental organizations
  • Consultancies
  • Business
  • And more
Political Scientists
Growth
2.6%
Median Salary
$132,350
Compliance Managers
Growth
5.7%
Median Salary
$133,560
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Growth
5.4%
Median Salary
$75,670
Legislators
Growth
4.1%
Median Salary
$47,290
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Growth
-2.7%
Median Salary
$57,500
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Growth
3.3%
Median Salary
$93,810

Arts & Letters Enrollment Team

Our dedicated enrollment team will guide your transition to ODUGlobal.

Shawana Ward
Shawana Ward
Enrollment Coordinator
1-800-968-2638
artsandlettersonline@odu.edu
Kayla Baker
Kayla Baker
Enrollment Coordinator
1-800-968-2638
artsandlettersonline@odu.edu

Ready to Apply?

This program is available completely online, which means you can apply to ODU as a freshman.

Already have college credits? Before you apply, our enrollment team can provide a free transfer evaluation to see how your credits will transfer to ODU.

No matter where you're starting, we'll help you succeed from application to graduation.

Get Guaranteed Admission to ODU

ODU has partnered with the Virginia Community College System and select educational institutions to make transferring easy. 

Learn more about Guaranteed Admission to ODU.

Apply Now
Request Info

Related Programs

BA/BS Geography View More
Graduate Certificate Public Administration and Policy View More