120
$399
Fall 2 2024 classes start on October 21, 2024
The online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from LSU prepares you to analyze the world's political landscape. This rigorous program will develop your critical thinking, research, and communication skills for success in government, policy, law, and other fields. Some graduates pursue advanced degrees, while others seek careers in business, journalism, public affairs, education, and more. Overall, this degree helps you become a responsible, analytical leader who can contribute to the well-being of your communities.
The LSU Department of Political Science's exceptional faculty not only brings unparalleled expertise and recognition to the program but also provides students with a high-quality education. This department has been home to distinguished educators and scholars, including four presidents of the Southern Political Science Association, two presidents of the American Political Science Association, five editors of prestigious academic journals such as the Journal of Politics, the American Political Science Review, and the American Politics Quarterly, several Fulbright scholars, a National Science Foundation program director, and a member of the National Council on Humanities.
The BA in Political Science equips you with critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills valued by employers across industries, preparing you to make a difference in any area you choose.
The program boasts renowned faculty that includes LSU Distinguished Faculty Award winners and a Rainmaker Award recipient.
Gain practical, real-world experience through an optional internship program.
This degree provides a strong foundation for law school. Coursework teaches essential skills for future lawyers, and 25% of graduates continue on to law school.
Students enrolled in this program are eligible for membership in the Omega Nu Lambda (ONL) Honor Society. Created to recognize the academic excellence of online students, ONL provides access to exclusive networking opportunities, scholarships, and a lifelong community of like-minded achievers. Enrich your college experience and connect with peers globally through Omega Nu Lambda!
Students who graduate with a degree in Political Science are well-informed citizens, and leave the program with research, writing and analytical skills applicable to a wide variety of fields. A Political Science BA also provides the necessary background for students who wish to pursue a graduate degree or a career in law."
Dr. Yann Kerevel
Professor and 2024 LSU Distinguished Faculty Award Winner
Total credit hours per program: 120 credit hours
Cost per credit hour: $399
Total cost with fees and maximum amount of credits allowed to transfer into the program: $11,970
Total cost with fees: $47,880
LSU Online also offers several ways to help you pay for your degree including financial aid and veteran education benefits. Learn More.
*For further information about the approval for transfer credits and other requirements, please visit this site.
The total cost above does not include transfer credit or financial aid. Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.
General Education Requirements (36 Credit Hours)
General Education Courses | Credit Hours |
---|---|
ENGL 1001: English Composition | 3 |
ENGL 2000: English Composition | 3 |
General Education Arts | 3 |
General Education Analytical Reasoning (3 hours must be Math) | 6 |
General Education Natural Sciences | 9 |
General Education Humanities (6 hours of History and 3 hours of Literature) | 9 |
General Education Social Sciences *POLI 2051 fulfills a requirement of the Political Science major and a 2000-level Social Science requirement, thus, remaining Social Science requirement is 3 hours |
3 |
Foreign Language Requirements (14 Credit Hours)
Foreign Language Courses | Credit Hours |
---|---|
SPAN 1101: Elementary Spanish | 4 |
SPAN 1102: Elementary Spanish | 4 |
SPAN 2101: Intermediate Spanish | 3 |
SPAN 2102: Intermediate Spanish | 3 |
Political Science Core Requirements (33 Credit Hours)
Political Science Required Course | Credit Hours |
---|---|
POLI 2051: American Government *Fulfills the requirement of 1 course from the American Government & Politics Field |
3 |
Political Science Courses | Credit Hours |
---|---|
American Government & Politics Field | |
POLI 4000: Special Topics in American Politics (Political Scandals) | 3 |
POLI 4020: American Constitutional Law | 3 |
POLI 4021: American Constitution and Civil Liberties | 3 |
POLI 4032: Interest Groups in American Politics | 3 |
Students Must Select at Least 1 Course From Each of the Three Fields Listed Below: |
|
Field 1: Comparative Government & Politics | |
POLI 2053: Introduction to Comparative Politics | 3 |
POLI 4060: Special Topics in Comparative Politics (Transnational Justice) | 3 |
POLI 4065: Latin American Governments and Politics | 3 |
POLI 4060: Special Topics in Comparative Politics (Comparative Law and Legal Systems) | 3 |
Field 2: International Politics & Law | |
POLI 2057: Introduction to International Politics | 3 |
POLI 4040: Special Topics in International Relations (Human Rights) | 3 |
Field 3: Political Theory | |
POLI 2060: Introduction to Political Theory | 3 |
Political Science Optional Elective | |
POLI 3901: Undergraduate Internship in Political Science | 1-6 |
**Approved General Electives (37 Credit Hours)
* At least 12 hours must be at the 3000/4000 level
Note 1: At least 18 credits of the Political Science core courses must be at the 3000/4000 level.
Note 2: POLI 2051 fulfills both the General Education Social Science requirement as well as a Political Science core requirement.
**Note 3: In consultation with their Academic Advisor, students will select courses offered through LSU Online and the LSU College of Humanities & Social Sciences to fulfill the 37 approved elective credits. At least 12 of the 37 credits must be taken at the 3000/4000 level. Students also may not use more than three additional hours of MATH credits below 1550, and no more than 24 hours from outside of the College of Humanities & Social Sciences toward their approved electives.
First Time Freshman
Transfer Student General Admission Requirements
*Students who will not have 30 transferable credit hours by the time they plan to enroll at LSU can still be considered for admission if they meet all remaining transfer requirements.
To see about transfer credits please check out the TIGER TRANSFER TABLES.
Re-Entry Student Admission Requirements
Students interested in applying for re-entry to LSU must have a 2.0 GPA on all LSU coursework and must meet the requirements for their prospective senior college. Students who have attempted 30 or more hours at another institution must also have a 2.5 cumulative GPA on all college work attempted. For your senior college specific requirements please check out the Re-Entry Student Requirements per College.
If you feel like you do not meet any of the above qualifications please reach out to your Enrollment Coach team member as there are different evaluation pathways for non-traditional students to take.
Undergraduate students who are reviewed and admitted by meeting LSU A&M general admissions requirements but do not meet the admittance requirements to a senior college have two admissions options:
Option 1
Students can start with The University College Center for Freshman Year (UCFY). This academic unit is designed for new freshmen and some transfer and re-entry students. Their mission is to prepare incoming students for success at LSU and to help define their academic and career goals. Students typically exit the UCFY at the conclusion of the freshman year and enter one of the degree-granting senior colleges at LSU.
Option 2
Students can start with The Center for Advising and Counseling (UCAC). This administrative unit serves as the academic home for students who have attempted 30-plus hours of college credit and who do not yet meet the admission requirements for one of the University’s degree-granting senior colleges.
For a list of specific senior college requirements please visit the LSU A&M Undergraduate Admission page.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the top occupations for political science graduates as management analysts, public relations specialists, compliance officers, social and human service assistants, social and community service managers, educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors, environmental scientists and specialists, labor relations specialists, and operations research analysts.
Graduates of the online political science degree program will develop an understanding of a wide range of subjects, from healthcare reform to international diplomacy.
Topics covered in this degree include:
LSU's online political science degree offers a powerful combination: renowned faculty, a curriculum that develops valuable communication and analytical skills applicable to any career, and strong job growth potential. In addition, this comprehensive curriculum equips you with analytical, writing, and communication skills essential for success in various careers, including government, law, and non-profit organizations. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, you'll gain a deep understanding of national and international political dynamics.
The flexible online format also lets you balance work, life, and education. Learn from expert instructors who have received honors like the LSU Distinguished Faculty Award and the LSU Rainmaker Mid-Career Scholar Award, and gain a deeper understanding of politics to set yourself up for career success. Due to the faculty's experience and professional achievements this creates a dynamic learning environment that distinguishes this degree, providing students with unique opportunities for mentorship, networking, and engagement with prominent figures in the field of political science.
Louisiana State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
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