Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from LSU
Examine the structure and function of political institutions, public policy, and global political systems.
Develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills used to evaluate political issues and policy decisions.
Strengthen written and oral communication skills essential for careers in government, law, advocacy, and related fields.
Accredited
Louisiana State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
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Admissions
Whether you're a first-time freshman or a transfer student, our admissions team is here to support you from day one.
Apply by
May 11, 2026
Classes begin
May 25, 2026
I have no college credits
First Time Freshman
- 3.0 Core GPA on the 19 units of college-preparatory high school courses as outlined in the LSU Core
- LSU is a test-optional institution which means applicants will have the choice to select if they wish to have their ACT or SAT scores considered for admission. Click here to learn more!
I have some college credits
Transfer Student General Admission Requirements
- 30* or more transferable (academic, non-remedial) credit hours from a regionally-accredited college or university
- 2.5 academic GPA on all transferable college work attempted
- A grade of “C” or better in a college-level English course that fulfilled a general education requirement at the institution where it was taken
- A grade of “C” or better in a college-level Math course that fulfilled a general education requirement at the institution where it was taken
*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.
Tuition
LSU's online programs offer competitive, flat-rate tuition with no out-of-state fees. Plus, you may be able to save even more by transferring up to 75% of previous credits.
Tuition & Fees
- 120 credit hours
- Total credit hours per program
- $445
- Cost per credit hour
- $13,350
- Total cost with fees and maximum transfer credits
- $53,400
- Total cost with fees
*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.
Financial Aid Available
LSU offers several ways to help you pay for your degree including credit for prior learning (PLA), financial aid, and veteran education benefits. Learn More.
Academics
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.
What Will I Learn?
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:
- the various methodologies used in political science
- the scientific process of inquiry
- the major theories and concepts in the discipline, including political behavior and political institutions
- international politics
- the knowledge and skills necessary to be responsible a citizen
- critical thinking, analytical skills, and communication through writing
Courses
| 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 |
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
SPAN 1101: Elementary Spanish |
4 |
SPAN 1102: Elementary Spanish |
4 |
SPAN 2101: Intermediate Spanish |
3 |
SPAN 2102: Intermediate Spanish |
3 |
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
Required Course |
|
POLI 2051: American Government *Fulfills the requirement of 1 course from the American Government & Politics Field |
3 |
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)
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.
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.
| Concentration Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
POLI 4020: American Constitutional Law |
3 |
POLI 4021: American Constitution and Civil Liberties |
3 |
SOCL 3371: Sociology of the Criminal Justice System |
3 |
SOCL 4471: Sociology of Law |
3 |
MC 3080: Media Law |
3 |
To attain a concentration in Law & Legal Systems, students must take 4 courses from the list above, but may count only one (1) course outside Political Science towards the concentration. The remaining Political Science coursework used to complete the Law & Legal Systems concentration will be selected in conjunction with the Political Science faculty and HSS academic counselors.
Concentrations
The online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science offers a concentration in Law and Legal Systems.
Law and Legal Systems
This inter-disciplinary concentration offers a well-rounded perspective on societal and political factors that intersect with the law. Students have the opportunity to explore coursework in the areas of constitutional law, civil liberties, judicial politics and international law. The concentration enhances students' oral and written communication skills and develops their critical thinking skills. Students develop the ability to read, understand, interpret and effectively summarize U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
Students who are considering a career in law will find these courses particularly relevant. Job growth for lawyers is expected to be 5% over the next 10 years. Other legal professionals such as arbitrators, mediators and conciliators are expected to have a 6% job growth rate.
Student Learning Outcomes for Law & Legal Systems:
- Develop a substantive understanding of historical and modern developments in the American constitutional law of civil rights and civil liberties.
- Understand and analyze how societal and political factors interact with the law.
- The understanding of how these factors influence Supreme Court justices, and their interpretation of the constitution and decision making on these issues.
- Knowledge of international law and international legal systems.
Careers
Some graduates pursue advanced degrees, while others seek careers in business, journalism, public affairs, education, and more.
Career Opportunities
- Law
- Business
- Journalism
- Public and International Affairs
- Federal Government
- State and Local Government
- Teaching
- Interest Groups
- Campaign Management
- Governmental Relations
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.
Testimonials
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."
