Political Science

Online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (BA)

Save @ APU

$0 Application Fee
$0 Transfer Credit Evaluation
$0 Textbooks & Ebooks

0Entrance Exams

About This Program

Go beyond the study of politics. Become empowered with the knowledge to inquisitively question political systems and probe issues ordinary citizens must understand to make informed decisions by enrolling in the bachelor’s degree in political science program at American Public University (APU).

APU’s BA in Political Science prepares you to be a global citizen by examining government, economics, and civil society's relation to contemporary political systems. Our bachelor of arts major in political science is designed to enhance your critical thinking, research, and communication skills. As part of your capstone experience, you will conduct academic research in an area of professional interest.

Faculty provide real-world expertise from their roles in government or public service organizations.

What You Will Do

  1. Analyze the fundamental concepts of government, governance, economy, and civil society
  2. Compare and contrast representative democracy with other political systems
  3. Assess the impact of political parties on federal, state, and local government
  4. Analyze how the federal system evolved and how it operates today
  5. Study how interest groups in the U.S. have impacted past and current democratic processes

View Program Outcome Assessment Results

Degree at a Glance

Number of Credits
120
Cost Per Credit
$360 | $250*
$324**
Courses Start Monthly
Online
  • Want to Learn More?

    Interested in a specific program or wondering about the application process? Fill out the quick form below, and we’ll follow up with details tailored to your goals. Click here if you are a current student and need assistance.











Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Students must choose a concentration for this degree program:

Explores various international issues affecting the world today, such as human rights and the global economy. Topics include the United Nations, NATO, national and transnational justice, and international civil order. Completion of this concentration may lead to eligibility to obtain a Peace Operations Training Institute certificate.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Explain how global issues, such as globalization and human rights, affect international relations.
  • Discuss how international organizations, such as the United Nations and NATO, define collective security, particularly regarding peacekeeping operations.
  • Describe how international justice is established and enforced.
  • Examine various global development initiatives to reverse failed and failing nation-states.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 3732

|
This course analyzes international relations from 1945 to the present. Students will become thoroughly familiar with events and major interpretive issues. Topics include the Cold War, decolonization, the role of the United Nations and other non-governmental organizations, the development of international terrorism, the Arab-Israeli and Persian Gulf conflicts, and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. (Prerequisite: IRLS210)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3760

|
Examines the role of and interrelationship of international organizations, nation-states, and non-state actors in the global system. North-South and East-West relations are discussed in terms of specific global issues: crisis management, conflict resolution, human rights, refugee problems, international finance, developmental assistance, world trade, and globalization.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3761

|
In this course, students will study the history, theories, and practices of international development. This class will guide students in understanding the complex geographic, political, economic, social, and environmental factors that contribute to international development and the interplay of those factors. Students will also analyze the role of non-governmental organizations in international development and apply their knowledge to current issues in global development.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4005

|
This course provides an overview of many transitional and transnational justice approaches. Beginning with Nuremberg through to the International Criminal Courts, students will gain a thorough understanding of the global justice endeavors and their connection to human security.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 2549

|
This course explores the unique role of international civilian police in peacekeeping operations. Students will gain an understanding of the principles, strategies, operational and tactical considerations that shape the way that international civilian police establish a rule of law that is effective enough to support emerging democratic societies and build sustainable peace. Emphasis is placed on the roles, responsibilities, challenges, and risks facing international civilian police, as well as their relationships with other international actors.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

This concentration includes a heavy grounding in philosophy, which is designed to help describe how political theory has evolved through the centuries. Courses cover ancient philosophers, such as Aristotle, to more modern figures like Marx, as well as major contemporary political issues like capital punishment, abortion, and freedom of thought.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Discuss the development and evolution of political theory from their origins to contemporary times.
  • Analyze and evaluate political theoretical arguments from historical to contemporary sources.
  • Apply political theoretical inquiry to contemporary events.
  • Evaluate how philosophy influences political theory over time.
  • Critique current political theories for validity.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 3532

|
This course is intended to equip the student with a baseline understanding of issues and concepts that compose the Western philosophic enterprise, and to serve as a point of departure for their further studies in Philosophy.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3533

|
This course is an examination of the historical and contemporary concepts and techniques used in logic, emphasizing classical and modern treatments of topics such as rules of inference. The course will cover the principles of deduction, induction, informal fallacies, and uses of logic in everyday life. (Prerequisite: PHIL101)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3536

|
This course examines themes in the thought of Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoic, Epicurean, and neo-Platonist philosophers of the ancient world. It enables the student to enter the “great conversation” of western civilization as well as debate the fundamental questions that surround science, religion, self-awareness, ethics, and politics. (Prerequisite: PHIL101)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 5414

|
This course focuses on the work of European philosophers from roughly 1600 to 1800. Students will study the philosophy of René Descartes and traces the development of philosophical rationalism and empiricism in thinkers such as John Locke, David Hume, and Baruch Spinoza. In addition, the class will cover the transcendental idealism of Immanuel Kant. (Prerequisite: PHIL101)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 5599

|
This contemporary philosophy course explores major figures, debates, and developments in Analytic, Continental, and Postmodern philosophy from the 19th century to the present. Students examine thinkers such as Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, Sartre, Arendt, and Putnam. Emphasis is placed on philosophical arguments about individual liberty, moral and political philosophy, consciousness, and the nature of truth and existence. Through critical reading, writing, and discussion, students gain a deeper understanding of how contemporary philosophers continue to influence thought across society, science, government, and daily life. (Prerequisite: PHIL101).

Expands on the fundamental elements introduced in POLS210-American Government. Includes a more in-depth look into the American federal system, details on the U.S. judicial system and constitutional law, the operation of U.S. intelligence community, and the factors that affect political decision making in the U.S.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Analyze the interdisciplinary field of political psychology and how it relates to the study of American politics.
  • Explain the philosophical basis and functioning of the American republic.
  • Analyze threats against the United States from nation states, non-state actors, and transnational groups.
  • Identify historical events and figures that have contributed to the present-day court system in America.
  • Describe how and why the Constitution developed.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 3662

|
RECOMMENDED AS SECOND PROGRAM COURSE. This course surveys the U.S. Intelligence Community, with an emphasis on its current structure. Students review the members of the community and distinguish their key roles and missions. Students also assess the impact of the post-9/11 restructuring of the intelligence community.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2531

|
This course is an introduction to the structure of the American court system. Topics include prosecution, right to counsel, pretrial release, grand jury process, and sentencing concepts. The course will assess the U.S Courts System and how it relates to the criminal justice system in America. Students will become familiar with the chronological events from the arrest process to sentencing and appeals. Students will be able to explain concepts of stop and frisk arrest, searches under warrant, and presentation of the case to the magistrate. Assessments of the criminal trial process and phases of pretrial and trial proceedings will be examined.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2554

|
This course is an introduction to Constitutional Law, the Supreme Court, and other aspects of the legal system using the case analysis approach. Its concentration is on the study and analysis of United States Constitution. It emphasizes an in-depth study of the Bill of Rights, specifically those rights pertaining to Civil Liberties. Topics include: the historical events that led to the development of the Constitution; principles governing the operation of the Constitution and the role of the U.S. Supreme Court and the Judiciary; characteristics and powers of the three branches of government; development of due process and individual protections to include right to speech, freedom of religion, right to bear arms, right to vote, and right to counsel.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3730

|
This is the second course in a two-course sequence in American Government. The course is designed to provide research tools and writing skills that will build on the academic knowledge acquired in POLS210. The student will investigate issues in American government in greater detail through use of Internet-based research, seminar discussions, and point papers. (Prerequisite: POLS210)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4756

|
This course is an overview of the psychological study of American politics. Various topics and issues are covered throughout the course to include the personality, leadership style and decision making of presidents, voter choices and preferences, the influence of the media and political attitudes of different groups.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Must take the following in this Section:

Course ID: 5037

|
Information and Digital Literacy is designed to provide students with sustainable and usable skills essential to success in both academic and professional settings. Students will learn best practices to locate and evaluate sources, and effectively communicate using digital literacy to become proficient 21st century learners.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4951

|
Martin Luther King, Jr, said, “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to KEEP MOVING.” Making Writing Relevant is a composition course that will definitely keep you moving. It is not merely a required course; it is the type of course you will want to take because it moves you onto the path to success. Over eight-weeks, we will help you learn the most important components of a successful writer-communicator. We will teach you how to research properly, knowing you will need this skill in every course you take here at APUS and also in interactions in your professional and personal life. We will teach you the formatting style you will use in your field. We will provide a supportive community to strengthen and encourage you, and by the end of this nearly-all-you-need-to-know-about-writing course, you will be able to fly.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4669

|
Information Literacy and Global Citizenship builds students’ information literacy skills in the international relations/global studies context. Students analyze scholarly sources in the discipline, identifying the types of issues and questions scholars pursue, the discursive conventions they employ, and their methods of engaging in dialogue with and citing sources. After identifying their own discipline specific research question, students select and use appropriate research tools, developing complex search strategies that help them to find relevant scholarly information on their topics. They evaluate sources and information to determine their authority, reliability, timeliness as well as the quality and underlying assumptions of the arguments presented. They synthesize the information they’ve found with their own ideas, effectively integrating source material into their papers and citing that material appropriately. Finally, the course asks students to reflect upon the ways in which the information literacy skills they’ve acquired provide a foundation for both global citizenship and lifelong learning. NOTE: Students may not earn credit for both IRLS200 and previous course IRLS303.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3763

|
Introduces major theoretical approaches to the comparative study of politics. The student applies these approaches to government institutions, the policy-making process, political participation, economic structures and social change for both state and non-state actors.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 5170

|
Introduction to Political Science explains foundational principles of the field. Students will learn the purpose of political science, common terms and concepts, and subfields. Among these are introductions to political philosophies and ideologies, comparative systems of government, and international relations. The course also examines the professional and academic fields to which a political science degree is relevant.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3729

|
This is the first course in a two-course sequence in American Government. The course is designed to convey basic facts about the structure and functioning of the American political system. The philosophical foundation of the U.S. Constitution is explored and the federalist construct is examined. The functions of the three separate branches of government and their roles in policy making are a major focus.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3749

|
This course offers an overview of Western political thought from the Ancient Greeks to contemporary political theorists. It follows the rise of secularism and modernity through an Enlightenment tradition of social contract theory, shaping debates on human nature, equality, liberty, rights, and justice as the basis for civil society and democratic governance. This course is an essential foundation for the political science major.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4755

|
This course focuses on providing students a study of ethics as it relates to government. Students will be presented with readings, case studies, and insightful information that will provide them the opportunity to analyze topics that will enable student discussions pertaining to ethical dilemmas in politics.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 3748

|
This course is a study of the various roles of political parties and interest groups in the American democratic process. Issues covered include the ideological differences among parties, the role of third party candidates, mobilization of voting blocks, the formation and types of interest groups, and political agenda development.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3750

|
Comparative analysis of state and local political systems in the United States. Emphasis is placed on the contemporary role of states and localities in the development and implementation of public policies. Additionally, there is an examination of the role of grass roots social movements in shaping local politics.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 3767

|
Analyzes the formulation and execution of public policy in America. Includes study of decision-making theory, bureaucratic politics and other models that seek to explain how policy is made. Issues explored include social, environmental, economic, homeland security, defense, and foreign policy. Additional issue areas may be covered depending on contemporary significance.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 3771

|
Analyses of specific issues addressed at the national level that would include a review of American political institutions and decision-making; policymaking in the economic, social, and security arenas; instruments of foreign and defense policy; federalism and democratic political theories; and the electoral process. This capstone course will provide students with the opportunity to complete an approved academic research exercise that demonstrates their knowledge of their selected field of study. (Prerequisite: Completion of a minimum of 105 hours towards your program)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Courses Start Monthly

Next Courses Start Jul 6
Register by Jul 3

Admission Requirements

  • All APU undergraduate programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED). Please read all undergraduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
  • There is no fee to complete the APU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions representative at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

Quality Education Should Be Affordable

So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.

Consumer Information

Disclosures

Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

 

1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance