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With over a decade of experience delivering this program entirely online, we are experts in remote political science education. From U.S. politics at local, state and federal levels to the broader scope of international relations, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree covers it all. 

You’ll explore political theory, hone your research skills and gain a well-rounded understanding of how political systems function. The curriculum, expert faculty and commitment to student success prepare you to navigate the political sphere, understand social science research and achieve your goals. 

Learn more about Letters & Science undergraduate online education, including important pricing information. 

Start Dates: Fall, Spring or Summer

Cost per Credit: $395 (Total Cost: $47,400*)

Credit Hours: 120 (30 Credits in Major)

*Total cost will vary based on the number of credits transferred into UWM.

Program Type

Major

Program Format

Online

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Why study Political Science at UWM? 

  • Learn from world-class faculty teaching both online and in-person political science courses.
  • Specialize in the unique law studies option, where you take elective political science courses on law and the U.S. Supreme Court.
  • Earn an invitation to an award-winning chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national honor society for political science majors.
  • Participate in the United Nations Summer Seminar, a five-week, six-credit in-person program at UN Headquarters in Manhattan where you:
    • Access UN facilities and network with over 35 global experts.
    • Attend meetings at diplomatic missions and the UN.
    • Explore major global issues like peacekeeping, terrorism, economic development and environmental conservation.
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Financial Aid

Various financial aid options are available to support your educational journey. UWM’s Student Financial Services team will guide you through the financial aid process, helping you identify and apply for the best options to fund your bachelor’s degree.

Scholarships

UWM’s scholarships encompass a wide variety of awards, including academic excellence and need-based opportunities. Scholarship opportunities may increase with academic standing.  Explore the Panther Scholarship Portal regularly as you make progress on your degree.

Admissions

Curriculum

Political Science Major Requirements

Majors must attain a 2.0 GPA in all political science courses, including any transfer work, and a 2.0 GPA in political science courses taken at UWM. Majors are required to complete a minimum of 30 credits in political science, of which at least 15 must be in upper-division courses (numbered 300 or above) taken in residence at UWM. The following courses must be included among those taken for major credit:

Introductory Requirement
POL SCI 104Introduction to American Government and Politics3
Select one of the following:3
Introduction to Political Science
Introduction to International Relations
Politics of the World's Nations
Methods Requirement
Select one of the following:3
Introduction to Political Science Research
Political Data Analysis
Survey Research
Requirements: Areas of Political Science
Select at least one course beyond the 100 level in each of the following four areas of political science:12
American Politics
State Politics
Multicultural America: Minority Voting Rights and Representation
Introduction to Public Service
American Public Policy
Urban Government and Politics
Ethnicity, Religion and Race in American Politics
Environmental Politics
Public Administration
Law and Society
Topics in American Politics:
Cyberpolitics 1
The American Presidency
Law Through Popular Culture
Constitutional Law: Government Powers and Federalism
Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties
The Politics of Race, Ethnicity and Immigration
Judicial Politics
The Supreme Court
Constitutional Interpretation
Party Politics in America
Women in Politics
Congressional Politics
Urban Political Problems
Administrative Law
Sex, Gender, and the Law
Elections and Voting Behavior
Problems in Law Studies:
Public Opinion
Political Psychology
Comparative Politics
Politics of the World's Nations
Russian and Post-Soviet Politics
The Politics of Authoritarian Regimes
Chinese Politics and Foreign Policy 2
Politics of Revolution in Developing Nations
Latin American Politics
The Arab-Israeli Conflict
African Politics
Seminar in Comparative Politics:
Comparative Political Systems
Korean Politics and Foreign Policy 2
Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict
Health, Wealth, and Democracy
Elections in the Modern World
International Politics
Introduction to International Relations
Chinese Politics and Foreign Policy 2
International Law
The Politics of International Economic Relations
International Organization and the United Nations
Seminar in International Relations:
Politics of Nuclear Weapons
Asian International Relations
Korean Politics and Foreign Policy 2
Problems of American Foreign Policy
Theories and Methods in International Politics
International Conflict
Morality, Conflict and War
Current Crises and Events in International Relations
Conduct of American Foreign Affairs
Political Theory
Sex and Power
Great Issues of Politics
Classics of Political Theory
History of International Political Thought
The Development of Western Political Thought
Modern Political Thought
Environmental Political Theory
The Philosophy of Law
American Political Thought
Contemporary Political Theory
Politics and Philosophy:
Research Experience3
Select one from the list below. 3
The Politics of Authoritarian Regimes
Chinese Politics and Foreign Policy
Latin American Politics
Seminar in International Relations:
Korean Politics and Foreign Policy
History of International Political Thought
International Conflict
The American Presidency
The Politics of Race, Ethnicity and Immigration
Judicial Politics
The Supreme Court
Women in Politics
Congressional Politics
Sex, Gender, and the Law
Elections and Voting Behavior
Electives
Select 6 credits from any of the above.6
Total Credits30
1

Depending on instructor, may satisfy American Politics or International Relations area requirement, but not both.

2

May be used to satisfy Comparative Politics or International Politics but not both.

3

Satisfies the L&S requirement for a research experience in the major; should be taken in the last year of study.

Course of Study: Law Studies Option

Students may emphasize the study of law within the major by completing, in conjunction with or in addition to all of the requirements outlined above, the courses listed below as part of the 30 credits required for the major. Some of the courses below also satisfy the requirement of 3 credits above the 100 level in each area of Political Science.

Law Studies Requirements

Required
POL SCI 250Law and Society 43
POL SCI 411Constitutional Law: Government Powers and Federalism 43
POL SCI 412Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties 43
Select two of the following:6
International Law 5
The Philosophy of Law 6
Law Through Popular Culture 4
Judicial Politics 4
The Supreme Court 4
Constitutional Interpretation 4
Administrative Law 4
Sex, Gender, and the Law 4
Problems in Law Studies: 4
Total Credits15
4

Satisfies the American politics requirement.

5

Satisfies the international politics requirement.

6

Satisfies the political theory requirement.

Letters & Science Advising

During your time at UWM, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors, and success coaches. Letters and Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional College Advisors and Faculty Advisors. L&S College Advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental Faculty Advisors focus on the major.

College Advisors are located in Holton Hall and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College Advisors will:

  • assist you in defining your academic and life goals;
  • help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals;
  • assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures;
  • provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate; and 
  • monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.

Faculty Advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a Faculty Advisor when you declare your major. Faculty Advisors are an important partner and will:

  • help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department; 
  • explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences; and 
  • serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.

Students are encouraged to meet with both their College Advisor and Faculty Advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video. 

Currently enrolled students should use the Navigate360 website to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven't enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.

Our graduates have found success in broad fields ranging from law and government to business and non-profit organizations — and you can do the same.  

Recent job outcomes for students who completed the political science degree include:  

  • Account Manager, Zywave 
  • Assistant District Attorney, Milwaukee County 
  • Associate Attorney, Perkins Coie LLP 
  • Associate Attorney, Quarles & Brady LLP 
  • Benefits Specialist, U.S. Social Security Administration 
  • Bilingual Recruiter, Pinstripe 
  • Budget Analyst, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 
  • Community Partners Manager, Infosoft Group, Inc. 
  • Development Director, California State University 
  • Employee Relations Manager, Home Instead Senior Care 
  • Fraud Prevention Coordinator, Kohl’s 
  • Government Relations Coordinator, Associated Banc-Corp 
  • Government Sales Coordinator, Bombardier Recreational Products 
  • Grant Administrator, City of Madison, Wisconsin 
  • Graphic Designer, Miami Herald Newspaper 
  • Housing Advocate, Legal Action of Wisconsin 
  • Lobbyist, National Association of Home Builders 
  • Marketing Assistant, Marquette University 
  • Marketing Manager, The Idea Center 
  • Marketing Specialist, Encompass Lighting Group 
  • Patient Services Representative, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs 
  • Real Estate Appraiser, Active Appraisal Services 
  • Reference Librarian, Ohio Northern University 
  • Sales Manager, Direct Supply 

See more career outcomes on our career resources page. 

Contact

Prospective Students (not yet enrolled at UWM)

Prospective students, contact our admissions counselor at let-sci@uwm.edu or 414-229-7711.

Current Students

General questions such as how to declare, how to change a major, general education requirements, etc. should be directed to the college advising office at ls-advising@uwm.edu or 414-229-4654.

Specific questions about Political Science, such as research opportunities, internship opportunities, major requirements, etc., should be directed to Ivan Ascher.

UWM Land Acknowledgement: We acknowledge in Milwaukee that we are on traditional Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk and Menominee homeland along the southwest shores of Michigami, North America’s largest system of freshwater lakes, where the Milwaukee, Menominee and Kinnickinnic rivers meet and the people of Wisconsin’s sovereign Anishinaabe, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Oneida and Mohican nations remain present.   |   To learn more, visit the Electa Quinney Institute website.