Political Science, BA, Online BA
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
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.

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
Applicants must meet UWM’s general admission requirements to be considered for admission.
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:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Introductory Requirement | ||
POL SCI 104 | Introduction to American Government and Politics | 3 |
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 Experience | 3 | |
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 Credits | 30 |
- 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
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Required | ||
POL SCI 250 | Law and Society 4 | 3 |
POL SCI 411 | Constitutional Law: Government Powers and Federalism 4 | 3 |
POL SCI 412 | Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties 4 | 3 |
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 Credits | 15 |
- 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.