The study of politics and power
Oregon State University's political science program investigates the stories behind the news headlines and teaches you skills to make up your own mind about the politics of laws that affect everyday issues. You will learn to think critically, write clearly and speak persuasively on diverse issues such as: assisted suicide, international terrorism, campaign finance, government involvement in health care and censorship.
This degree program is offered through OSU's College of Liberal Arts, which is ranked No. 1 in the nation for best online liberal arts colleges. The courses are delivered online by OSU Ecampus.
Earn a degree that gives you options in the job market
![Christopher Stout, Oregon State associate professor of political science Christopher Stout, Oregon State associate professor of political science](/https/ecampus.oregonstate.edu/images/proprietary/staff-faculty/christopher-stout-political-science.jpg)
Associate professor Christopher Stout says OSU's political science students gain the skills to start a career and “bring a new perspective to understanding politics.” Read more »
Earning a bachelor's degree in political science opens opportunities in a wide variety of career fields. Political science majors at Oregon State have gone on to hold jobs as intelligence analysts, legal assistants, journalists, elections coordinators and many of our students have used their political science degree as a stepping stone toward graduate or law school.
Benefits of learning online with Oregon State
- All classes are developed by OSU's world-class faculty, who are known worldwide for their research, expertise and innovation.
- Oregon State is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
- Oregon State Ecampus is consistently ranked among the nation's 10 best providers of online education according to U.S. News & World Report.
- OSU Ecampus students receive the same diploma as on-campus students.
Get the support you need
Our goal is to help you succeed. That’s why, as an OSU Ecampus student, you’ll have access to vital resources like success coaching, library services, free online tutoring and career guidance – making your online learning experience collaborative and rewarding.
Upcoming Ecampus information sessions
Attend one of our upcoming events to talk with Ecampus about how to enroll and learn more about the online student experience.
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Important dates
See our academic calendar for our full quarter term schedule.
Degree quick facts
* Oregon State University is on a quarter-term system. There are four quarters each year and classes are 11 weeks long. This program's 180 quarter credits are equal to 120 semester credits.
† Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.
‡ You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online. View the curriculum.
Find application deadline
View required or recommended deadlines for your student type on our application deadlines page.
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