Online Associates Degree in Political Science

You can find political science careers in public and private organizations and in local, state and federal government. Related professions include politics, law enforcement, lobbying, law, public administration, diplomacy, research, teaching, market and policy analysis, and journalism.

Associate degrees in political science could cover subjects such as cultural anthropology, U.S. history and politics, survey of political theory, and an introduction to comparative politics. Associate degrees build on a strong liberal arts base in topics like English, mathematics, humanities, social and physical sciences, or communications. Some courses encourage intensive writing and critical thinking skills as well as an awareness of global politics. Most political science degree programs also require proficiency in a foreign language.

Many colleges and universities offer cooperative programs that begin at the community college for the first two years and finish at a four-year school with a bachelor's degree or a teaching degree.

Political science career outlook and salary

In the Department of Labor's list of the fastest growing occupations with an associate degree, three could be appropriate for a degree in political science. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the following projected job growth rates and median salaries:

1. Court reporter: growth, 18 percent; salary, $47,700
2. Paralegal/legal assistant: growth, 28 percent; salary, $46,700
3. Social science research assistants: growth, 18 percent; salary $37,200

The BLS projected job growth data is from 2008-2018 and the annual wage information is from May 2010.

Beyond your associate degree in political science

The list of career opportunities for those with a political science degree is a long and diverse one although even entry-level positions generally require a bachelor's degree and possibly a master's degree; opportunities may be limited for those with an associate degree.

Master's degrees can lead to management, research or community college teaching positions. Here are examples of graduate level concentrations:

1. Comparative politics
2. Gender, race and politics
3. Law and politics
4. Political policy
5. Political theory
6. U.S. or international politics

A Ph.D. is the path if you want to teach at the university level; focus on research and publications; or work at the top levels of business, government, international agencies, or nonprofits.

Regardless of which educational degree takes you to your ideal political science career, online degree programs are conveniently available to help you attain your goals, particularly if you have family obligations or need to earn while you learn.

You can find political science careers in public and private organizations and in local, state and federal government. Related professions include politics, law enforcement, lobbying, law, public administration, diplomacy, research, teaching, market and policy analysis, and journalism.

Associate degrees in political science could cover subjects such as cultural anthropology, U.S. history and politics, survey of political theory, and an introduction to comparative politics. Associate degrees build on a strong liberal arts base in topics like English, mathematics, humanities, social and physical sciences, or communications. Some courses encourage intensive writing and critical thinking skills as well as an awareness of global politics. Most political science degree programs also require proficiency in a foreign language.

Many colleges and universities offer cooperative programs that begin at the community college for …