UW-Whitewater | Online
Carlos Barraza, reviewing handwritten notes with pen for online class

    Your journey forward begins with a bachelor’s degree.

    Apply Now

    Online Bachelor's in Political Science

    Open doors by unlocking your potential. 

    The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science Degrees in Political Science at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater prepare students for a variety of exciting careers in the private and public sector and for professional and graduate school.

    With the Political Science online major you will have the opportunity to take courses in the major areas of the discipline: American Politics, International Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, and Public Policy. You will also learn the methodologies appropriate to our discipline including data analytics and professional writing which will help you acquire the skills necessary to be successful after graduation. And you will have the opportunity to choose from many elective course options in areas that interest you.

    Why UW-Whitewater Online?

    • Learn at your own pace, when it’s convenient for you
    • Build connections through online assignments and discussion boards
    • Strong alumni network

    Fully Online

    No requirements to come to campus

    Flexible

    attend school full-time or part-time

    Specialized

    choose from a number of unique emphases

    Online Bachelor's in Political Science

    Carlos Barraza, turning through online lecture notes

    The Online Bachelor's in Political Science requirements have been designed to prepare you for success as a student in the program and your subsequent career.

    Core Program Requirements:

    • Introduction to Political Science
    • American Government and Politics
    • Political Science Research Methods
    • Writing in Political Science

    Area Requirements (Select 1 three unit course from each area below):

    • Area 1: American Politics
    • Area 2: Public Policy and Administration
    • Area 3: Comparative Politics
    • Area 4: International Politics
    • Area 5: Political Theory

    Select Three Units of Electives from 300/400 level Political Science Courses

    Select Six Units of Electives from any Political Science Courses EXCEPT Core 140 Global Perspectives

    Completion of an approved Minor

    Nicole Pierre, in front of computer

    There are several application paths an online bachelor's student might take including as transfer, reentry, freshman, or second-degree seeking applicants. You may even be an international applicant.

    If you aren’t sure which application path to follow or need help completing the UW-System E-Application, view the Application Tips PDF or complete the Request Information form and a program representative will get in touch with you.

    Transfer applicants

    Transfer applicants are students that have attended another college or university (including having earned an associate degree) but have never attended UW-Whitewater. You will find detailed application and transfer information at University Admissions.

    Reentry applicants

    Reentry applicants are students that have previously attended UW-Whitewater. Application information can be found at University Admissions

    Freshman applicants

    Freshman applicants are students that have never attended a college or university. If you have never attended a college or university, regardless of age, you would be considered a freshman applicant. You can find application information for freshman applicants at University Admissions

    Second-Degree seeking applicants

    Second-Degree seeking applicants are students who have already earned a bachelor's degree and would like to pursue another. If you would like to earn another bachelor’s degree, you can apply to UW-Whitewater’s online bachelor's program as a special student with full credentials. To complete your degree, you would only need to fulfill the College of Letters and Sciences BA or BS requirements and the requirements for the major you choose.

    Unofficial Transcript Review

    Transfer, Reentry, and Second-Degree Seeking students, can request an unofficial transcript review. An unofficial review will give you an idea of which of your credits might transfer and how those transfer credits might apply to the online bachelor's program. To request a review, complete a request more information form and a program adviser will get in touch with you.

    You can also determine potential transfer credit by using Transferology. Transferology is a fast and free way to determine how credits may transfer from one institution to another.

    online student, Ellen Larson, studies course materials

    The online bachelor’s program at UW-Whitewater is a superior value at $409 USD per credit for Wisconsin resident and $829.86 USD per credit as a non-resident for the 2024-25 academic year. Visit the Tuition and Fees webpage for complete information.

    Course materials

    Textbook rental is included in the cost of tuition for many courses through the University Bookstore's Textbook Rental program.

    Financial aid

    Students completing a degree program may be eligible for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, or employment. All of these make up a “Financial Aid Package” and may be offered singly or in various combinations. Since funds are limited, priority for aid is based on financial need and how promptly applications are filed. To find out, or if you have other financial aid questions, contact the financial aid staff person assigned to you or try uwwfao@uww.edu or 262-472-1130.