Research With Purpose. Develop Solutions With Impact.
You know how to ask important questions. Now it’s time to follow the why with the what-if.
The online Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University helps aspiring leaders, advocates, policymakers and changemakers build interdisciplinary competencies to evaluate policy decisions, advise leaders, engage diverse groups and lead with confidence in an increasingly complex political environment.
Whether you plan to pursue graduate education or a career in nonprofits, government or the private sector, you’ll graduate ready to apply your critical thinking, communication and analytical capabilities to make meaningful change.
Are you ready to learn how to think like an Aggie?
Skills You’ll Gain:
Research and methodology
Reasoning and logic skills
Writing and oral communication
Critical thinking
Problem-solving
Lean Six Sigma
Career Outlook
Career Paths With a B.A. in Political Science
Through coursework in areas such as campaign strategy, advocacy, public service and government writing and a research project on a topic of your choosing, the B.A. in Political Science can prepare you for professional pathways that shape communities and influence public decision-making.
Take a look at some specific roles you can pursue with this degree:*
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Policy Analystfor Policy Analyst: Median Annual Salary: $133,119
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Urban and Regional Plannerfor Urban and Regional Planner: Median Annual Salary: $78,333
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Nonprofit Managerfor Nonprofit Manager: Median Annual Salary: $77,313
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Legislatorfor Legislator: Median Annual Salary: $67,066
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Social Science Research Assistantfor Social Science Research Assistant: Median Annual Salary: $58,406
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Legal Assistantfor Legal Assistant: Median Annual Salary: $49,400
in North Carolina between 2026 and 2036, almost twice the national average of 3%.
is the median annual compensation for the following roles in North Carolina:*
- Political scientist
- Urban and regional planner
- Social and community service manager
- Legislator
- Social science research assistant
- Paralegal and legal assistant
Note: *Job growth and salary data sourced from Lightcast
Curriculum & Courses
The online B.A. in Political Science requires 120 total credit hours to graduate, including 37 credit hours of core political science coursework, 9 credit hours of international relations and comparative politics coursework, and 45 credit hours of electives. You must transfer in with at least 24 credit hours. Additional transfer credits may significantly reduce the number of credit hours you need to graduate.
General Education – 32 credit hours
Major Requirements – 37 credit hours
POLI 100 – Introduction to Political Science
This course introduces major concepts in political science, including political culture, socialization, ideologies, institutions, processes, public policy, human rights and relations among nations.
POLI 110 – American Government and Politics
This course introduces the study of politics through an analysis of major features of the American polity.
POLI 101 – Writing for the Social Sciences
This course introduces political science majors to oral and written communication and critical thinking in the social sciences.
POLI 215 – State and Local Government
This course is a study of the structure and functions of state and local government in the United States and their relationship to the federal system.
POLI 240 – Public Administration
This course emphasizes basic principles of organization, location of authority, fiscal management, personnel management, forms of administrative action in the public service, and technological and managerial advancements.
POLI 251 – Introduction to Statistics
This course introduces elementary statistical reasoning, descriptive statistics, frequency distribution, graphics, measures of central tendency and dispersion.
POLI 252 – Introduction to Statistics Lab
This laboratory provides firsthand experience in the practical use of statistical methods. Computer software such as IBM SPSS Statistics will be used to analyze, interpret and graph data.
POLI 233 – Political Research Methods
This course introduces qualitative and quantitative research design, problem formulation, hypothesis construction and testing.
POLI 442 – American Constitutional Law
This course uses major Supreme Court decisions to examine the judiciary, Congress, the presidency, the federal system, First Amendment freedoms and due process rights.
POLI 234 – Political Research Methods II
This course is a continuation of POLI 233 - Political Research Methods I (formerly POLI 333), focusing on data analysis, interpretation and computer applications.
POLI 443 – Civil Liberties
This course is a study of major Supreme Court decisions interpreting the Bill of Rights (the first 10 amendments to the Constitution) and subsequent amendments related to freedom and equality.
POLI 221 – Political Theory
This course provides an overview of Western political philosophy, from its origins in the fifth century B.C. to the latest controversies over multiculturalism, the nature of the liberal state and the role of racial inequality in modern democracies, as well as the relevance of political philosophy to the field of political science.
POLI 492 – Honors Seminar in Political Science & Criminal Justice – Capstone
This course includes an examination of selected political science and criminal justice topics and experiences.
International Relations and Comparative Politics Courses – 6 credit hours
POLI 270 – International Relations
This course broadens students’ understanding of key concepts, debates and theoretical perspectives across a variety of subfields, such as comparative politics, international relations, comparative and international political economy, and regional studies.
POLI 310 – Comparative Politics
This course is a survey of the politics and governments of selected political systems, highlighting their commonalities and differences.
Political Science Elective Courses – 15 credit hours
POLI 311 – Blacks in the American Political System
This course is designed primarily to help students develop a frame of reference for organizing and interpreting political phenomena involving Black people living in the United States.
POLI 313 – Women in Politics
This course examines the development of women in politics from four different perspectives: historical, politicoeconomic and cultural development, electoral politics and electoral participation, and global
POLI 300 – Public Policy and Technology
This course is designed primarily for students in the sciences and engineering; however, it doesn’t exclude students in other disciplines, especially business and economics. Students will study the social, economic, human and environmental impact of technological development.
POLI 363 – Environmental Policy
This course examines major environmental policies related to air pollution, water pollution, and solid waste.
POLI 365 – Policy Analysis
This course introduces the foundation and methods of policy analysis
Major Elective Courses – 12 credit hours
SPCH 250 – Speech Fundamentals
This course introduces the theoretical bases of human communication, including verbal and nonverbal communication; preparation and practice in intrapersonal, interpersonal, group and public communication; critical listening; and critical thinking.
ECON 200 – Principles of Economics (Micro)
This course introduces principles of economics related to individual segments of society. Emphasis is placed on scarcity, supply and demand, consumer behavior, business firms, and market structures.
ECON 201 – Principles of Economics (Macro)
This course introduces principles of economics. National income determination, inflation, unemployment, monetary and fiscal policies, and the basics of international economic relations are examined.
ENGL 201 – Survey of Humanities II
This course is a continuation of ENGL 200. It begins with the baroque period and includes neoclassicism, romanticism and modern modes of artistic expression.
Free Electives – 18 credit hours
When students come from other disciplines, say they come from business, for example, they can bring the bulk of their courses with them.
Tuition and Fees
$360 per credit hour*
*$432 for out-of-state students; tuition subject to change
No additional fees
Financial assistance and payment plans available
In N.C. A&T online programs, we strive to deliver high-quality education that’s financially accessible. At just $360 per credit hour for in-state students and $432 per credit hour for out-of-state students, our online B.A. in Political Science degree provides an affordable path to career advancement. Grants and scholarships are available to those who qualify.
Why Choose
N.C. A&T Online?
Undergraduate Research Focus
The program centers on research methods and analysis, culminating in a research project on a real-world topic, which you’ll present to your peers and submit to national academic conferences.
Industry Preparation
Using tools such as Qualtrics, you’ll learn to develop professional research surveys and questionnaires through a curriculum aligned with Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program) and Institutional Review Board (IRB) standards.
Collaborative, Expert Faculty
Learn from engaged faculty who work together to curate coursework that helps you synthesize what you learn across interconnected disciplines, including professional writing, public policy and Lean Six Sigma.
Career-Focused Learning
Online programs at N.C. A&T emphasize career readiness through industry-aligned courses and professional development events, including a widely attended campus career fair that’s open to online learners.
Innovative Learning Environment
N.C. A&T is nationally recognized for its innovative approach to education — No. 25 on the U.S. News & World Report Most Innovative Schools rankings.
Celebrated University Culture
N.C. A&T and generations of Aggies have made incredible achievements despite historical, systemic challenges. In celebration of everything the N.C. A&T community has accomplished, each year, students, alumni and Aggie supporters from across the U.S. take part in a weeklong campus tradition known as the “Greatest Homecoming on Earth.”
The next class start date is approaching. Don’t wait to apply!
The Aggie Experience, Designed for Working Adults.
You’ll have access to the same expert faculty, educational excellence, student support services and academic resources as on-campus students at a historically Black college and university (HBCU) with a rich history that’s actively pursuing R1 designation — all delivered in a flexible, online format to meet the needs of adult learners.
What You Need for Admission
The minimum requirements for admission are as follows:
- 24 or more hours of transferable credit
- Applicants must have earned a C (2.0) or better in coursework for it to be considered transferable. Other requirements may apply.
- GPA of at least 2.5 at most recent institution
Join the Next Class of Aggies
The next term starts soon. Learn how N.C. A&T’s flexible online programs can help you move forward with the same excellence and pride that define our community.
* General labor market and salary data are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale. Salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience and education. N.C. A&T does not guarantee employment placement, salary level or career advancement. Additional training and experience may be necessary for leadership positions.