If you have your associate's or bachelor's degree, our online advanced start program can help you earn a Bachelor of Science in Political Science in as little as two years.* In today’s electrifying political environment, achievements and events once considered “impossible dreams” seem to be happening all around us every day. Cultural barriers are being crossed. Glass ceilings are being shattered. And great leaders are stepping forth from all walks of society. For students interested in making a difference in government, now is the time to build a career with the help of a bachelor’s degree in political science from Kaplan University.

The Kaplan University Advanced Start Bachelor of Science in Political Science program teaches you how government and society are interconnected on every level—local, regional, national, and global. The program is designed to help you:

• Assess the organization and structure of both the legislative and administrative processes of government.
• Study and apply techniques that could promote political leadership and advocacy for social and political change.
• Analyze relationships between the law and political organizations, economics and political power, and culture and political identity.
• Examine political, administrative, and policy theories to better understand their impact on political processes and policy development.
• Study to gain a global perspective on political processes, public decision making, and the implementation of policies.

A Fast Track to a Master’s Degree

Eligible students in this bachelor's degree program who want to continue on to pursue a master's degree within the School of Criminal Justice or School of Legal Studies may be interested in the accelerated master's degree option. Students complete graduate-level courses within this undergraduate plan of study. Once accepted to the master’s degree program, students transfer in the graduate courses and matriculate into a shortened degree plan. This accelerated option allows students to complete both their bachelor's degree and master's degree in less time and at a lower cost than completing both programs separately. Accelerated options are offered for the following programs:

• Master of Public Administration
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice
• NEW Master of Science in Environmental Policy
• NEW Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• Master of Science in Legal Studies

Qualification for accelerated options is subject to eligibility requirements. Please contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.

Associate's/Bachelor's Degree Requirements Prerequisite Requirements Core Requirements Major Requirements Electives Total Program Requirements

Courses Credits Comparable Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree* 90 *Comparability is determined by a course-by-course examination of the prior associate’s or bachelor’s degree against the core requirements of a Kaplan University associate’s degree. Courses Credits Statistics Introduction to Political Science People, Power, and Politics—An Introduction to American Government Courses Credits Arts and Humanities Elective 6 Physical Science Elective 6 Social Science Elective 6 Courses Credits Constitutional Law 6 Political Theory 6 International Relations 6 Major Electives 24 Bachelor’s Capstone in Political Science 6 Courses Credits Open Electives 24 Total Program Requirements 90

With a bachelor’s degree in political science, you could gain a solid foundation for a wide range of careers in law, public and government service, national security, and education.† You may also be prepared to pursue graduate-level degrees in political science and other fields such as business and law.‡

*Speak to an Admissions Representative or refer to the University Catalog for details about our Transfer of Credit policy.

†This program is designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in the field, or for jobs in related fields, the specific job titles of which may not be represented in the program title. Although the University will assist students with job placement, finding a job is the individual responsibility of the student. The University does not guarantee that any student will be placed in any particular job, or at all.

‡While the program is designed to prepare graduates to pursue graduate-level education, the University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any graduate programs.