Online Graduate Certificate in Political Science

Online Graduate Certificate in Political Science

Are you a political junkie? Are you a high school teacher who wants to teach dual-credit courses? Do you want to continue your education, but need a program that fits in your busy life? Consider enrolling in the online Graduate Certificate in Political Science program at Indiana University Kokomo!

This 18-credit hour online program offers a high-quality  IU education from the same professors who teach on campus at IU Bloomington, IU Kokomo, IU East, IUPUI, IU Northwest, IU South Bend, and IU Southeast, while allowing you to work on studies on your time. You will learn with online peers, studying political philosophy, American politics, comparative politics, public opinion, and research methods.

When you complete the program, you will be able to:

  • Describe the subfields of political science, the central questions they address, and the methods they typically employ.
  • Evaluate and critique empirical social science research through literature review and the application of tools and strategies of political analysis.
  • Interpret, analyze, and trace the influence of major political thinkers and movements that have influenced the development of American democracy.
  • Isolate and analyze factors that shape the political attitudes, beliefs, and preferences of individuals and groups and map their impacts on political behavior and decision-making.
  • Evaluate and analyze the major institutions of American national politics.
  • Situate and analyze American political institutions, processes, and behaviors in a comparative perspective that accounts for regional and international differences.

Certificate Requirements

To earn the Graduate Certificate in Political Science, you must complete 18 credit hours.

Admissions Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Official transcripts from each undergraduate institution
  • 250-word personal statement explaining background and reasons for entering the program

Careers

In addition to teaching, this certificate can prepare you for careers in:

  • Lobbying
  • Policy Analysis
  • NGO management
  • National security
  • Public service
  • Politics
  • And more!

The online Graduate Certificate in Political Science is ideal for those who want to teach dual-credit courses in political science, and who need to meet Higher Learning Commission (HLC) qualification standards. These standards require teachers to hold either a master’s degree in political science or a master’s degree in another discipline (such as education), plus at least 18 credit hours of discipline-specific graduate coursework. 

If you hold a master's degree in a discipline other than political science, you can meet HLC standards by completing this program. Credit hours earned while completing this certificate may be applied to the Master of Arts for Teachers in Political Science.

Let’s get started!

Ready to dive in? You can apply to the program today and take the next step to earning your certificate.

If you have more questions about what this program might entail, or want more details about becoming an online student, learn more about the online Graduate Certificate in Political Science from IU Online.

Ready to begin your journey?

Apply Now