Looking for an Online Master’s Degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, or International Relations
As the title indicates, I’m on the hunt for a master’s program in one of these fields. I’m also considering enrolling in a few graduate courses to qualify for teaching a political science class at my high school. My state offers a program that allows teachers to take one online college course per semester at a reduced price, but I’d like to explore other options as well.
I previously completed my master’s degree through Western Governors University and valued the self-paced learning format, as I am very self-motivated. If you know of any similar self-paced programs, that would be fantastic.
I welcome any and all suggestions! Thank you!
It sounds like you have a clear vision of what you’re looking for! Here are a few suggestions and options to consider in your search for an online master’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, or International Relations, as well as graduate classes for teaching qualifications:
Online Master’s Programs
Western Governors University (WGU): Since you had a positive experience with WGU, consider exploring their offerings in related fields. While they primarily focus on education, check if they have any relevant programs or courses available.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): They offer a fully online Master’s in Political Science and Public Administration. Their programs are known for being flexible and accommodating for working professionals, although not completely self-paced.
Liberty University: They have a range of online master’s degrees in International Relations, Public Administration, and Government. The courses are asynchronous, allowing you some flexibility.
George Washington University: While it may not be the self-paced option, their online Master of Arts in Political Management is well-regarded and offers a comprehensive curriculum.
Arizona State University: Their Master of Public Administration is available online and is designed for current professionals; it includes a mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses.
Graduate Classes
Local Universities: Many universities offer graduate classes that you can take online. Look for courses that focus on Political Science or Public Policy. This might also include summer courses or intensive courses.
Coursera or edX: Explore these platforms for graduate-level courses offered by universities. Some can be taken individually and may even have a pathway to earn credit or certification.
Community Colleges: Check with local community colleges which might offer graduate-level courses in a more affordable format, especially for educators.
General Advice
Contact Advisors: Don’t hesitate to reach out to admissions advisors at institutions you’re interested in. They can provide insight into program formats, flexibility, and any available financial aid options.
Consider Your Goals: Think about whether you want to specialize in a particular area within these fields, as that could guide your choice of program.
Network: Join online forums, LinkedIn groups, or professional organizations related to political science or public policy. They can often provide recommendations based on current trends and programs.
Read Reviews: Look for reviews or testimonials from former students about the programs you’re considering to gauge the quality and format.
Wishing you the best of luck in your search! It’s great that you’re pursuing further education in a field that interests you while enabling you to bring more knowledge to your students.